The Very Best of the Jacksons on CD

Description

Although there have been countless compilations over the decades, The Very Best of the Jacksons could well be the most definitive. Split across two discs, disc one primarily features the early Mowtown days and the second, mainly their hits as the Jacksons (as opposed to Jackson 5) released on Epic. Often overshadowed by Michael's subsequent success as a solo artist, this anthology demonstrates why the Jacksons' perfect balance of pop and soul has endured when compared to one-time peers such as the Osmonds. The irresistible funk of "ABC" and "I Want You Back" are classics of the period as are the incredible ballads "Got to Be There" and little Michael's ode to a loveable rodent, "Ben". Highlights of disc two are predominantly from their massive albums Destiny and Triumph, released in the late 1970s, early 1980s; "Can You Feel it", "Blame it on the Boogie" and "Shake Your Body" to name but three. It was around this time that Michael began his adult solo career and The Very Best of the Jacksons appropriately ends with a live version of "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" from MJ's Off the Wall. Michael may have gone on to eclipse his family but there can be little dispute that the Jacksons are one of the most important musical dynasties ever. The title of the compilation is a little confusing, as it includes the bands time signed to Motown as The Jackson Five. The family signed to the label in 1969 and the in-house writing team set straight to work. The first single "I Want You" sold over a million copies, as did the follow-up ABC (also notable for knocking "Let It Be" from the top of the Billboard chart). CD 1 of this compilation boasts sixteen tracks in total - and includes both these tracks plus "I'll Be There", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and the early Jacko solo venture "One Day In Your Life." Their fusion of pop and soul owed much to James Brown, and the tight dance routines were indebted to The Temptations. That said, the vitality of those early recordings was unique, particularly when harnessed to quite brilliant arrangements. Even after all these years its hard not to wonder at their pop perfection. In 1976 the band split from Motown and signed to Epic, changing their name to The Jacksons and replacing Jermaine with fourteen year old Randy. It was hoped that the move would yield greater artistic freedom, but initial releases were mostly the homogenised product of superstar producers Gamble and Huff. "Enjoy Yourself" and "Show You The Way To Go" mark the era on this compilations second sixteen track CD. A renaissance came a couple of years later when the band had finally won full control. Disco classics form this era "Blame It On The Boogie", "Shake Your Body" and "Can You Feel It" are all included. The latter section of the second CD documents the Jackson's decline minus Michael, it was inevitable it that the whole would suffer minus their most talented member. But it matters little, the vast majority of the tracks features here are nothing short of brilliant. Review: Anthony Hatfield

Track List:

Disc 1
I Want You Back
ABC
The Love You Save
I'll Be There
Mama's Pearl
Never Can Say Goodbye
Sugar Daddy
Dancing Machine
Lookin' Through the Windows
Doctor My Eyes
Ain't No Sunshine
Got to Be There
Rockin' Robin
Ben
One Day in Your Life
Farewell My Summer Love
Disc 2
Can You Feel It
Blame It On the Boogie
Enjoy Yourself
Show You the Way to Go
Dreamer
Even Though You're Gone
Goin' Places
Torture
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)
Lovely One
This Place Hotel (Aka Heartbreak Hotel)
Walk Right Now
State of Shock
2300 Jackson Street
Nothin (That Compares 2 U)
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough