It's hard to think of a more quintessential pre-disco-era super group, and this really is the ultimate collection of the Jackson 5's finest. From the super-sweet "I'll Be There" (which went on to become one of the most-covered songs in recent history) to the peppy pop of "I Want You Back", the period's essence is in every single high note. The Afros, the bell-bottoms, Michael's pre-identity crisis, it's all there and so much more fun than anything any of the clan has done since. This is a great party album: classics like "ABC", "Never Can Say Goodbye", and "Rockin' Robin" sit alongside more jazz-influenced tracks like a cover of the Isleys' "It's Your Thing", and are guaranteed to keep all feet on the dance floor. --Rebecca Wallwork

Average Customer Review: ( 80 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.

The Jackson 5 albums were no exception. The hits--and they are all here--were undeniably great. But beyond the hits and valient attempt second stringers (most of which are also here), the J5 albums were littered with filler. So this collection is DEFINITELY the best way to enjoy the J5. There are more complete surveys available (including a 4CD box), but trust me, those are only for the diehards. Everything anyone else would want from the Motown era J5 (outside of Michael's solo hit Ben) is right here.

Start here and move onto the Epic era stuff if you're interested in the funkier material.

dap

27 of 27 found the following review helpful:

Michael was a wonder!Sep 27, 2004
By Dasher "marbleann"
I was the same age as Michael..he seems to have a lost a year somewhere in time. In any case when he first appeared on tv he was a a wonder to behold. Jermaine was the Jackson that most of my friends had a crush on and when he married Berry Gordy's daughter Hazel they were all crushed of their crushes. Jackie was cute but too old, Tito had the guitar, But Michael was the voice. When I hear songs like I want you Back I can vision this little guy on the stage singing and dancing like Sammy Davis and James Brown. You had to be there to actually appriciate his talent. He looked like he was having a good time. This Cd makes me cry when I hear his old songs like "I'll Be There"..NO ONE can sing it like him..no one. Never Can Say Goodbye..ABC. I cannot had vision what a tragic figure he has become. Because like I had mentioned he looked like he was having a good time, and he certainly commanded the stage. "I Want You Back" which has one of the most famous guitar riffs ever in the beginning was a disapointment on the cd because the version on the cd was not it. But the cd is still very good. Let me make a point. The Jackson 5 were so big at the time they spured copycat groups like The Osmond Brothers, The Sylvers, The DeFranco Family. Donny Osmonds voice One Bad Apple was a direct copy of Michaels voice and a comtiplation of every song the Jackson 5 made at the time. I am surprised Joe Jackson did not sue them. One last thing, one song that liked was ommited "Let me Show you the way". That was a hit for The Jacksons not The Jackson 5 so maybe that is why it is not on the Cd. Buy it but it almost a sin they did not use the more famous version of "I want you back"

23 of 24 found the following review helpful:

THE ULTIMATE CD - THE ULTIMATE TALENT!!!Mar 27, 2005
By earth1
This is the best Jackson 5 CD there is! All the big hits are here, and for a great price. I've been amazed by MJ's talent since 1970. Whenever I hear songs like, I'll be there, The love you save, Who's lovin you, and Mama's pearl, just to name a few, I'm absolutely amazed that I'm listening to a little kid! His voice alone would have made him a superstar, but the fact that he has such INCREDIBLE dance moves to go along with that voice, truly make him a talent we will NEVER see again! It's sad to see what he looks like now, but it doesn't make him any less talented.This CD is only $9.99 what a steal! I hope someday soon, they put a live J5 concert on DVD, with all of their big hits, that would be incredible!

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Timeless ...Mar 15, 2006
By stevey wundar
B2K took notes ... and ran

N'Sync/The Backstreet Boys/98 Degrees took notes ... ran

Dru Hill took notes ... and ran

112 took notes ... and ran

Jodeci took notes ... and ran

Boyz II Men took notes ... and ran

New Edition took notes ... and ran

But the J-5 set the precedent and their music keeps going and going and going!!!

Michael was still Black, the brothers were gettin' along, LaToya's clothes were still on, Janet was makin' us fall in love with her on "Good Times" and the craziness that was Joe and Katherine's relationship was still a well-kept family secret.

In between, you'll get this CD of timeless classics from the Jackson 5 -- "The Ultimate Boy Band ... Period."

"Dancing Machine," "Never Can Say Goodbye Girl (No, No, No; No, No, No)," "Rockin' Robin," "I Wanna Be Where You Are (Oh!)" ... the list LITERALLY goes on and on and on.

And to think as soon as the Jacksons first hit it big, Mainstream America tried to quell their thunder by pushing so-called more "mainstream" (read between the lines) family acts like the Osmonds and the Partridge family (as if?!?!?)

This was just another time and place in life.

This album captures a more pure, innocent time in music.

Highly recommended album!

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

fine retrospective of The Jackson 5Jan 12, 2008
By Matthew G. Sherwin
The Ultimate Collection by The Jackson 5 really gives us a generous potion of the best from a great group. The Jackson 5 never sounded better; and their fans will love this retrospective!

"I Want You Back" starts off the album with a late `60s/early `70s rock flavor to it that is absolutely irresistible. The melody is quite catchy and little Michael Jackson sings his heart out. "ABC" continues in the same vein; and again Michael sings the main vocals while the rest back backup vocals, harmonizing and adding their own lyrics at just the right intervals. Moreover, listen for "The Love You Save;" this number was always one of my very favorites by The Jackson 5 and I think you'll like it, too.

"I'll Be There" switches gears completely to feature The Jackson 5 performing a soft and sweet love song that impresses me very much; and "Never Can Say Goodbye" is another beautiful ballad that proves just how special The Jackson 5 really were.

"Got To Be There" focuses on Michael who sings this beautifully; and the musical arrangement makes good use of the drums and percussion. Michael never misses a beat, either! "Rockin' Robin" again focuses on Michael and this tune has a great soft rockin' beat that I really like. Great guitar work on "Rockin' Robin," too!

"Get It Together" has that funky `70s sound and the group sounds as great doing this as they did when I first heard it; and "Dancing Machine" really shows The Jackson 5 batting this one straight out of the ballpark! Again, I am very impressed.

The album ends with a remix of "It's Your Thing;" this 1995 remix will appeal to fans of rap and hip hop; but you'll still hear Michael squarely in the spotlight.

Of course, time will never erase the memories of The Jackson 5---they were too big and successful for that. It's also wonderful to listen to a rather young Michael Jackson singing his heart out and leading their adoring audiences wherever he wanted them to go.

See all 80 customer reviews on Amazon.com