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The soundtrack for the film "This Is It" is a collection of songs from a legendary artist who passed away in his prime.
"This Is It" not only acts as a tribute to Michael Jackson but also chronicles the development and production of what would have been a series of sold-out concerts at London's O2 arena this summer.
The soundtrack features a mix of Jackson's older hits, many of which have been remastered, as well as several new songs that could have helped Jackson make yet another incredible comeback.
The 20-song album opens with "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," the fourth single off Jackson's monster 1982 album "Thriller."
Other "Thriller" songs featured on the soundtrack include "Human Nature," "Thriller" and the single versions of both "Beat It" and "Billie Jean."
Remastered versions of songs like "Jam," "Black or White" and "Earth Song" are included on the album as well as a version of "Man in the Mirror," which is arguably Jackson's most inspirational piece.
The album also features hits like "Smooth Criminal" and "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)."
The album's title track can't be purchased as a single on iTunes, but the strength of "This Is It" is reason enough to purchase the collection of songs, most of which could easily be found on a number of greatest hits collections by the King of Pop.
"This Is It" is an inspirational yet upbeat number that has the same emotional build as "Will You Be There," a song from Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous" that was featured on the soundtrack of the 1993 film "Free Willy," with bubbly lyrics that echo the sounds of songs like "P.Y.T." and "The Girl is Mine."
A longer orchestral version of "This Is It" is also featured on the album, and it features backup vocals from Jackson's brothers and a haunting string accompaniment that gives the song an almost other-worldly sound.
While the song was written almost a decade ago as a demo for vocalist Sa-Fire, it's a fitting inclusion on an album that acts as a display of Jackson's most legendary works. "This Is It" is a song people of all ages can love with easy-to-learn lyrics.
This album also features several live recordings of Jackson, including a three-minute reading of the poem "Planet Earth" and demos to "Beat It," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "She's Out of My Life."
The demos offer unique live versions of these three hits, and further prove that Jackson's voice and creativity were still going strong this summer despite rumors of suffering health and drug problems prior to his death.
While "This Is It" may be considered by some to be just another greatest hits collection, it's really an inspirational posthumous look into Jackson's finest musical efforts.
Grade: A
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