Michael Jackson
Scream
MJJ/Epic/Legacy
by David Chiu
This latest Michael Jackson compilation is unique in that it compiles the King of Pop’s dark and spooky songs from his career, so its arrival is perfectly timed with Halloween. (The music from this collection was recently featured in the CBS animated special Michael Jackson’s Halloween). So naturally songs like “Thriller,” “Scream,” “Blood on the Dance Floor,” “Dirty Diana,” “Leave Me Alone,” and “Dangerous” are no-brainers for this set. But there are some interesting choices on Scream as well, such as picking out The Jacksons’ “This Place Hotel” and the outstanding “Torture,” the latter from the Victory album; and the ’80s paranoiac hit “Somebody’s Watching Me,” recorded by Rockwell that featured Jackson on backing vocals. A couple of other tracks from Invincible and Xscape–”Threatened, and the title song respectively– round out the set. Faithful fans probably have most of the songs, although this collection contains a new bonus White Panda mashup of “Blood on the Dance Floor x Dangerous” (with some bits of “This Place Hotel” and “Leave Me Alone”). While “Thriller” is no doubt a staple on radio during Halloween, Scream focuses on other overlooked tracks when it comes to the King of Pop’s moody and ominous ( as well as uptempo and infectiously dance-laden pop) songs, enough to further spice up your Halloween playlist or party.
NewBeats 