Immortal (Deluxe Version)

Michael Jackson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 21, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Epic
• ASIN: B005R4255C
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #81 in Music > R&B

Editorial Reviews

IMMORTAL takes a fresh, creative approach in redesigning and reimagining more than 40 of Michael Jackson's greatest original recordings into a compilation that allows listeners to experience his music in an entirely new way. The album is the musical tapestry for Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. The project was led by esteemed musical designer, Kevin Antunes (Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Madonna). After spending a year in the studio working with Michael's original multi-track master recordings, Kevin created IMMORTAL which offers listeners a new soundscape to Michael's artistry while preserving the power and familiarity of his unparalleled voice and his legendary tracks.

Kevin Antunes comments, "Michael's legacy as the greatest entertainer of our lifetime is inspiring beyond words. It was clear from the start that Michael's voice and overall musical essence was the sole/soul source of creative energy driving the project. From the studio to the stage, there's an undeniable integrity and resolute truth in Michael's vocal performances that are highlighted in the Immortal arrangements. It was built with love and respect for Michael's music, his family, and his millions of fans around the world."

IMMORTAL is sure to touch the hearts of passionate Michael fans as the album unfolds his musical legacy with redesigned versions of his hits, electrifying mashups and newly discovered outtakes fans have never heard before including an alternate take on the Jackson 5's "ABC" and a choir that Michael recorded for "They Don't Really Care About Us."

Fans are saying: "The music is incredibly exciting and it stands on its own as a listening experience. While no one can improve upon Michael's music, these remixes, mash-ups and enhancements, while intended for the show, give us the chance to hear Michael's music in a new and fresh way. All in all, it is a must have album for every fan of Michael's."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - A New Way To Enjoy The King Of Pop!, November 21, 2011

By 

Kaio (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Immortal [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

UPDATE: check the first comment to this review for a link to my review of the show itself! Just saw it twice!

When I first heard this Cirque soundtrack was going to remix, and in some cases, mash-up, some of the most iconic songs ever recorded, I was worried. But I listen to Michael's original tracks all the time, so I don't feel shortchanged by this reworking of his untouchable classics. If anything, I've really taken to this energized Cirque-ified remix. It's like a concentrated dose of Michael as interpreted through Soleil's prism. Somehow they've managed to retain Michael's essence, yet add their own flair to it, that somehow makes Michael stretch beyond his usual larger than life; which is interesting, considering he's no longer here. Although Michael's presence is clearly missing, his spirit is ever-present, via his own alternate vocal recordings of these impressive songs. It's almost as if he's graduated from Peter Pan to Wizard of Oz! Sizzling with omnipotence and infusing his rhythm and dance from the ethereal beyond.

I downloaded my copy directly from Michael's website, because you get all the tracks from the Deluxe CD, including the 5 tracks that are missing from the download here at Amazon. I love this remix of Michael's classics. Think of this soundtrack as a re-imagined Best Of CD; if you want to stay true to the classics, maybe consider The Essential Michael Jackson CD. Personally, I enjoy having both. If you're open minded enough to embrace Michael continuing to push the envelope through those entrusted to carry forth his legacy, then this CD, and the Cirque show itself, is something you're sure to enjoy. It's all good to me, because I enjoy spending time with Michael.

The Show

Michael was in talks with Cirque while he was alive, and it's nice to see his dream has finally been realized; even if different from what he would have imagined were he here to add his Midas-touch from his sequined glove. My hubby and I will be seeing the show at the Staples Center, which should be special, given that's where MJ sang his last notes here on this Earth. I've been a Cirque fan for years and seen most all of their shows, and I've been a Michael fan my entire life, so I already know I'm going to love this show. And hearing this soundtrack only clinches the deal!

Standout Tracks

Michael's iconic hits need no introduction. So rather than give a play-by-play of each track, I'll let the music speak for itself. You can listen to short samples of each song here on Amazon, or check my first comment to this review for a link to where you can listen to 7 complete tracks for free before buying. Briefly, a few of my favorites are:

You Are Not Alone - MJ sings Spanish halfway through
I'll Be There - MJ at 10yrs with piano Only... Stunning
Immortal MegaMix - I DARE you to sit still!
Dancing Machine - automatic systematic, dynamite and super bad!
Childhood - has always been a favorite; and I love this Immortal version.
Planet Earth/Earth Song - this rendition weaves together this iconic song with a poem by Michael

Oh, who am I kidding? It's MJ; they're ALL Great!

Bottom Line: I've got my MJ "E"-ticket and I'm strapped in for the ride, wherever it goes; from childhood to beyond! Jermaine said it best, "It's time to celebrate Michael's life." Which is easy to do, because Michael's music instantly lifts-off and makes my spirit soar. This soundtrack and Michael's vocals are absolutely stunning. No, Michael didn't have a hand in remixing his iconic songs, but his spirit IS here, through and through; like a true Immortal. So buckle-up and get ready for a fun ride.

MJ Forever!
;oD

22 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Review, December 10, 2011

By 

telly (Florida,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Immortal (Audio CD)

It sounds good on paper...
This is the soundtrack album to a Cirque du Soleil show. But it is not perceived as such, because Sony did nothing to eliminate this confusion.
Actually they must be happy about this misunderstanding, because the album sells more due to this induced confusion.
It shoud have been rightly marketed as "CIRQUE du SOLEIL" production. Kevin Antunes revisits the Immortal Michael Jackson".
This way, people would decide to buy it or not.
In my case, I bought it and didn't like it.
I am happy about what I have already got: the originals.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Pleasant Suprise!!!, February 8, 2012

By 

chakasworld "chakasworld" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Immortal (Deluxe Version) (Audio CD)

As a longtime MJ fan & collector, I decided to keep my expectations low with regards to this 'Immortal' set. This is because on the surface, it looked like yet ANOTHER compilation of songs we've had for many years. After importing both 'Immortal' CDs onto my iPod, I was must say this set is a pleasant suprise. The remastering and cleaver way they combined different songs added new life to the old hits, and new special audio effects here & there were VERY nice (except for that damn elephant at the beginning of 'Ben'!!). In closing, the DELUXE Edition of 'Immortal' is a project that MJ might've been proud of. The cover art, packaging, crisp new remastering, sequencing, and combination of many hits (solo MJ, Jackson 5, and The Jacksons) results in a truly special addition to any REAL Michael Jackson Collection.