Search - Michael Jackson :: Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite

Half of the album is exceptional

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 10/26/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Young King in remixes

Polish Black Soul | Poland | 11/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since Michael Jackson's gone, we've got many albums connect with his works. "The Remix Suite" is one of the most interesting proposition.



Unfortunatelly many remixes are tiring and boring for our ears. It's hard to say that "Dancing Machine" (Steve Aoki), "Never Can Say Goodbye" (The Neptunes) or "Hum Along And Dance" (Morales Giamsta) are "fresh" or original. But besides infantile and boring remixes there are some really great stuffs. Absolutely the best track for dance is "Dancing Machine" by great Pollow Da Don. He used brother's choirs in very original way and on the hard beat background, Michael's voice sounds incredible sexy and attractive. Really nice is also "Maria (You Were The Only One)" but the real soul of this cd are two songs - "Ben" and "Maybe Tomorrow".



These two ballads for the end of album are wonderful! I was really afraid of Akon's work cause how he could destroy Michael's song, he showed it in the remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Something". But here... Wow, legendary "Ben" doesn't sound like after Akon's work. He increased and thickened the instrumentation, so good job! But the most incredible remix is for sure "Maybe Tomorrow". Damn, this is better than the original record and I swear, shivers will go up and down your body! Amazing orchestral beginning with an intense harmony opens the way for heavenly Michael's voice. Voice which kills by his simplicity. Just shocking.



This album proves again that Michael Jackson was a genius, no matter how old he was. It shows not only his big voice but also his huge sensitivity and heart for the music. It makes me happy that someone wants propagate earlier Michael's works. It's a pity not all remixes are good but if you think over - buy "The Remix Suite" or "This Is It", I swear - choice is banal!"

I think MJ would approve

Braden Pickering | Maricopa, AZ | 11/30/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."