The Ultimate Collection

Performer: The Jackson 5
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: The Jackson 5: Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson (vocals). Additional personnel includes: Monty Seward (keyboards, programming). Producers include: Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Hal Davis. Compilation producer: Dana G. Smart. Includes liner notes by David Ritz. This is part of the Motown Master Series. All of the tracks on THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION are taken from the Jackson 5 box-set SOULSATION!: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION (Motown 530 489), except "It's Your Thing (The J5 In '95 Extended Remix)." Personnel: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson (vocals). The first single-disc Jackson 5 collection to take full advantage of the compact-disc medium, The Ultimate Collection is certainly the ultimate for any but the most hardcore fans. Ranging from 1969's "I Want You Back" to 1975's "I Am Love, Pts. 1-2," these 21 tracks include each of the group's hits, among them "ABC," "The Love You Save," "I'll Be There," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Maybe Tomorrow," "Lookin' Through the Windows," "Get It Together," and "Dancing Machine." And unlike previous hits collections (barring only the multi-disc Anthology), there's plenty of space for more material: a few solo hits from Michael ("Got to Be There," "Rockin' Robin," "Just a Little Bit of You") and Jermaine ("Daddy's Home"), plus a pair of previously unreleased tracks ("It's Your Thing," a slowed-down Isleys cover, and "The Life of the Party"). Despite a few classic albums, the Jackson 5 were singles artists first and foremost, and their two-minute blasts of rhythm and energy are best-heard on a compilation. The best of that lot is this one. ~ John Bush Busting out of Gary, Indiana in 1968, the Jackson Five became a phenomenally successful crossover group for Motown Records. Their four consecutive Number One records, "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There," are all included here. With matching psychedelic outfits, a compelling blend of commercial soul and funk, and Michael Jackson's heartfelt homage to Jackie Wilson's stylings, they were top sellers throughout the early '70s. This collection covers only the Motown years (a second rebirth as the Jacksons occurred when they switched labels to Epic in 1976), but it's rich in their early brilliance. A shaking cover of the Isley Brothers' hit "It's Your Thing" shows just how funky the boys can get. The group's many hits, such as "Mama's Pearl," "Maybe Tomorrow," and "Sugar Daddy," produced by Berry Gordy and the four man writing/producing team known as The Corporation, are also featured. The nascent stirrings of Michael's solo career are represented by "Got to Be There" and "Rockin' Robin." Also noteworthy is 1974's "Dancing Machine," a precursor to the boys' more blatant disco excursions. Jammed with 21 hit songs and 74 minutes of music, THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION is a must-own.

Gary, Indiana brothers Tito, Jermaine, Randy, Michael, and Marlon Jackson were the Jackson 5 (later known simply as the Jacksons). One of the most influential and successful vocal groups of all time, they became worldwide superstars before they hit their teens. The Jackson 5's music was a highly accessible mix of R&B and straight pop with enormous crossover appeal. The group's focus was on the prodigious talents of its lead singer, Michael, who even at nine years old sang with the authentic soul feel of a grown man. Michael's subsequent solo career made him one of the biggest-selling artists in history, but the work of the Jackson 5 remains a vital part of pop and R&B history.

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