Jackson 5: The Ultimate Collection

iTunes Review

From 1969’s “I Want You Back” onwards, it was clear that the Jackson 5 were no juvenile novelty act. Once they reached the big time, these kids blew their elders off the radio with hit after irresistible hit, and anyone who doubts the substance behind their infectious sound needs to immerse themselves in The Ultimate Collection. This 21-track anthology wisely concentrates on their singles output during their fruitful Motown tenure. Pre-teen Michael pours out his heart on such puppy love anthems as “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “Mama’s Pearl” while his siblings harmonize against shimmering string backdrops. Tracks like “Sugar Daddy” and “The Love You Save” are adorably sweet and innocently sexy all at once. The Jacksons survived the transition into the disco era admirably, as the unstoppable “Dancing Machine” proves. Worth special attention are several solo recordings included here, especially Jermaine’s tender, Sam Cooke-like “Daddy’s Home.” A pair of previously unreleased tracks (“It’s Your Thing,” “The Life of the Party”) add to this album’s appeal. Later recordings by the Jacksons have merit; Michael’s solo career is a legend unto itself. But for pure uninhibited fun, the tunes on this Ultimate Collection are hard to beat.