Michael Jackson – The Definitive Collection

Michael Jackson's The Definitive Collection returns to the Motown years that first introduced him to the world, gathering 14 remastered recordings from his early solo work and his time with the Jackson 5. It is a focused snapshot of the music behind the young Michael's rise, and this 2026 vinyl edition also ties in with the songs featured in the MJ biopic.

What makes this set useful is its clear balance between group and solo sides. Jackson 5 staples such as I Want You Back, ABC and I'll Be There sit beside early solo hits including Got to Be There, Ben and I Wanna Be Where You Are, showing how quickly Michael moved from child star to a singer with a distinct identity of his own. Rather than trying to be exhaustive, it works as a compact introduction to the soulful, melodic recordings that laid the foundation for everything that followed.

This edition adds more than just the music itself. The tracks are newly remastered, and the package is supported by an essay from David Ritz, detailed track annotations, and photographs from the Motown Archives. For anyone coming to Michael Jackson's earliest catalogue through the film, or for longtime fans wanting these Motown recordings on vinyl, this is an easy set to recommend.

Features

• 1xLP, Black Vinyl
• Remastered audio
• Essay by David Ritz with detailed track annotations
• Photographs from the Motown Archives

Reviews

• for fans lacking a collection of Michael's earliest hits, this is a useful compilation - AllMusic.com