Why did I review the album? MJ is my favorite artist
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? Yes, I’ll replay this
one for years
This album is the most intriguing
one I’ve listened to in a while. The regular version has 8 tracks produced
mainly by Timberland (there are others, but he is the headlining producer). The
deluxe version features the original version of the song plus an additional
version of Love Never Felt So Good featuring Justin Timberlake.
The reason that I like this album has nothing
to do with music. Forgive the example, but it bears relevance. I once read a
book by Brandon Sanderson. He released the book for free on his website, Along
with the final edition of the book he also allowed readers to download several
drafts that led to the final edition.
Through releasing several copies of the book in its various stages of
drafting, the reader gets a process of writing a book. Although not completely
the same (because Timberland is not MJ) we are offered the same opportunity
with this album. I see the first tracks as covers of the originals (technically
they are reworked) performed by MJ. We are given a chance to see how different
artist would attack the same content which is fun. Additionally we are exposed
to the idea that the sound of music changes over time. The MJ songs were
recorded anywhere from 89-03 while the standard edition ranges from 13-14. How
much of the changes were based off Timberlands own feel with music and how much
did the time of recording affect the overall product? I don’t think we’ll ever
find out exactly, but it was fun to ponder these ideas while listening.
For me, classic albums need to
have at least two tracks that transcend time, or speak to issues of the time
period. This album doesn’t quite have that. It’s missing the Thriller,
Man in
the Mirror, You are Not Alone, and songs of that ilk. If I
were generous, I could say that Do You
Know Where Your Children Are and Slave
to the Rhythm fit the requirements, but I think I’d be
giving the songs a BIT too much credit. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the
album and recommend it
My Favs
3. Loving You
2. A Place With No Name
1. Xscape
Overall Rating: 87 with a recommendation to Buy
