Customer Reviews

Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Ok, let me first start with a little history about MJ remixes. It would not be until 1991 when Michael Jackson would receive a remix done by club Djs who know their stuff. Until then, Michael songs that did receive remixes sounded like longer versions of the album versions. Had Jackson's songs been remixed by the likes of Morales and Munzubia (M&M), Jellybean, Bruce Forest or Shep Pettibone - just to name a few 1980's top DJ's - they would have sounded removed from the album version EVEN THOUGH the remixer would have simply remixed the multi-track master without changing all the music like remixes of nowadays.
Fast-Forward to the early 1990's. Cole & Clivilles of "C&C Music Factory" fame were the first to do the remixing honors and the song: Black Or White the lead single from "Dangerous" and they gave it their all. Over the next two years several songs from the Dangerous album would receive remixes from top Dj's like E-Smoove, Steve "Silk" Hurley, Frankie Knuckles and the UK's Brothers In Rhythm - again this is a few of the slew of DJ's who worked with Jackson's music. While this remix madness was going on another remix project was under way; Michael Jackson's past hits from "Off The Wall", and "Thriller" received remixes from the likes of Danny Tenaglia, Masters At Work, Frankie Knuckles and Junior Vasquez and some other well known remixers. There was going to be a series of singles with all these remixes.... CANCELED! In 1993 Michael Jackson became the target of nasty allegations and because of this, the remix project was shelved. The project was revived later in the 1990's only to be shelved again over more allegations.
Now in the present, Michael Jackson's death rocks the world and of course there are going to be those who will seek to cash in on this unfortunate event. Let's face it, that's human nature. It happened with Elvis and it's happening with Michael. Now seeing that Michael no longer has to be dogged out with allegations, I guess it's safe to bring out a remix album. So now here is my question. "WHY NOW RELEASE THE REMIXES DONE IN THE EARLY 1990S THAT GOT SHELVED TWICE?" I would have loved to have Tony Moran's remix for Billie Jean, or Danny Tenaglia's mix for Thriller. The remixes on this album seem like bandwagon remixes and that is not the way to commemorate the King of Pop.

People don't know when to leave well enough alone. These remixes are completely terrible. Thank the lord for download because this album is a complete mess. If I would've bought this album I would demand my money back ASAP.

Stop messing with Michael Jackson's legacy by releasing these pointless remix albums. Like Chris Tucker famously said "the man destroying a classic". And that goes for everyone involved and everyone who thought this was a good idea. This is by far the weakest attempt thus far to capitalize off of this man's death. The album is unlistenable and the only song worth anything is the Never Can Say Goodbye remix...but even that's barely passable.

This effort gets zero stars. Stay far away from this hodgepodge compilation.

It's a shame what these producers done to the songs that were sang by legendary Michael Jackson from his pre-Off The Wall years. The facade of this collection, the first two tracks, were the only ones that were pleasant to my ears, even though one of the elements in the Neptunes Remix weren't audible enough. Other than that, songs were destroyed.

They got 2 "Dancing Machine" remixes: the first version was too hip-hopish and the second was unexpected from what you'd think if you hear it. That reggae-flavored "ABC" remix got monotonous. The remix of "I Wanna Be Where You Are" sounded inappropriate. "Hum Along and Dance" remix convinces its listener to dance but the beat sounded stiff. I don't know how Akon came up with a way to remix "Ben," which you'd skip.

I fell asleep while listening to this CD on a bus, so that'll tell you about my experience with it. Then I gave it away the same day.

Sometimes, songs should just be left untouched. Here's an example.

I am sorry to have to say that everything remixed isn't always good.
This CD contains the worst remixes and remakes ever made of the king of pop.
And this is one way to milk the fans of money.
These remixes makes my skin crawl NOT of amazement but of disgust.
Why not leave the classics songs be as they were intended or TRYING to do a whole lot better job then this.
Don't fall for the "Remix" titles that easy.
However if you are into bad mixes like these, then this CD is the one for you.

Michael Jackson passed away in late June, and only 4 months or so after that comes this hastily issued remix album of early Michael Jackson songs (mostly with the Jackson 5, but also a few of his early solo songs). Indeed, this project was NOT in the pipeline before Michael's death, so right there it makes you wonder what the motivation of this release is.

"The Remix Suite" (12 tracks; 50 min.) brings remixed songs of nuggets of the Motown-era of Michael Jackson. There is no lack of big names in the remixing: The Neptunes remix "Never Can Say Goodbye", Akon remixes "Ben", and on and on. The Jackson 5 classic "Dancing Machine" even gets 2 remixes on here. While some of the songs remain recognizable, others get the complete reworking, such as the 8 min. "Forever Came Today". But just about all of them sound so far removed emotionally from the originals that it leaves me cold and makes you just wonder what the real intent of this release is. After hearing this collection, all it makes me wanna do is to grab the original timeless versions.

I suspect this album is just an(other) example of what I'm afraid of many more money-grabbing releases to come, to cash in on Michael's legacy. Just as another example, "This Is It", as great a movie it is (and it IS, a beautiful experience all around), sorely disappoints as a CD release, simply bringing yet another collection of the studio tracks that "inspired" the movie (as noted on that CD release), instead of bringing us the actual soundtrack of the movie. As to "The Remix Suite", it brings not much worthwile, and I will stick with the originals instead.

What with MJ's death this summer, it is likely that there will be tons of albums released that take advantage of the singer's talent and huge discography of music. "The Remix Suite" is one of the most touted of the new releases and it's a mixed bag, with the first seven cuts being truly outstanding "revamps" of solo hits and songs recorded with his brothers.

The highlights are The Neptunes' remix of "Never Can Say Goodbye", Dallas Austin's restructuring of "I Wanna Be Where You Are", Steve Aoki's altering of "Dancing Machine" and Frankie Knuckles' "Forever Came Today". The latter, even in its original form was a predecessor to the dance music of the clubs of today, with its throbbing bass line and coy use of strings.

Considering the vast array of music available, some of the choices are surprising, including "Maria (You Were the Only One)", "Ain't No Sunshine", and "Hum Along and Dance," a Motown staple that was also recorded by The Temptations. These are nothing but "filler" and lessen the opportunity that producers could've had to make a fitting tribute remix disc.

For a long time I put off purchasing this album, for a number of reasons. The biggest being that I wasn't familiar with about half the songs. I love Michael Jackson and have quite an extensive collection of his music, including remixes, but not much pre-dating the "Off the Wall" album, or the Jackson 5 period, which makes up a lot of what is included here. I love remixes in general, but I had heard almost nothing but negative comments about this CD. Eventually my curiosity got the best of me and I picked it up on a whim, and you know what? I'm sorry I didn't give in sooner.

Most of the tracks are dance/club style, with updated electronic beats and crisp remastering. Some of the slower songs, such as "Ben," are reworked in an R&B style that stays true to the original vibes, but otherwise sound like they could have been recorded yesterday. I'd be kidding myself to believe that this album wasn't rushed into existence in another attempt to profit from Michael Jackson's death, but even so, I think MJ himself would approve of this project. My only concern is that I find the song selection a little odd. Casual consumers aren't real big on remix albums as it is, and I'm sure some of these lesser-known songs did nothing to help draw buyers. But on the other hand, it is bringing a new light to songs that otherwise have flown under the radar. I already admitted I wasn't familiar with some of the songs, so I can't compare the old with the new but I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. I'm sure a lot of people will complain about how they "slaughtered" the classics, but just take it for what is and have some fun with it.

I am so impressed by these remixes of some of the best Jackson music.
When I first heard snippets I was hooked.
Now that I own it I play it everywhere.
In my house, in my car, on my IPod walking wherever & whenever.

I'm very surprised that I'm the first to give it 5 stars.
I can understand people are upset about it being a money-making device
But I truly believe that the people involved put Michael first.
You can't work with any music of Michael's without some love for his voice.
Unless your a cold stone dead horse
Which I know people out there can be
But not on this CD.
I think it was first put together for Michael's fans
Then the money came second.

Forever Came Today is so upbeat and full.
Maria is gorgeous.
Ben is heartbreakingly comforting.
Each track gives us a talented Michael.
Singing with his brothers is marvelous.

I felt Michael's life and career flash before me
When I first popped this CD into my car stereo.
It was pumping and I was pumped.
People looked as they do with music playing loud
Yet they looked happy as I smiled with delight to the sound.

Don't be misled.
Don't disregard this CD.
Don't miss a chance to be moved.
Buy the CD or Download it.
You will be moved!

I completely enjoyed all the songs on this CD. It was a pleasure to hear them in a different format and even more enjoyable to hear them modernized to todays standards. I am thrilled that Michael and his music will live on in a varied foray for different generations to love. He is and will be The King Of Pop. Thanks goes out to those who tirelessly worked on this labor of love. It shows.

I purchased this CD yesterday and I have to say that it was a major disappointment. The biggest problem is that most of the producers of these remixes are not trained musicians and it shows in the songs. The sounds are forced and some are not produced well at all. Akon's version of Ben is absolutely terrible. The drum beats are so overpowering that it reduces the song to an 808 drum machine sound. It's pretty bad.

Some of the House-sounding mixes are not bad from a beat perspective, but not appropriate for the vocals.

The hip-hop and reggae productions are really bad. The fact that they remixed Dance Machine twice and they are both terrible, is unpardonable.

The Maybe Tomorrow is absolutely beautiful. It highlights Michaels vocal ability perfectly and is worth the price of the CD. It's the only song on the CD that I would possibly take over the original version. It's simply amazing. The use of strings in this song is brilliant.

My suggestion is to purchase Maybe Tomorrow seperately, it is truly the best song on the album. Franky Knuckles lays down a really good house track, but it's simply not appropriate for the vocals.

Bottomline: They could have done a better job.