Review:
Just like the man himself, HIStory is an album divided, presenting an overview of the work of arguably one of the most brilliant entertainers and songwriters in music history, while also presenting a sobering and at times alarming picture of a tortured man on a downward spiral of bitterness and anger.

As described previously, Disc 1 is a damn-near perfect chronicle of everything that has made both casual listeners and die-hard fans helpless to resist the magnetic pull of his chart-busting, hook-laden hits. More of a 'moonwalk' down Memory Lane, everything is here: from the explosive beginnings of his solo career with mentor Quincy Jones producing OFF THE WALL, to the "Citizen Kane" of his career, THRILLER, which changed not only his life in the white-hot spotlight, but music in general.

But for those who would rather remember the "good old days" when no dancefloor and no DJ would dare leave Michael's latest and greatest songs off their playlists, a caveat--stop at Disc 1.

It isn't hard to determine where Michael was in his life when these songs were written and recorded--he literally cuts his skin and bleeds into the CD grooves, so vividly distraught and angry is the bulk of the material.

Though it was more than likely the record company's attempt to cash in on a solid-gold opportunity, baby sis Janet joins him on "Scream", a propulsive and caustic dressing-down of the external forces that have plagued the family for years, (mainly the media), but especially the gadflies who have nipped at the heels of both siblings since the very beginnings of their meteoric careers. It literally vibrates with rage, but it's also a well-produced dancefloor track (by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis), that, not surprisingly, spent weeks in the Top Ten upon its release.

And many of the songs continue in this vein: "D.S.", "This Time Around", "Tabloid Junkie", "Money" are at once painfully personal and therapeutic, aiding Michael in channeling his frustration, rage and disillusionment at the allegations of child molestation and other eccentricities that all but trashed a once seemingly unstoppable career. The infectious beats, snarky samples and songcraft are still here, but don't expect anything as light or as enjoyable as "Rock With You" or "Don't Stop Until You Get Enough."

Thank goodness there is a break or two, including one of the better covers of The Beatles' staple "Come Together", (sadly ironic since it's something that Michael and ex-best bud Paul McCartney may never do since the Beatles song catalog flap.) "They Don't Care About Us" and "Earth Song" are message songs that revisit the ethos of "Man In The Mirror." "You Are Not Alone" is as much a song of self-affirmation as it is a love song, (written during his brief coupling with Lisa Marie Presley.)

The most heartfelt and tear-jerking numbers he has ever done would be "Childhood (Theme From Free Willy 2)" which all but bares his soul to the world about his deepest feelings of loss and regret, and "Stranger In Moscow", which captures the isolation and abandonment he was feeling at the time he put pen to paper.

Disk 2 closes with a rendition of Chaplin's classic "Smile," which underscores why Michael has always been hailed as "The King of Pop" worldwide, self-appointed or not, and why the world of music will be a much emptier place without the anticipation of his unparalelled talents.

Conclusion:
Michael Light and Michael Dark. It doesn't matter which side you listen to or even prefer; as a fan I just feel fortunate that HIStory is here for us to review at all. Personally, I give Disc 1 10 stars. Disc 2 gets 8 for the more listenable tracks.

Where to buy:
Michael Jackson music and rare collectables on sale now at Amazon