Before we explore “The Essential”, let us take a moment to remember why Michael was more than just a pop star. The guy revolutionised music videos into a cinematic experience; he blended pop with several genres, including rock, funk, soul, and dance. His songs are still played on radio stations, streamed,fill dance floors, and feature on playlists even now.

He began performing with his brothers in Jackson 5 before becoming the “King of Pop”. He then went on to create one of music’s most influential catalogues. His hits were not just merely popular; they became embedded in popular culture.

“The Essential”, released in 2005 and featuring his strongest collection of songs, has been reinvigorated by the recent biopic “Michael”. Indeed, looking at the charts, I can see several of his albums inside the top 20. This particular record covers all bases: the child prodigy, the disco innovator, global superstardom, and the artist who mixed real emotion with showmanship. As you will discover in the review that follows, the classic that stands above all for me is ‘Beat It’. A point that proves why Michael was unstoppable during his short but impactful life.

Disc One:

I Want You Back:

What a great beginning to the Michael Jackson story. Even as a kid, playing with his brothers in the Jackson 5, his vocals stood out. You still feel the energy after all these years.

ABC:

Not one of my favourites. I find it far too cheesy and lacking lyrically.

The Love You Save:

One of the Jackson 5’s unsung hits that deserves more attention. His vocal ability at such a young age is mind-blowing, backed up by a great groove.

Got to be There:

A softer and more emotional part of Michael’s vocal range. He delivers with conviction.

Rockin’ Robin:

A fun track, but again, too cheesy for me.

Ben:

Anyone remember this? I can honestly say I didn’t until I heard this compilation. An emotional and simple track with a surprising sense of maturity, and his vocals add tenderness.

Blame It on the Boogie:

Always loved this dance song since I was a youngster at birthday parties, including the dance moves. A track that never lets go of that uplifting tempo.

Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground):

More explosive disco energy, and another one I used to skank out to back in the day. This was the beginning of his superstardom.

Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough:

This was the moment when Michael stepped into his role as a solo icon. It has falsetto vocals, displays confidence, and has a sublime groove.

Rock with You:

A smooth song that is almost perfection. It just glides with ease from the outset.

Off the Wall:

It may sound sharp, but the production of the title track from that album is stylish and relaxed. It captured the wave of late-70s dance perfectly.

She’s Out of My Life:

One of his more vulnerable vocal performances. Instead of letting his vocals sound absolutely heartbreaking, he holds back a bit, which actually adds more emotion to the ballad.

Can You Feel It:

You may remember a late-90s dance track about what someone would like with a chimney on them? Well, this is the track that’s sampled. An uplifting, almost spiritual disco track that’s big and powerful.

The Girl Is Mine:

One of the underrated tracks on “Thriller”, but you can feel the chemistry between Michael and The Beatles legend Paul McCartney.

Billie Jean:

Another floor filler, and continues to be so. One of the best basslines in pop, accompanied by Michael’s hypnotic vocals.

Beat It:

I love this track. Always have. Therefore, it’s my favourite track from the collection. This is one of the greatest pop songs ever recorded, never mind being Michael’s best. I love how it effortlessly blends genres. You got the aggressiveness of rock over catchy pop.

From the intro, you can feel the tension building, and then the drums come crashing in with power. Michael’s vocals follow the energy of the instrumental. Every lyric lands, and the chorus explodes without warning.

Then we have an exemplary guitar solo by the late, great guitar icon Eddie Van Halen to bring even more joy to the listen. The solo is ferocious, taking the track beyond a generic pop song. Eddie may show off his skills, but it’s right for the track, rather than over the top.

‘Beat It” is just one of those timeless tracks compared to a lot of big hits from the 80s, which now sound dated. ‘Beat It’ still sounds fresh, powerful, and bursting with colour. I love the production, its non-stop rhythm, and of course, his vocals are just…brilliant.

This compilation may be packed with hits from every section of his life until the early 21st century, but ‘Beat It’ is beyond magical.

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin:

A restless and energetic track that sounds alive.

Human Nature:

You may remember S.W.V sampled this for their single ‘Right Here’? Anyway, this beautiful track feels soft and dreamy while still carrying real emotional depth.

P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing):

A bright, playful and pure pop joy song that makes you want to dance.

Thriller:

What a great ending to disc one. The ultimate party song that still sounds huge.

Disc Two:

Bad:

Michael’s confidence and attitude bring colour to the track.

I Just Can’t Stop Loving You:

A tender track, which focuses on Michael’s vocals and melody.

Leave Me Alone:

One for the lyricists.

The Way You Make Me Feel:

A warm, energetic, and easy listening track.

Man in the Mirror:

An emotional track that builds with sheer power, and Michael’s formidable vocal performance.

Dirty Diana:

This track is dark, tense, with a good rock edge and, of course, Michael’s vocal intensity.

Another Part of Me:

Upbeat, lively, and stadium-ready.

Smooth Criminal:

The sounds all fit perfectly. Definitely one of the best-produced pop songs.

Black or White:

A political track, but it isn’t in-your-face and a great guitar riff over a pure energetic production.

Heal the World:

Sincere and honest lyricism with a big sound.

Remember the Time:

A flawless groove that’s often overlooked from his catalogue. You can feel the early 90s all over it.

In the Closet:

Mysterious and hypnotic.

Who Is It:

I love the bassline over the dark and emotional track.

Will You Be There:

A huge emotional impact track that feels big and cinematic.

You Are Not Alone:

Always been a fan of this one since 1995. I still own the cassette of this emotional ballad. Michael captures the mood perfectly with fragile vocals.

Earth Song:

Another track that feels dramatic and cinematic with Michael’s fragile and then powerful vocals.

Blood on the Dance Floor:

Aggressive, sharp and full of nervous energy. Not a bad choice to end the album.

Coda:

I decided to review the European edition, because it’s the version that’s widely available this side of the world. What is great about “The Essential” is that it covers all the stages of Michael’s career, from being a child in the Jackson 5 to a disco star, pop innovator, and international icon.

Do not get me wrong, there are a fuck tonne of classics across both sections, but ‘Beat It’ remains my favourite, you know, the way it blends rock, pop, Eddie’s mesmerising guitar solo, and Michael’s vocals bouncing with the tempo. I always look forward to hearing it.

Song recommendations: ‘Beat It’, ‘Blame It on the Boogie, ‘You Are Not Alone’

9/10