ALBUM REVIEW: Michael Jackson - 'Michael'

The idea of polarized attitudes towards a posthumous Michael Jackson release is no more surprising than the circumstances of the release itself. Though new albums from deceased artists is not a new concept, it's arguable that Tupac Shakur's estate set the modern precedent, with numerous full albums of songs constructed around ever-decreasing samples and demoes of the man himself.

The appetite for Michael Jackson material is huge, and it's undeniable that Sony will be hoping for MJ to keep their music division in the black for many years to come. Whether or not Jackson will suffer similarly declining quality as the vaults are plundered remains to be seen - but make no bones about it, 'Michael' the first of many albums to come, is uniformly excellent and can stand amongst his most solid and consistent work.

As has already been addressed here, as in life, scurrilous rumours abound questioning the authenticity of the vocals and songs presented here - but facts are facts, and a fairly comprehensive press release from Michael Jackson's estate provides a rebuttal to such claims that only the hardiest of conspiracy theorists could ignore.

Michael Jackson's comeback had been a long time in the planning, with the gloved one hiring a slew of top-notch producers and collaborators for a series of studio sessions with a goal to releasing a modern, pop record befitting of the legacy of the greatest pop performer of all time. The album was to be his first since 2001's 'Invincible' - a record, much like it's predeccesor 'HIStory' who's release was marred by allegations and innuendo.

Unfortunately unlike the darkly-brilliant 'HIStory', much of 'Invincible' was slight, R&B influenced fair that found Jackson playing catch-up rather than innovating and pushing forward. Though it has it's defenders, the album was generally regarded to be a disappointment.
Many critics had given up on the idea of a MJ resurgence. Although he was found innocent in court, the press onslaught on his private life was unceasing and his reputation was too far gone, still tarnished in the minds of the general public. Added to that, his health seemed to be in a severe decline and by 2008 he had not performed a full concert in well over a decade. Few would bet on him being able to ever to mount a serious attempt at a comeback.

And yet in that same year, it seemed his fans returned in full force - perhaps it was just the right time - and when a surprisingly well looking Michael announced his proposed 'This Is It' shows for 2009, a record-breaking 50 concerts were quickly sold out at the enormous venue. Jackson was reportedly surprised and touched, and one can only imagine how this outpouring of affection was inspiring him to hasten work on his long awaited, similarly bombastic studio comeback. It's realistic to think, had the tragic events of June 2009 not occured, that we would be seeing that album right about now, completed fully in his vision. As it is, it is trusted Jackson friends and collaborators such as Teddy Riley and Akon who have been tasked with completing the work, following his signposts, notes and tracks. They have done the man proud.

Yes, he was a perfectionist, and yes it is unquestionable that the album we now have is markedly different than MJ's finished product would have been. But listening to the sheer quality of these songs - the hooks, the rhythms, the variations - it is difficult to believe that this is an album he would not have been proud of. At just over 40 minutes it is far more cohesive a listen than his previous 2 studio efforts (which while both having some inspired moments, both clocked in at over 70), and it's 10 track, all singles material format harkens back to his chart-obliterating 'Thriller'/'Bad' heyday.

Which is not to say that the album is retro or overtly nostalgic. Of course, the irresistable and much imitated vocal tics and yelps are present in full force, as is Jackson's unparalleled sense of melody, but this is very clearly a 21st century 'Michael'.

Track-by-track

1. Hold My Hand (featuring Akon)

First leaked in demo form back in 2008, this song instantly evokes classic unity ballads such as 'You Are Not Alone', albeit in a more upbeat, uptempo form. Akon's voice sounds terrific alongside Michael's, and its clear that they had a deep understanding of each others musical sensibilities. Since it's initial, premature release, a choir has been added (tastefully mind you) along with other bells and whistles. Curiously, a different vocal take of Michael appears to have been used ('things will get better' has strangely become 'things will be better' in each instance). This is a classic MJ anthem with modern R&B flair.

2. Hollywood Tonight

Latin influence can be detected in this allegorical tale of the pitfalls of fame. While this is, unsurprisingly, a recurring theme on the album (after all, it would be difficult to name anyone who had lived their life in the media's steely glare more than Jackson) it is tackled in a less isolated, angry way than on previous occasions. Funky and danceable with a great chorus, and probably one that the remix artists will be looking forward to tackling.

3. Keep Your Head Up

Maintaining the overall theme of optimism through adversity, this Tricky produced slice of pop is Michael at his sweetest both vocally and lyrically and one of the most old-school MJ songs on the album. Probably the best track from the Cascio sessions.

4. I Like The Way You Love Me

This slice of heavily Motown influenced smooth R&B also saw a demo release, though this time at least an official one on 2004's box set 'The Ultimate Collection'. The album's most direct love song, it's finger-snapping rhythm and Temptations-style backing vocals make for a very enjoyable trip back to Jackson's roots. The song opens with a smile-inducing home-recording demonstrating Michael's not unremarkable beatboxing skills.

5. Monster (Featuring 50 Cent)

Likely to be many fans' favorite, 'Monster' is a stomping urbane powerhouse in the 'Thriller'/'Ghosts' vein, and boasts one of the albums most memorable choruses; "Monster / He's a monster / He's an animal". Tackling public perceptions head on was a cathartic experience in Michael's later music, but this is perhaps the most rewarding track in that oeuvre, marrying its sense of bitterness and injustice with relentlessly hard breakbeats and a memorable (and mercifully, not out of place) 50 Cent rap interlude. Apparently MJ had approached 50 Cent with a view to having him appear on the song prior to his death, although the erstwhile Curtis Jackson's contribution wasn't completed until after the fact. It is pleasing to know that songs like this one have been completed to Michael's specifications wherever possible, and the result is not just one of the very best songs on this album, but one of the greatest songs of his later career.

6. Best Of Joy

If any song on 'Michael' could be accused of being a little slight, it's 'Best Of Joy'. While it features some nice, intimate vocals it is dwarfed in it's mid-tempo, cheerful balladry by sharing disc (or download) space with the superior 'Hold My Hand' and 'Keep Your Head Up'. That being said, it was reputedly one of Jackson's favorite songs earmarked for his next album and is certainly justified in it's inclusion here if that was the case. Also it's 'I am forever, we are forever' hook will likely strike a chord with devoted fans. Here it serves as more of a bridge, tying the album together. Its backing is also more complex than initially appears, and so repeated listens can be quite rewarding.

7. Breaking News

This riff-laden press baiter was controversially unveiled as the album's first streaming track on Michael's official website and seems to have taken on a life of its own. For all the talk, it is a quintessential Jackson single - instantly memorable, catchy as hell and remarkably self-aware. It is also the first adult Michael song to mention Michael by name in it's lyrics, and this too seems to have been delivered in a slightly tongue-in-cheek fashion (listen to the backing vocals breathless 'Michael JACK-SON!') It's also one of the sets most dancefloor-oriented outings. This is the resigned yet resilient brother of HIStory's angry 'Scream' and 'Tabloid Junkie', but is better than either. Where 'Scream' puts a boot through the surveillance cameras, 'Breaking News' stares them back in their glassy eye and says "I'm watching you watching me". Crunchy, fresh and urgent, remember - it's not paranoia if they're really after you.

8. (I Can't Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)

Michael's rock output (other than the iconic 'Beat It' with it's revered Van Halen guitar solo) is often unfairly overlooked. Songs like 'Give In To Me' and 'They Don't Care About Us' are amongst his most searingly powerful. This time Lenny Kravitz is brought on board for both guitar and vocal duties for what amounts to a fine slab of hungry, yearning and hot-blooded rock with (you guessed it) a killer chorus. A very welcome detour.

9. Behind The Mask

For my money, the 'Michael' album's single greatest song, 'Behind The Mask' is unlike anything that has gone before in his catalog. Lyrically intriguing, vocally magnificent and musically sublime, few songs show off the man's incredible ear for melody and composition quite like this one. With Daft Punk-esque backing vocals, beats, hooks and melodies to spare, 'Behind The Mask' is so modern as to perhaps be a few years ahead of its time, and an instant rebuttal against any claims that this album should not be released. For a song this brilliantly unique to go unheard would be a tragic waste.

10. Much Too Soon

Every musician seems to have great songs that lie in wait for years at a time, simply because they don't 'fit' with whatever project they are currently working on. For Michael, 'Much Too Soon' was one of those songs, and consequently is the oldest song featured on this album. Dating back to the 'Thriller' sessions, which saw literally dozens of songs (including the gorgeous 'For All Time') excised from the final record, 'Much Too Soon' is as simple and sweet a song as he ever recorded. Almost folksy, with its lightly strummed guitars and harmonica (the first MJ song ever to employ the instrument) it is a plaintive, lost-love ditty that serves perfectly here as a quiet reflective album closer.

While other Michael Jackson albums will follow, this is likely the last album that can claim to have had any personal input from him. Likewise these chronologically represent the majority of his final recording sessions. Ominously, it has been suggested that Sony's next posthumous MJ project will comprise newly recorded 'duets' with current artists which if the uneven offerings on 'Thriller 25' are anything to go by will be at best, forgettable and at worst...well....

It's fitting then to see this as the final album. As a swansong, a comeback and a tribute, 'Michael' delivers the goods and serves as a reminder of just why Michael Jackson is so widely regarded as the greatest entertainer who ever lived, and the incredible legacy of music he has left behind for future generations to enjoy.

-Michael E.

Official Statement from Michael Jackson's estate

Breaking News: Michael Jackson’s Estate Official Statement

There is nothing more important to the Estate than Michael’s music, his legacy and his fans.

As the Michael album was being put together, it was decided to bring Teddy Riley on board to work on several songs, including “Breaking News,” a song Michael recorded with Eddie Cascio and James Porte in late 2007 while living at the Cascio family home with his children. Riley produced and submitted “Breaking News” to Sony for inclusion on the album. At that time, no one ever mentioned that the vocals we heard on the Cascio songs, which were basically in demo format, might not be Michael. It was known, however, that the background vocals were a combination of Michael and James Porte.

After the tracks were submitted to Sony, three of these Cascio songs were selected to be on the album, and “Breaking News” was one of the three. The day after the submission and selection of the album tracks, for the very first time, the authenticity of Michael’s vocals on the Cascio tracks was questioned.

Because of these questions, I was immediately asked by co-Executors John Branca and John McClain to conduct an investigation regarding the authenticity of the lead vocals on the Cascio tracks.

Six of Michael’s former producers and engineers who had worked with Michael over the past 30 years – Bruce Swedien, Matt Forger, Stewart Brawley, Michael Prince, Dr. Freeze and Teddy Riley – were all invited to a listening session to hear the raw vocals of the Cascio tracks in question. All of these persons listened to the a cappella versions of the vocals on the Cascio tracks being considered for inclusion on the album, so they could give an opinion as to whether or not the lead vocals were sung by Michael. They all confirmed that the vocal was definitely Michael.

Michael’s musical director and piano player on many of his records over a 20-year period, Greg Phillinganes, played on a Cascio track being produced for the album, and said the voice was definitely Michael’s. Dorian Holley, who was Michael’s vocal director for his solo tours for 20 plus years (including the O2 Concert Tour) and is seen in the This Is It film, listened to the Cascio tracks and told me the lead vocal was Michael Jackson.

These are all engineers, producers and musicians who worked on tours and/or in the studio with Michael when he was recording Bad, Thriller, Off The Wall, Dangerous, Invincible, HIStory and Blood On The Dance Floor, and they all reconfirmed their belief that the lead vocals were Michael’s voice on the Cascio tracks.

The Estate then retained one of the best-known forensic musicologists in the nation to listen to the vocals without any instrumental accompaniment (“a cappella”), and to compare them with a cappella vocals from previous Michael songs. This expert performed waveform analysis, an objective scientific test used to determine audio authenticity, on the Cascio tracks, as well as previously released tracks with Michael’s voice, and reported that ALL of the lead vocals analyzed (which included Cascio tracks) were the voice of Michael Jackson.

Sony Music conducted their own investigation by hiring yet a second well-respected forensic musicologist who also compared the a cappella lead vocals from Cascio tracks against previously released vocals of Michael’s, and found that it was Michael’s voice on all sets of the raw vocals. The Cascio tracks were also played for two very prominent persons in the music industry who played crucial roles in Michael’s career. Both of these individuals believed that the lead vocals were Michael’s.

Just to be absolutely certain, I also contacted Jason Malachi, a young singer who some persons had wrongfully alleged was a “soundalike” singer that was hired to sing on the Cascio tracks, and I confirmed that he had no involvement with this project whatsoever.

Sony decided that, given the overwhelming objective evidence resulting from the exhaustive investigations outlined above, they wanted to release a record that included three of the Cascio-Porte tracks – because they believed, without reservation, that the lead vocal on all of those tracks were sung by Michael Jackson.

Although there still seem to be concerns being expressed in some quarters about the authenticity of the lead vocals, notwithstanding the opinion of those who worked with Michael, and two independent forensic analysts, ultimately, Michael’s fans will be the judges of these songs, as they always are. We take all fan comments very seriously, and as I’d stated above, there is nothing more important to the Estate than Michael’s music, his legacy and his fans.

Michael’s fans are extraordinary in their quest for accuracy and their passions to raise their voices in a search for truth! We join with them in our care and concern for Michael. We are continuing to follow up with those who have worked in the studio or on tours with Michael, and if any new information comes to light, we will keep you and the fans advised.

Howard Weitzman, Esq.
Attorney for the Estate Of Michael Jackson
Santa Monica, CA

New Michael Jackson album announced - 'Michael'

MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM FROM THE KING OF POP
MICHAEL
TO BE RELEASED DECEMBER 14

Exclusive Teaser and Song to be Unveiled on MichaelJackson.com

New York, NY – The much anticipated album of newly completed recordings from Michael Jackson entitled MICHAEL will be released on December 14 by Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson. Tomorrow, an exclusive teaser for the project will appear on www.michaeljackson.com; on Monday, November 8th the world premiere of “Breaking News,” a full track from the album, will stream on the site for one week only.

The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators. Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

“Breaking News,” a never heard before song by Michael that appears on the new album was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and recently brought to completion. Fans can begin pre-ordering the album on www.michaeljackson.com in the next 24 hours.

The attached image of the album cover of MICHAEL was created by painter Kadir Nelson in 2009. In the oil painting, Kadir – who is known for story telling through his art – takes us on a journey through some key moments and important people in Michael Jackson’s life.

Stay tuned for the worldwide launch of the official first single from MICHAEL later this month.
www.michaeljackson.com

Michael Jackson: landmark record deal announced

ESTATE OF MICHAEL JACKSON AND SONY MUSIC RENEW 30-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH LANDMARK RECORDING DEAL

New York, NY - Special Administrators for the Estate of Michael Jackson, John Branca and John McClain, and Sony Music will continue the label’s 30-year relationship with Michael Jackson and his music with a landmark recording deal, it was announced today.

With this new agreement, Sony Music’s Columbia Epic Label Group and Legacy Recordings will continue their term of rights to his catalog and also create new projects for Michael Jackson featuring the never-before-released Jackson recordings. The first project featuring unreleased music is expected for release in November 2010.

Rob Stringer, Chairman of the Columbia Epic Label Group comments, “Michael has always been a treasured member of the Sony Music family. We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

John Branca comments, “During his life, Michael’s contracts set the standard for the industry, reflecting his unique vision and talents that inspired and excited people in every corner of the world. By all objective criteria, this agreement with Sony Music demonstrates the lasting power of Michael’s music by exceeding all previous industry benchmarks. Each new generation produces countless new fans who appreciate Michael’s artistry, requiring a partner that has Sony’s wherewithal, business acumen and foresight to properly and respectfully showcase his genius well into the future.”

As a solo artist with Epic Records spanning three decades, Michael has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide and released thirteen #1 singles. Jackson became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. Sony’s Legacy Recordings has also created a number of successful projects such as the “Thriller” 25th anniversary album. The best selling album of all time worldwide by wide margin, “Thriller” showed the lasting power of Michael’s music by returning to #1 on the weekly sales charts in 2008.

John McClain comments, “Nowhere did Michael set the bar higher than he did with ‘Thriller,’ which nearly three decades after its release by Epic remains by far the best-selling album in history worldwide with music that transcends generations. We believe we have a partner in Sony that knows and appreciates Michael’s artistry as well as the passion of his fans. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sony to preserve and enhance his remarkable musical legacy.”

This past fall, Sony Music released the #1 two-disc album companion to the motion picture Michael Jackson’s This is It ” which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Released by Sony Pictures, the film made history as the highest grossing concert film of all time and the recently released DVD took the #1 spot in DVD sales, breaking the record for first-week’s sales of a music film.

Source: Sony Music

Michael Jackson - This Is It - Listen Now

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' single/album

On October 12th, a new Michael song will be released entitled ‘This Is It’. There is also a two disc album available from October 27th which includes a spoken poem from Michael entited ‘Planet Earth’. Below is the official information relating to the releases.

On October 12th, the first new Michael Jackson song to emerge since the world mourned the loss of this musical icon will be released - a brand new single entitled “This Is It.” Soon after, Sony Music Entertainment’s Columbia/Epic Label Group will release the two-disc album This Is It featuring the music that inspired Sony Pictures’ forthcoming film MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT. This two-disc album will be available internationally on October 26th and North America on October 27th to coincide with the worldwide release of the motion picture which arrives in theaters on October 28th and runs for a limited two-week engagement.

“This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows - that Michael is one of God’s greatest gifts, “comments John McClain,
co-producer of the album.

Disc one will feature the original album masters of some of Michael’s
biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of the never-released “This Is It.” This song is featured in the film’s closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael’s brothers, the Jacksons.

Disc two offers previously unreleased versions of some of the artist’s classic tracks. This disc also features a touching spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled “Planet Earth” that has never been heard before.

The two-disc This is It is a stand-alone companion to the motion picture and includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.

The motion picture MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a chance to discover the man they never knew through this privileged and private look at Jackson. In raw and candid detail, MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show.

Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing.

Tickets for the limited two-week engagement of the film go on sale
beginning September 27. For more information about the motion picture, please visit the website www.thisisit-movie.com

Source: michaeljackson.com

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' film to be an exclusive 2 week limited engagement around the world

TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27. INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE TO HIT THEATERS WORLDWIDE OCTOBER 28

CULVER CITY, Ca., August 20, 2009 - Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide, with the studio pushing up the debut of the film by two days, to Wednesday, October 28th. Due to the anticipated demand for this film, tickets for the two-week presentation will go on sale in most cities beginning on Sunday, September 27th.
Separately, the producers of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture. The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson's creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert, said, "This film is Michael's gift to his fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT– inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force—you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. I'm proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I'm happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work."

Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.
"I have never been partners with a more creative, innovative or groundbreaking entertainer than Michael Jackson," said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG LIVE and producer of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT. "While the concerts would have been the greatest shows in the history of music, our film will provide a historic event for Michael's fans to see for themselves the genius that he was and the creativity, talent and imagination that the entire cast devoted to create the ‘greatest concert that never happened'."

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

SIX OF THE BEST: Michael Jackson

As fans gather outside London's o2 Arena in anticipation of Michael Jackson's announcement of his first series of gigs in 13 years, we take a look back at Six Of The Best performance videos of the undisputed King Of Pop in our semi-regular feature.

6. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Heartbreak Hotel and Another Part Of Me (1988)



This brief selection of clips are cropped from a 1988 TV special celebrating the 'Bad' world tour's stop in Tokyo. The tour was a massive success - the second highest grossing of all time - and it's easy to see why. No performer in the 21 years since has captured the world's imagination like Michael Jackson did here, at his creative peak.

5. Give In To Me (1993)

Click to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-CcqOe9WWU

Okay, it's not technically a live performance - the 'concert' footage was shot in Germany in a couple of hours flat. All the same, this is a visually stunning acommpaniment to one of MJ's most hard-driving rock songs, backed up by Guns N' Roses alumni Slash, Teddy 'Zigzag' Andreadis and Gilby Clarke.

4. Stranger in Moscow (1996)



This performance from Jackson's last signifcant run of concerts, the 1996-97 HIStory tour, displays his eye-popping dance skills, still at the peak of their powers. Unfortunately much of the tour's vocals were lip-synced due to an unfortunately timed throat infection. Nonetheless, 'Stranger In Moscow' remains one of the most powerful and underrated songs in Michael's canon.

3. Smooth Criminal (1992)

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Performing this undisputed classic in front of a near-hysterical crowd in Bucharest, it's show-stopping moments like this that earned Michael Jackson the title of World's Greatest Showman.

2. Medley: American Bandstand (2002)



From American Bandstand, around the time of the commercially and critically disappointing 'Invincible' album (Jackson's last to date), this relatively recent performance captures a surprisingly agile Michael, far from the 'shadow of his former self' that the tabloids so fervently paint him to be. Of course, fans and haters alike will be eager to see whether the 50 year old legend can still cut it in 2009, after so long away from the stage.

1. Medley: Motown 25 (1983)



The very first moonwalk performance, televised around the globe. Word's can't do justice to this legendary performance, so just sit back and watch history in the making.

Take a look at 'SIX OF THE BEST: Roy Orbison' by clicking here.