When I purchased Michael Jackson's CD, Number Ones, I think it mostly was because I wanted all of his music, even if I already knew all of the listed songs by heart, from the other albums. When I did eventually buy it, I found it in a bargain bin at a music store for $3.99 which broke my heart a bit, because for a while, he was on top of the world and his CDs didn't need to be reduced to sell.

Number Ones was put out by Sony and is possibly the weakest compilation album out there with Michael Jackson's name on it, although it did go Platinum and sold over 6 million copies worldwide. Sure, it lists some of his number 1 songs (as well as a couple that aren't), but there's not much to it. There are no extras at all (all we get is a few black & white photos on the sleeve and a track listing), and even some of the songs are shortened. Don't get me wrong, there are some "essential Michal Jackson" songs on here, but the very least Sony could have done was give lyrics or something (or, at the very least, the "number ones" the way they were originally).

The first two songs, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough and Rock With You are off of his Off the Wall album and sound like a smoother form of disco. This version of Don't Stop Til You Get Enough doesn't include the intro with Michael speaking before the song starts. It's a minor thing for it not to be included, but I wonder why it wasn't on his "#1's" album when it was in the original song (when it hit #1). Rock With You is my preferred over the two because it isn't as fast and breathy, and is just a much more fun song.

Billie Jean makes an appearance on this CD which tells the tale of a woman who claims he is the father of her son, which he vehemently denies. This is, of course, the song that's performance has the world "Moonwalk-crazy". Thriller is another song that had moves often imitated (and seen on several movies). This is a "dark pop song" which, by 1980's standards, means it's suitable for any child to listen to. It's a fun song, although a bit dated. Beat It comes up next and is an anti-violence song. It has a catchy hook and features "the great" Eddie Van Halen on guitar. The above songs are among Michael's most popular.

Most of this collection is comprised of songs off of his album, Bad. The title song (Bad), which has Michael going on about how "bad" he is. I smile a bit with this song because, being fairly young when it came out, I thought he was saying "Jamal" ("Come on") at first, which had me asking everyone who Jamal was. Even then, my favorite part of the song was when he broke out with the "whoo's" during the chorus. I could listen to that all day. The Way You Make Me Feel is a bouncy song singing about how "this girl" turns him on. Dirty Diana is also included on this disc which is a "rock" song about a groupie. It features Steve Stevens on guitar and has always been a favorite of mine. Smooth Criminal is also a favorite, but was never a #1. It's fast, catchy, and now that I've seen the video, I always picture 1980's Miami when I hear it. Man in the Mirror is a song about changing the world by starting with changing yourself. I Just Can't Stop Loving You is my least favorite song on the disc; it's a ballad-type song done in a duet.

From the Dangerous album comes the song Black or White. This is a feel good take on anti-racism and injustice (racial equality and unity). The message is really great and the sound is bubblegum enough to keep the younger generation's attentions. From HIStory, we have Earth Song, another "Let's save the world" song, but one with a better sound (and lyrics, IMO). I love the screaming ending to this otherwise softly pleading song. You Are Not Alone is an R. Kelly song and is ballad-like; a sweet song with "love" as the theme. Finally, there are the songs You Rock My World, Break of Dawn, and One More Chance, and Ben. One More Chance, I usually skip because it doesn't sound much like "Michael" at all. You Rock My World is one of those songs where I like the video better but it's still a pretty cool song. Break of Dawn is such a pretty song, supposed to be a little sexy, and sounds nothing like (the overall sound, not his voice) Michael prior to Invincible. Still, I like this R & B song, and it's found on Invincible. Ben is the live version, and not the album version.

At the end of the day, I wouldn't recommend buying this particular CD if someone came to me asking my thoughts on the best MJ compilation. I would steer them towards The Ultimate Collection, even though it costs more (or, The Essential). But, if you can find this CD anywhere for $5-8 (or less), then it'd be worth it to give it a try.




Others You May Enjoy:
Films:

Michael Jackson's Number Ones
Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits HIStory
Michael Jackson HIStory on Film Volume II
Michael Jackson Dangerous: The Short Films
Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest (Concert)
Michael Jackson Live in Japan (Concert)
Michael Jackson's This Is It

Music:

Michael Jackson This Is It
I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters 

Books:

The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation 
Moonwalk by Michael Jackson

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Exercising