2008 Woodie Awards
Re-release of Thriller falls flat
Dana Hanson
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Entertainment
02/21/08 - Before he dangled a baby off a balcony, before the controversy of Neverland Ranch and before all the court dates, there was a musician at work who could moon walk circles around almost any competition.
Michael Jackson is now known for a variety of reasons, and, lately, his music might not even be one of them. The release of his Thriller 25th anniversary CD was an attempt to change all that. The public would respond with open arms and wallets.
The album, in its original version, won the title of "biggest-selling album in the world" and sold 27 million copies in the United States alone.
But MJ is not performing solo on this album; he has paired up with some fellow musicians. Akon, Paul McCartney and Fergie are all involved in remixes of MJ's most popular songs. Akon adds his own style to "Wanna Be Startin' Something," McCartney lends a unique flare to "The Girl is Mine," and Fergie's duet with Jackson is a slower version of "Beat It." Other notable names include Will.i.am and Kanye West.
Even though this CD was a huge success, I was still disappointed to find that some of my favorite MJ songs were missing. I mean, come on! Where's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Smooth Criminal" and "The Way You Make Me Feel?" We should feel lucky they did not forget "Thriller."
These are classic songs- ones that I believe should have been on the final draft.
Instead I found his original selections to be mostly slow, generic love ballads. I felt these songs did not show MJ's best side. Let's be honest, it is weird thinking about Jackson getting romantic, creepy almost. He should stay with fast tempos and topics unrelated to his "romantic practices."
Overall, this CD shows us that while Jackson may be confused about what "good touch, bad touch" means, he has no doubts about what it takes to make you move.
Michael Jackson is now known for a variety of reasons, and, lately, his music might not even be one of them. The release of his Thriller 25th anniversary CD was an attempt to change all that. The public would respond with open arms and wallets.
The album, in its original version, won the title of "biggest-selling album in the world" and sold 27 million copies in the United States alone.
But MJ is not performing solo on this album; he has paired up with some fellow musicians. Akon, Paul McCartney and Fergie are all involved in remixes of MJ's most popular songs. Akon adds his own style to "Wanna Be Startin' Something," McCartney lends a unique flare to "The Girl is Mine," and Fergie's duet with Jackson is a slower version of "Beat It." Other notable names include Will.i.am and Kanye West.
Even though this CD was a huge success, I was still disappointed to find that some of my favorite MJ songs were missing. I mean, come on! Where's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Smooth Criminal" and "The Way You Make Me Feel?" We should feel lucky they did not forget "Thriller."
These are classic songs- ones that I believe should have been on the final draft.
Instead I found his original selections to be mostly slow, generic love ballads. I felt these songs did not show MJ's best side. Let's be honest, it is weird thinking about Jackson getting romantic, creepy almost. He should stay with fast tempos and topics unrelated to his "romantic practices."
Overall, this CD shows us that while Jackson may be confused about what "good touch, bad touch" means, he has no doubts about what it takes to make you move.