I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters

Jackson 5 | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown / Pgd
• ASIN: B002PQ1PDI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,602 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2009 collection from the Motown/R&B legends that uncovers gems from the vault that reflect an extraordinary history of one of the greatest groups of all time. This release includes superb quality unreleased tracks as well as unique alternate versions of well-known hits. Stunning vocals from Michael Jackson from age 10 through age 16. This release includes the first-time appearance of Stevie Wonder's 'Buttercup', announced as a J5 single in 1973 but never released. 12 tracks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AT LAST !!!, November 10, 2009

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters (Audio CD)

With all the J5 did over the years, there simply had to be unreleased material--and I'm thrilled that this CD has finally come to be! This is an absolute must have for Jackson 5 fans; these young men take on these songs so well that every one's a gem--there's not a single dud in the track set! The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that artwork, too.

The CD gives us all sorts of goodies--we get the much anticipated "Buttercup" that gets me tapping my feet to the beat even when I don't realize I'm doing it! Michael sings his vocals to perfection and his brothers never let go of a superfluous note. The music fits in perfectly with their singing, too. "That's How Love Is" shines bright with lots of energy; this awesome tune features a young Michael Jackson singing his words out like a pro; his genius was obvious from a very early age and again his brothers perform very well as they make "That's How Love Is" a terrific highlight of this album.

Listen also for "Love Comes in Different Flavors;" I really like this tune and the way they handle it makes it shine. "Lucky Day" and "Listen I'll Tell You How" are equally special.

Of course there are fresh renditions of other, more familiar J5 songs that are wonderful to hear. The CD starts with a great medley of "I Want You Back;" "ABC" and "The Love You Save;" and it all holds its own very well to make these three songs cohesive. "Never Can Say Goodbye" is gorgeous--Michael's singing is quite good and the musical arrangement is creative and pleasing to my ear at once. "ABC" gets a fine treatment from the J5 and the CD ends strong with these fine young men performing an alternate rendition of "Dancing Machine" that works flawlessly.

J5 fans, rejoice! This is one heck of an album that should have been released sooner. Could there be more unreleased masters hidden in the vaults somewhere, waiting to be recorded onto CD and made available to the world? Probably so--and I hope we get more of these amazing songs very soon. They can't come fast enough for me!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exciting new release!, November 10, 2009

By 

Kyle (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters (Audio CD)

For the first time since 1995's J5 box set "Soulsation!" comes a significant package of previously unreleased music from the Jackson 5. While there are only 8 truly new releases, the 4 familiar tracks are here in alternate versions; for a long time fan like me, I never would have dreamed they'd put the TV performance versions on CD, but I am glad they are here. The J5 medley (I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save) is familiar but lively; Never Can Say Goodbye emphasizes the clavi-synth and a new ending. What's more, ABC is here in an earlier version--it's amazing how much it changed from what seemed to be a pretty much complete song (presented here) to what eventually came to be. Lastly, Dancing Machine is also here in a similar form to its eventual release, the main draw being nearly 2 additional minutes over the single version.

As for the newly released songs, well, they're awfully good. "Listen I'll Tell You How" is among the best, combining a driving beat with soulful lead and harmony vocals. Hearing them take on Curtis Mayfield's "Man's Temptation" is a unique approach for the group, while "That's How Love Is" is exemplary in their trademark vein of bubblegum pop. And what can be said of "Buttercup," from the often-rumoured Stevie Wonder-produced J5 album that never came to be. Sure makes me wish it had! The album represents the group dynamic well, as all 5 of the boys get turns at lead vocal lines throughout the disc. You even get to hear Jackie sing without his crazy-high falsetto, for the first time on a Motown release. Things do lose a bit of steam toward the end; "I'll Try You'll Try" is perhaps a bit out of place, and there's a piece of fluff or two here ("Love Comes In Different Flavors," "Lucky Day") but overall this CD had me smiling and ready to play it again immediately.

Now if only Sony/Epic would some day do the same with the post-Motown Jacksons' music...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good material, January 2, 2010

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters (Audio CD)

striaght up i wanted buttercup the cut that Stevie Wonder did on the J5 and anything else Stevie was pushing toward the J5. these cuts are cool. the harmonys were tight and polished and the production and music was soulful as always. what can you say about the King of Music Michael Jackson? he always left a mark with his presentation and delievery. truly some strong material and the arrangements were cool. not necessary alot of what i'd call vaulted stuff that i'd say that would add to a incredible legacy as it is, however good to always add more. the J5 were a once in a lifetime Group.