Ben [Import]

Jackson's second solo album (while he was still in The Jackson 5) garnered the success which was missed on his debut. The album doesn't stray too far from what can be found on GTBT, mixing pop and R&B, but it features the Oscar Nominated title track which much of the success can be attributed to. We get the usual blend of covers from some of rock and Motown's biggest names- The Corporation, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder etc, but as with all of his early solo work it is Michael's delivery and overall performance which turns even the most average of songs into something special. The problem is that when he reaches the heights of performance with a great song, not much else on the album can compare to it so there is a catch 22. So this is another album with a few very good songs, and a few average ones made better by Jackson's vocals.

`Ben' opens the album strongly with Jackson singing the Oscar nominated title track for a horror film about a rat. Listening to the song though you couldn't tell that this has anything to do with scares or vermin, its lyrics about misunderstood friendship and gentle tones merging to create an endearing single. This was Jackson's biggest and probably most acclaimed single of his youthful period and one which stands up today thanks to it's simple arrangement, mix of melancholy tenderness, and it's avoidance of any fad production or instruments. Of course Jackson's performance is top notch.

`Greatest Show On Earth' increases the pace for this oft overlooked song. The song shifts in pace and tone with a variety of melodies and styles which don't always work. Jackson's vocals counter most of the flaws of the song but it isn't one which stands out.

`People Make The World Go Round' by Thom Bell and Linda Creed has some of a young Jackson's best vocals. The song was one of the earliest about the dangers of man made pollution and infuses this with other political messages of the time. This would naturally sound strange coming from a sweet-voiced teen but thanks to a big chorus which Jackson shows off on most of the strangeness is overlooked. The sheer power and technique in Jackson's voice at times here is ridiculous and the soft, off-kilter background music helps accentuate the vocals.

`We've Got A Good Thing Going' continues Jackson's relationship with The Corporation and becomes one of the best songs on the album. There is an easy, laid-back pace and tone to this breezy love song. Nice background vocals, great chorus, and soothing, jingly chords make this a very good underrated Jackson song.

`Everybody's Somebody's Fool' has a swinging Motown feel and gentle instrumentation which counter the half-cynical messages. Jackson gives a typically bombastic performance but lacks any big melodies or memorable moments.

`My Girl' is one of the most famous Motown songs, but not many people know that Jackson covered it. He changes a few vocal parts, adds his own hooks, and in the end I prefer this version to any other. This is mostly due to the fact that when I was young this is the only one I listened to and have a fondness for it more than others.

`What Goes Around Comes Around' opens with a jaunty jingle before becoming a bouncy pop song with nice verse melodies and an infectious chorus. This is another one of those simple songs which defined Michael's young career- nothing complex but strong tunes belted out with passion and skill.

`In Our Small Way' sadly begins with another grating spoken part which is a shame as we have another beautiful chorus and strong verse. The lyrics are overly sentimental and soppy given extra sugar by the background xylophone. In many ways it foreshadows later work such as Heal The World, but no matter how saccharine the message, no matter how cynical you are the force and delivery of Michael's vocals never fail to impress and warm my ears. The only problem is that this appears on his debut too, without any differences.

`Shoo Be Doo Ba Day' sounds like a lost Jackson 5 song, the jazz and funk inspired Stevie Wonder track suiting the group's style. Michael does well here in a different tempo than mostly everything else on the album. The album is catchy enough, the chorus will get trapped in your head, but it isn't one I would play too often.

`You Can Cry On My Shoulder' closes the album with almost operatic vocals and a full blooded Motown backing. He lets fly with the vocals and the string arrangement is great but the chorus isn't one you will remember.

Jackson's second album doesn't stray too far from what made his first a success- there isn't anything new and it's the same mix of sounds, influences, and writing. This one features some bigger hits but other than that fact you should be on familiar ground if you have heard any of his early work. Fortunately the focus is once again on melody and vocals, and Motown knew how to pick the best variety of songs to showcase these strengths. We therefore have another collection of decent pop songs which Michael adds his voice and personality to, if not his genius which was steadily growing.

Ben

Sorry! I remember searching the record shops with my Dad the day this album was released. My whole family sat round the record player listening to this when we got it home - we still love it as much today as we did then! It IS a great album!! I just hope that the 'Hello World' set of his complete solo recordings for Motown reminds people Michael was great then and is great now. What is the world going to do now Michael has gone? I know it will be a greyer place. I do agree 'Ben' is a lovely song, well sung.

This song is a genius at work. This is still 1 of Michaels greatest ever songs, and my advice to you is to buy this. It is brilliant. If you are not aware of what this song is, it is on The Simpsons. Trust me, buy this album. The album its self is not his greatest album by far, but the song 'Ben' is a master piece!! You will believe my every word once you have listened to it. and it is quite cheap!! a bargain at that price!!