Number Ones

iTunes Review

Although Michael Jackson left behind many unanswered questions, this 2003 compilation reminds us that more importantly he left us with a legacy of great songs. The title suggests that Number Ones comprises chart toppers, but not every song here hit at number one. The ambient and harmonious “Break Of Dawn” was never a single and while there’s no denying that “Thriller” is one of Jackson’s most epic hits ever, replete with Vincent Price’s zombie rap at the end, it wasn't a number one (though it came close at number four). “Smooth Criminal” and “Earth Song” are also awesome songs in their own right that never hit a one spot, and his number one duet with Paul McCartney “Say Say Say” is curiously absent. Still, Number Ones stands as an enjoyable listen and a great way to remember the King Of Pop. The songs here are sequenced chronologically, save for the last two bonus tracks – the beat-heavy ballad “One More Chance” was recorded exclusively for this 2003 collection and a 1981 live version of the easy listening hit “Ben” that Jackson recorded as a child with his family band The Jackson 5 bookends the collection.