The Essential Michael Jackson

by Michael Jackson

The Essential Michael Jackson cover art
  • Type: Compilation
  • Released: 12 July 2005
  • Label: Epic
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 2:39:27
  • Community rating: 4.21/5 from 4 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Part of Sony's 'Essential' series, this double-disc set provides a chronological overview of his solo career beginning with his formative Motown hits through the 'Invincible' era. The recordings document his pivotal role in merging soul and pop traditions with global dance-floor standards. It remains a definitive archive for its inclusion of both major crossover anthems and deep-cut ballads that showcase his technical vocal range.

Genres

Descriptors: melodic, vocal-driven, polished, comprehensive, compilation

Tracklist

  1. I Want You Back (2:59)
  2. ABC (2:57)
  3. The Love You Save (3:04)
  4. Got to Be There - Single Version (3:23)
  5. Rockin' Robin (2:33)
  6. Ben - Single Version (2:45)
  7. Enjoy Yourself (3:25)
  8. Blame It on the Boogie (3:35)
  9. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) - Single Edit (3:46)
  10. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (6:04)
  11. Rock with You - Single Version (3:24)
  12. Off the Wall (3:46)
  13. She's Out of My Life (3:38)
  14. Can You Feel It - 7" Version (3:51)
  15. The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney) (3:42)
  16. Billie Jean (4:54)
  17. Beat It (4:19)
  18. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' - Single Version (4:20)
  19. Human Nature 7" (3:47)
  20. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (3:59)
  21. Thriller - Single Version (5:12)
  22. Bad (4:06)
  23. I Just Can't Stop Loving You (feat. Siedah Garrett) (4:12)
  24. Leave Me Alone (4:41)
  25. The Way You Make Me Feel - Single Version (4:27)
  26. Man in the Mirror (5:20)
  27. Dirty Diana (4:42)
  28. Another Part of Me - Single Version (3:46)
  29. Smooth Criminal - Radio Edit (4:18)
  30. Black or White - Single Version (4:16)
  31. Heal the World (6:25)
  32. Remember the Time (4:00)
  33. In the Closet - Single Version (4:48)
  34. Who Is It - 7" Edit (3:59)
  35. Will You Be There - Single Version (3:44)
  36. Dangerous (6:59)
  37. You Are Not Alone - Single Version (4:55)
  38. You Rock My World (5:07)

Credits

  • Jerry Hey - arranged by [horns], arranged by [strings], conductor, arranged by [synthesizer], arranged by [rhythm]
  • Greg Phillinganes - arranged by [rhythm], electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer
  • Rod Temperton - arranged by [rhythm], written-by, arranged by [vocals], arranged by [vocals, synthesizer]
  • Louis Johnson - bass
  • John Robinson - drums
  • David Williams - guitar
  • Marlo Henderson - guitar
  • The Seawind Horns - horns

More from Michael Jackson: full discography