The Essential

It's the year's most inevitable release. Sony have begun the uphill struggle of resuscitating Michael Jackson's post-trial career with a compilation that finally gives people what they want - a proper career overview of Bubble's best friend.

Previous Best Ofs left out his earlier work with his siblings, but disc one of Essential kicks off with the Jackson Five's unbeatable "I Want You Back" and thereafter barely falters. All the hits are here.

It's only with disc two that the cracks begin to show with saccharine clunkers like "Earth Song" and "Heal The World". Still, only a tone deaf chimp could dislike 80 percent of what's on offer here. The revival has started... --Chris Jones

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The 2CD The Essential Michael Jackson takes you on a journey from budding star, to iconic legend and allows you to immerse yourself in the musical and emotional development of each track defining the story of a global superstar. Michael Jackson needs no introduction, as part of the Jackson 5 he helped make up a remarkable musical family and one of the biggest pop phenomenons of the early 70s. The Jacksons' infectious brand of funky soul and now iconic stage presence reached out globally and made them and Michael international stars. As the success of the band grew, Michael branched out with his own solo career first launching with "Got to be There" and then "Rockin' Robin". The momentum started to grow with the release of more successful singles and, as the hype surrounding the Jackson 5 slowed down towards the late 70s, Michael continued to develop and grow as an artist.

With the release of Off the Wall, an immaculately crafted set of funky disco-pop, smooth soul, and lush, sentimental pop ballads, Michael cemented his place as a global star. The 1980s were a career-defining period with his instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and loads of sheer star power Michael Jackson was unstoppable. The 1982 album Thriller became the biggest selling album of all time and combined his musical genius with an exceptional and ahead of its time music video epic. Bad (1987) was released with enormous public anticipation and spawned another succession of hit singles with "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man in the Mirror".

MICHAEL JACKSON The Essential (2005 UK 2-CD album set compiling 38 outstanding tracks including I Want You Back & ABC from the Jackson 5 to Billie Jean & Earth Song from Michaels solo career and including the classics Rockin Robin Dont Stop Til You Get Enough Beat It Thriller The Way You Make Me Feel Smooth Criminal & Black Or White)