The Ultimate Collection (CD - 1995)

Additional personnel includes: Monty Seward (keyboards, programming).

Producers include: Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, Hal Davis.

Compilation producer: Dana G. Smart.

Includes liner notes by David Ritz.

This is part of the Motown Master Series.

All of the tracks on THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION are taken from the Jackson 5 box-set SOULSATION!: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION (Motown 530 489), except "It's Your Thing (The J5 In '95 Extended Remix)."

Personnel: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson (vocals).

Busting out of Gary, Indiana in 1968, the Jackson Five became a phenomenally successful crossover group for Motown Records. Their four consecutive Number One records, "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There," are all included here. With matching psychedelic outfits, a compelling blend of commercial soul and funk, and Michael Jackson's heartfelt homage to Jackie Wilson's stylings, they were top sellers throughout the early '70s.

This collection covers only the Motown years (a second rebirth as the Jacksons occurred when they switched labels to Epic in 1976), but it's rich in their early brilliance. A shaking cover of the Isley Brothers' hit "It's Your Thing" shows just how funky the boys can get. The group's many hits, such as "Mama's Pearl," "Maybe Tomorrow," and "Sugar Daddy," produced by Berry Gordy and the four man writing/producing team known as The Corporation, are also featured. The nascent stirrings of Michael's solo career are represented by "Got to Be There" and "Rockin' Robin." Also noteworthy is 1974's "Dancing Machine," a precursor to the boys' more blatant disco excursions. Jammed with 21 hit songs and 74 minutes of music, THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION is a must-own. minimize