My "first listen" review:
Starlight (3/10): I am just so happy it evolved to Thriller, and did not stay like this. A nice-to-have addition for a complete Demo collection of the whole album along BJ, WBSS, or Beat it Demo imo. Whatsoever, is the leaked version better than the released one?
GTH (7/10): The song has such a strange rythm, but I somehow like it since day one after T25 Japanese release. In my ears, still a nice-to-listen song in between.
Who do you know (9/10): Great chill vibe, lovely vocals. Even if it is very different, the vibe feels like a mix out of "Why?" and a The Jacksons late 70s song. Love it!
Carousel (8/10): Transition from Who do you know is sweet. But why not the longer version?
BTM Demo (6/10): I expected more, mostly because I hoped for a more-finished 80s version instead of the 2010 mix. Anyway, one could have known we will now in fact get the real DEMO, that might be one of the earliest versions of the songs - a similar state compared to existing BJ or WBSS demos. It is cool to have, but not a song I would listen to every day.
CGOTR (1/10): not fitting T40 that much, especially in such a shortlist of songs. They at least could have put it in the end of Disc 2. Whatever, next.
The Toy (4/10): Interestingly, not much difference to the 2009 Best of Joy version. Happy that Michael worked on it again. The 2010 release was a great inclusion.
Sunset Driver (4/10): Inclusion is okay, but not one of my favorites. Some parts are groovy though.
What a lovely way to go (8/10): I really like the refrain including the beatboxing. I wish it was properly mixed and finalized. For a demo it is truly great. Happy about this one, as it is the only MJ production without co-production. This one would have fit as the last track, not only because of its title.
She's Trouble (6/10): Great to hear this in crisp quality. It fits the T40 concept. The wav-file will get a nice place next to Nite Line and Hot Street in my digital collection.
Overall rating the disc 5/10, today I am grateful it was not strongly promoted towards a wide audience, as it consists of songs and mixing Michael would have never wanted that it sees the light of day. Well, there was not much promotion investment anyway. Even so, I am very happy about the release. In my opinion they could have been considered for a later release, definitely.
Positive:
+ WDYK
+ WALTG
+ She's Trouble HQ
Negative:
- CTGOTR inclusion
- BTM Mike Mix = less finished mix as expected
- Hot Street and Niteline missing
- Starlight release maybe worse than leaked version
Changing my previous votes now (no vote for BTM
). Don't forget to vote for your favorite
HERE!
.
