Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, needs no introduction.
But I offer a few disclaimers:
First, Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall was the first album I bought with my own money. The few albums I already owned had been paid for by my parents, either at my encouragement or for their own enjoyment, only to be appropriated by me, their 11-year-old son. But Off the Wall was different. I’d heard “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” on the radio, loved it, and shelled out my hard-earned lawnmowing earnings—normally reserved for comic books—for the album.
Second, although I really liked that album back in the day—it was a good purchase, truly—and I still absolutely adore “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (I’m not sure dance music gets any better), I wasn’t really much into Michael Jackson past that point. For most of the ‘80s, for example, I would have chosen Prince over Michael Jackson in a heartbeat. Still would. I’d rank 1999 and Purple Rain and Sign ‘O’ the Times over Thriller any day, with zero reservations.
Third, there is some of his music that leaves me cold. In general, I don’t go for slow, drippy ballads, and I don’t find Michael Jackson’s to be much different. With MJ, I stick to the dance stuff. With the early Jackson 5 stuff, I can stomach a few ballads—they feel more like ‘60s R&B ballads to me, which feel decidedly less kitsch to me than R&B ballads would soon become.
Fourth, even given my overall lack of Michael Jackson enthusiasm, I found it next to impossible to whittle his career down to a single CD-length playlist. He simply has too much strong material to discount him.
So here are some Michael Jackson playlists to enjoy.
Playlist 1: The Early Years
Any look into Michael Jackson must necessarily include a listen to his beginnings in the Jackson 5. We begin there, on Playlist One, which also includes some early solo material and a few tracks by the Jacksons, whose disco sound was developing in the direction that would define Michael’s classic solo work. After a leading off with a few choice cuts, the playlist proceeds chronologically.
Playlist 2: Peak Michael Jackson
The 2LP-length Playlist Two presents the Michael Jackson songs I love the most. Great stuff here. Again, it’s mostly the up-tempo dance stuff. Great stuff here—gets your feet moving. Moonwalk advisory!
Playlist 3: Due Diligence
I don’t dig all Michael Jackson, in particular the slow stuff. But I feel the need to present a few of his slower numbers, many of which have enjoyed critical and commercial success. I also include a few dance tracks, final cuts from the previous playlist.
Cover Art:
- Off the Wall: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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