Customer Reviews

The Stripped Mixes

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a huge MJ fan, I do own this CD and enjoyed hearing these mixes. Not for the reasons we are supposed to buy the CD for, however. After all, it is not news that Michael Jackson was an extraordinary singer, and these mixes don't make his vocals shine any differently than they do on the original, fuller mixes. Rather, I enjoyed hearing these versions for how they bring out some of the nuances that are harder to hear in the original versions, as well as for the use of some alternate takes and endings.

The songs selected here are not mixed in a consistent way; that is, some have essentially no drum or rhythm tracks, others include congas and shakers, and in "Ain't No Sunshine" there is the underlying bass drum with occasional snare rim shots which seem as though they tried but could not entirely eliminate. Some songs include string arrangements, some don't. Some songs retain backup vocals, some don't.

Somewhat misleadingly, not all of the songs are simply the original well-known versions minus most of the instrumentation. Several songs contain extended, unnecessarily repeated or previously unheard fade-outs ("Who's Loving You", "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There" which has an oddly edited ending), while "We've Got A Good Thing Going" is a COMPLETELY different (and much less desirable) take than the original version. Also, "With A Child's Heart" contains a different intro than the original version and "Got To Be There" contains extra backing vocals that were edited out of the original.

The collection starts out very promising, though. The mix on opener "I'll Be There" demonstrates what could have been a great idea; the vocals here are among young Michael's gentlest and most touching, and the mostly acoustic arrangement fits very well in this "stripped" form. "Darling Dear" is also a standout, though perhaps as much for Michael as for what is regarded as one of the best bass lines ever, which at times takes front and center here (but that's not a bad thing--it's amazing!). At just 38 minutes, I wouldn't spend much money on this. The originals were pop-soul perfection as it is. But find it cheap, used, or free and it's worth a listen.

Yes, the timing of this album release is in poor taste and obviously meant to maximize profit in the wake of a tragedy, but the entire entertainment industry is based on that principle. What really matters is that the music on this album is incredibly beautiful. I adore the way the accompanying music is toned down in order to allow Michael's amazingly mature vocals to take center stage.

Definitely worth the price!!

I think this album is a great way to remember his innocent talent because when it comes down to it he had an amazing voice. This version of 'Ben' is so moving. 'I'll Be There' is my second favorite. He will be missed!

What a fitting tribute to a great artist! His vocal talent really shines in these versions of his early material.

I understand the fuss about the timing of the release, but at least be thankful for not yet another ordinary 'greatest hits' compilation. These mixes definitely contribute to the legacy. The original recordings of Michael and the Jackson 5 are perfect with the big orchestrations. But these toned down versions prove that the songs stand out with any kind of arrangement. It gives us an insight in the way the original music tracks are built up. A true treat for a music fanatic! I had the same lump as M. Torreys describes in his/her review...

I went to Wal Mart today and brought this CD for 9.00 and I must say that I really enjoy it... the CD is not that long but the songs are nice... Listening to the "Stripped" version of these classics, I kind of like some of them better than the originals.

My Favorites Are:

1. I'll Be There: this version is nice. I like this one better than the original.

2. I Want You Back: I like this version, too. At the end of the song you can hear Big Brother Jackie and Big Brother Jermaine much better than you can in the original.

3. Darling Dear: Very--

YOU KNOW WHAT? THE WHOLE CD IS NICE. WORTH THE BUY.

Some will complain about the brevity (around 38 minutes), but you know what they say about too much of a good thing, plus not every Motown-era Michael song can work STRIPPED down. Ladies will love the select period photos, and everyone who gets this will be hit in the eardrums with the reworked mix for "Ben"! THIS should've been the RELEASED version! Seriously: it's still a WEIRD song, but the dramatic feel is improved by this retooling. If this release is a CASH-IN one, it may be one of those that doesn't harm his [early] legacy. Arguably, the highlights of this set could've been COMBINED with the new "I Want You Back!" set of previously-unreleased material for a disc that runs closer to eighty minutes and give the consumer more bang for their buck! Overall, if in doubt, one can always listen to the samples for this compilation and buy their favorites via MP3 download if they're the casual Michael listener; the hardcore fans will buy this for years to come without blinking. WARNING: the beginning of Michael 're-mix' collections has only just BEGUN....

Stripping away some instrumentation and background vocals and, in some places, adding new, acoustic instrumentation, pushes Michael's vocals to the forefront. An interesting experiment, but it should be remembered that Michael's vocals were originally recorded on top of the finished tracks and were performed to be heard over or complement the arrangements. Isolated as they are here, some come across as overly forceful or strident. Great vocals they are, but definitely meant to be heard in their original context. Fun to listen to, but after the novelty wears off you'll still much prefer the original recordings.

Mike's voice is one of a kind a cant be replaced evrything he released is perfect
IM glad he inspires new artist that I love
Dream influence is Prince and Mike
also Check Out Tiec Tocc's Frozen amazing music

Really enjoyed this album. Vocals are up front and show how talented this man was, even at a very young age. If you're a Michael Jackson fan, you'll love this album.