Immortal

UPDATE: check the first comment to this review for a link to my review of the show itself! Just saw it twice!

When I first heard this Cirque soundtrack was going to remix, and in some cases, mash-up, some of the most iconic songs ever recorded, I was worried. But I listen to Michael's original tracks all the time, so I don't feel shortchanged by this reworking of his untouchable classics. If anything, I've really taken to this energized Cirque-ified remix. It's like a concentrated dose of Michael as interpreted through Soleil's prism. Somehow they've managed to retain Michael's essence, yet add their own flair to it, that somehow makes Michael stretch beyond his usual larger than life; which is interesting, considering he's no longer here. Although Michael's presence is clearly missing, his spirit is ever-present, via his own alternate vocal recordings of these impressive songs. It's almost as if he's graduated from Peter Pan to Wizard of Oz! Sizzling with omnipotence and infusing his rhythm and dance from the ethereal beyond.

I downloaded my copy directly from Michael's website, because you get all the tracks from the Deluxe CD, including the 5 tracks that are missing from the download here at Amazon. I love this remix of Michael's classics. Think of this soundtrack as a re-imagined Best Of CD; if you want to stay true to the classics, maybe consider The Essential Michael Jackson CD. Personally, I enjoy having both. If you're open minded enough to embrace Michael continuing to push the envelope through those entrusted to carry forth his legacy, then this CD, and the Cirque show itself, is something you're sure to enjoy. It's all good to me, because I enjoy spending time with Michael.

The Show

Michael was in talks with Cirque while he was alive, and it's nice to see his dream has finally been realized; even if different from what he would have imagined were he here to add his Midas-touch from his sequined glove. My hubby and I will be seeing the show at the Staples Center, which should be special, given that's where MJ sang his last notes here on this Earth. I've been a Cirque fan for years and seen most all of their shows, and I've been a Michael fan my entire life, so I already know I'm going to love this show. And hearing this soundtrack only clinches the deal!

Standout Tracks

Michael's iconic hits need no introduction. So rather than give a play-by-play of each track, I'll let the music speak for itself. You can listen to short samples of each song here on Amazon, or check my first comment to this review for a link to where you can listen to 7 complete tracks for free before buying. Briefly, a few of my favorites are:

You Are Not Alone - MJ sings Spanish halfway through
I'll Be There - MJ at 10yrs with piano Only... Stunning
Immortal MegaMix - I DARE you to sit still!
Dancing Machine - automatic systematic, dynamite and super bad!
Childhood - has always been a favorite; and I love this Immortal version.
Planet Earth/Earth Song - this rendition weaves together this iconic song with a poem by Michael

Oh, who am I kidding? It's MJ; they're ALL Great!

Bottom Line: I've got my MJ "E"-ticket and I'm strapped in for the ride, wherever it goes; from childhood to beyond! Jermaine said it best, "It's time to celebrate Michael's life." Which is easy to do, because Michael's music instantly lifts-off and makes my spirit soar. This soundtrack and Michael's vocals are absolutely stunning. No, Michael didn't have a hand in remixing his iconic songs, but his spirit IS here, through and through; like a true Immortal. So buckle-up and get ready for a fun ride.

MJ Forever!
;oD

I seriously don't understand the negative reviews by people who call themselves fans. This is a good album and I say that as someone who doesn't like remixes much. But these are not the type of remixes those kill off the soul of the original music. These are actually much better remixes than you will find either on Blood on the Dance Floor (although the non-remix part of that album is a work of a genius, but I don't listen to the remix part much) or Thriller 25. And some of the mixes make the songs sound better. Such as the mix of Dancing Machine - the arrangement of the original was a bit dated but with this new mix it could be a club hit in 2011 again. Or "I'll be there" - OMG that voice!

Actually on all songs Michael's voice is brought foreward and it highlights what a great singer he actually was - besides being a great dancer and songwriter.

People need to realize that this is a soundtrack album to a Cirque du Soleil show and it should be perceived as such.

I'm pretty saddened to see Michael's own fans attacking every new release since his death. No, I'm not approving everything the Estate does automatically. In fact I thought the "Michael" album was poorly produced and Sony need to get their act together in the future in that area. But this is a good and fun album which will make you want to dance - even if you are not a hardcore fan.

I wonder how these fans think Michael's legacy will survive if they attack and sabotage everything the Estate does just out of partizanship or because of the conspiracy theories they have in their minds about Sony or the Estate or whatever. A Cirque show is something I'm sure Michael would have approved of since he loved Cirque. Actually he would be proud of it. I'm also sure he wouldn't mind these remixes since he didn't mind MUCH poorer remixes on Thriller 25.

Fans need to accept that things will never be again like they were while Michael was alive. His albums will never be like that again. He was a genius and he cannot be replaced. But don't get let this fact get in the way of being able to enjoy an overal good album like this one.

When Immortal arrived and I had a chance to listen to it..it completely blew me away! The way the songs are put together is just amazing...its definitely worth getting It as I'm sure Michael would give two thumbs way up for how his songs were Re-Imagined...although we can all agree the originals are way better!
Every time I listen to it it gives me chills...trust me you'll be getting your money's worth getting the Deluxe Edition!!

I love you Michael...:)