Continued brilliance from Michael Jackson. (Dangerous - Michael Jackson)

Member Name: km1234

Product:	Dangerous - Michael Jackson
Date:	10/07/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: He shows that he's not a one-trick pony and is willing to experiment.

Disadvantages: Can occassionally drag which is shame because it was already too long.

Michael Jackson's pop masterpiece, 'Dangerous' was released in 1991 and signified a move away from trying to replicate the success of 'Thriller'. Learning his lessons from 'Bad', Jackson changed music style, direction and even changed producer from Quincy Jones to Teddy Riley. The result was something which sometimes hit the doldrums but sometimes produced perhaps the best music in his career.

Always one to open things up with a bang, the first track 'Jam' is no exception to this. Written by Jackson, Bruce Swedien, Rene Moore and Teddy Rile, the experimentation with new jack swing is one that definitely pays off and this is track really gets your blood moving. Featuring a guest rapper (a new thing for Jackson), the change in direction revitalises his music for the better. For those worried that Jackson can't cope with stardom any more, never fear - It ain't too much for him! The video is also features some new dance moves from Jackson and a cameo appearance from basketball legend Michael Jackson.

Track number two is a song about worldwide famine called 'Why You Wanna Trip On Me'. Written by Riley, it also fits in with most of Jackson's paranoia song as it asks the media to quit focussing on him and instead report about important issues instead. A filler new jack swing which is still enjoyable to listen to.

We move onto one of my favourites, the Jackson and Riley new jack swing collaboration, 'In The Closet'. It's not about what you think it might be - instead it's about keeping our feelings hidden. Not that the raunchy music video with Naomi Campbell would support this. Some beautiful vocals from Jackson again, the song is extremely catchy and will be stuck in your head for days.

The fourth song is...one again the new jack swing song 'She Drives Me Wild', written by Jackson and Riley again. Featuring a car horn as a part of the main bass riff, the song showcases the willingness to stray outside the safe zone and try something different. The bridge in this song is probably the best section and although it's considered to be a filler, I really do like this song.

At number five, we have what I feel is the best song on the track. 'Remember The Time' composed by Jackson and Riley is Michael Jackson at his best - traces of new jack swing combined with pop, his melodious voice, some soaring instrumentation and an awesome music video mean that this will always be a classic for me. An extremely catchy tune. The music video is pretty entertaining as well with a complex dance routine, elaborate Egyptian sets and costumes and appearances from Eddie Murphy, Iman and Magic Johnson.

'Can't Let Her Get Away' follows in a somewhat similar vein to 'She Drives Me Wild' but tends more towards hip-hop rather new jack swing. Still, this song is one of the underrated tracks on the album and it's all too easy to sing along.

Song number seven is the traditional Michael Jackson - 'Heal The World' is an uplifting if not slightly preachy song. Although the message is good and the song is good, it comes off as a bit sanctimonious for my liking. But hey, he donated the profits from this song to his charity so we can't complain about the humanitarian efforts here.

His biggest commercial success as his biggest U.S. number one after 'Billie Jean' from the album follows with 'Black or White', written by Jackson. No doubt the song highlighted Jackson's changing appearance but in itself, the song is sending a harmonious message on a catchy guitar riff (from Slash) and the music video was definitely Jackson all over. Featuring a guest appearance from Macaulay Culkin (the Home Alone kid), a guest rap, various locations around the world, face morphing and an extended and controversial dance routine at the end, it's guaranteed to keep you watching.

'Who Is It' is song number nine, written by Jackson and also ranks up there as one of my favourites from the album. The a capella introduction followed by a brilliant bass line, soaring strings and an emotional and mature vocal performance from Jackson all contribute to its brilliance.

'Give In To Me' is the tenth track on the album and is written by Jackson with Slash featuring in on the guitar. A traditional rock ballad, to me it's not really a patch on 'Beat It' or 'Dirty Diana'.

'Will You Be There' was featured on the soundtrack to Free Willy and deservedly so. A brilliant track written by Jackson, it really touches the listener as Jackson sends out a plea for acceptance. This definitely is one of the best songs on the album and hasn't dated even 18 years later.

Song number twelve is 'Keep The Faith' and was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Barrett who were both responsible for 'Man In The Mirror' and this song follows that pattern. Although it's definitely an uplifting and beautiful song, I feel that it was uneccessarily long and was a bit too complicated but nevertheless, still a good song overall.

'Gone Too Soon' is now being used as a poster song to lament the passing of Michael Jackson but it was originally dedicated to the passing of Ryan White, who died from HIV/AIDS. Written by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, it features a beautiful soprano voice of Jackson and really shows that sometimes, less is more.

On to the final track of the album, the titular 'Dangerous'. Once again, it shows how Jackson is willing to move in new directions and I really like the husky vocals from Jackson which are emphasised by the new jack swing. It really signals that even better was to come form Jackson.

All in all, this album featured too many tracks - with a bit of selective editing, it would topped 'Thriller' artistically and unfortunately for Jackson, had he released this a year before the advent of grunge and Nirvana, it might have even topped 'Thriller' sales. Who knows... Nevertheless, a brilliant brilliant album which definitely deserves a place in everyone's record collection.

Summary: One of his Michael Jackson's best works which should definitely be acknowledged.