Michael Jackson
's double-disc
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
is a monumental achievement of ego. Titled "HIStory Begins," the first disc is a collection of his post-
Motown
hits, featuring some of the greatest music in pop history, including
"Billie Jean,"
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough,"
"Beat It,"
and
"Rock with You."
It leaves some hits out -- including the number ones
"Say Say Say"
"Dirty Diana"
-- yet it's filled with enough prime material to be thoroughly intoxicating. The second disc, called "HIStory Continues," consists entirely of new material -- which also happens to be the first material he released since being accused of child molestation. "HIStory Continues" is easily the most personal album
Jackson
has recorded. References to the scandal permeate almost every song, creating a thick atmosphere of paranoia. Occasionally,
produces some well-crafted pop that ranks with his best material:
R. Kelly
's
"You Are Not Alone"
is seductive,
"Scream"
improves on the slamming beats of his earlier single
"Jam,"
"Stranger in Moscow"
is one of his most haunting ballads. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine