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Disc one features the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits such as "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," and "Thriller" arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of "This Is It," the original and an orchestral version. "This Is It" is featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael's brothers, the Jacksons.Disc two offers fans a rare listen to the early demo versions of classics "She's Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin'," "Somethin'," and "Beat It." This disc also features a recently discovered spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled "Planet Earth." Michael Jackson's This Is It also includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.
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Reviews:
Nothing new, but second disc and the new single make it worth owning
This Is It is an album compiling the songs of Michael Jackson's songs that were to be done in his London Concerts, and is presented in the order they were to be performed. My one complaint is that these are the studio versions that many fans already own through Michael's albums instead of something new or updated.
I am disappointed that they did not include a bonus disc of him singing these songs live in his rehearsals. Having seen the This Is It documentary it was clear that Michael was singing all his songs live, even while dancing (he often got out of breath) and a live Michael album is what I think fans would really need.
That being said this album does have some good new things.
This Is It - a sweet, moving ballad by the late King of Pop. Probably not good for casual listeners, but if you're a devoted fan such as myself you'll enjoy it.
Planet Earth - the first time we get to hear Michael reading his poetry aloud. It really shows you the deeper side of Michael's personality; a side we often didn't see.
We then get some demos of his classic songs, the best of which is the demo for Beat It; just fun to hear Michael doing the tune and words all by himself.
This is a good collector's item, but don't expect much new if you already own Michael's previous compilation albums or records.
Remember to always think of love - L.O.V.E - when listening to these songs!
I wouldn't buy it...
After watching the This Is It film, this CD is a huge let down! It's probably what happens when people try to make quick and easy money. If it wasn't for the second disc, this would be nothing more than a compilation of old songs with a new cover. It would have been much better if they put the rehearsal recordings, with the live instrumentals. Even though MJ sometimes didn't sing through the whole song, it was great to hear the superb musicians that were going on tour with him.
Worth Every Penny
This double CD is well worth the purchase. Although we all probably have the songs on the first CD, most all have been remastered and sound even better (If we even thought that was possible). The 'new' song "This Is It" is awesome too. The demos and the spoken poem on the second CD are worth the purchase alone. He sounds incredible singing "She's Out Of My Life" acoustically. The poem "Planet Earth" is from MJ's "Dancing the Dream" book of poetry and reflections written in 1992 and it's absolutely beautiful to hear. The 36 page booklet of pics from his recent rehearsals is a nice addition too. Also, it doesn't hurt to know that most of the proceeds help to support his legacy ~ his children.
Not It
Absolutely none of the live music from the movie is on this CD - it is all studio releases and demos. This is the first time I have ever seen the "soundtrack" of a live performance movie contain none of the actual live performance. The music from the movie is very good . . . maybe it will be available for purchase later. I would pass on this one.
This Is It and Demos save this CD
The This Is It song, 3 demo tracks and poem are what save this CD from being a complete waste. The 36 page photo booklet is not all photos of MJ and half the pictures are so tiny you need a magnifying glass to identify who is in them. I feel the advertisement for this CD was very misleading because the official MJ website released the demos as examples of what would be on this CD, which lead me to beleive even though the songs were not new (obviously not new since MJ let us, the fans, choose which songs he would perform) the singing/performance of them would be new AND would be recordings from his concert rehearsals. I feel disappointed and cheated. For the This Is It tracks, demos and poem I give it 3 stars instead of 1.
