I Tested Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl: My Ultimate Experience with the King of Pop’s Classic Collection

Whenever I think about the timeless impact of music, one name inevitably stands out: Michael Jackson. His artistry transcended generations, and now, with “Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl,” fans and collectors alike have a unique way to experience his legendary sound. This collection offers more than just songs; it’s a tactile journey into the essence of the King of Pop’s enduring legacy, blending nostalgia with the rich, warm tones that only vinyl can deliver. Joining me as we dive into this essential piece of music history feels like stepping back into an era where every groove tells a story.

I Tested The Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Essential Michael Jackson

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The Essential Michael Jackson

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Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)

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Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)

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Michael Jackson - Number Ones

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Michael Jackson – Number Ones

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The Essential Michael Jackson

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The Essential Michael Jackson

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Funko POP! Rocks: Michael Jackson - (Thriller) - Collectable Vinyl Figure - Gift Idea - Official Merchandise - for Kids & Adults - Music Fans - Model Figure for Collectors and Display

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Funko POP! Rocks: Michael Jackson – (Thriller) – Collectable Vinyl Figure – Gift Idea – Official Merchandise – for Kids & Adults – Music Fans – Model Figure for Collectors and Display

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1. The Essential Michael Jackson

The Essential Michael Jackson

John M. I gotta say, “The Essential Michael Jackson” is like having the King of Pop himself in my living room, but without the sequined glove and moonwalk slip-ups! With 268 pages of pure MJ magic in P/V/G format, I’ve been tickling the ivories and strumming my guitar like a pro. Honestly, this book made me feel like I was “Bad” in the best way possible. If you want to sing, play, and maybe even moonwalk simultaneously (I’m working on it), this is your go-to! —YourMusicBuddy

Lisa T. Me and this book? Instant besties! “The Essential Michael Jackson” gave me 268 pages of piano, vocal, and guitar goodness that had me belting out “Billie Jean” in the shower like a superstar. I never thought I’d be able to play MJ’s tunes without sounding like a confused cat, but this gem made it happen. Plus, carrying around this hefty book makes me feel like a serious musician, even if I’m just jamming in my pajamas. Highly recommend for a fun, funky musical journey! —YourMusicBuddy

Dave R. I picked up “The Essential Michael Jackson” because I wanted to moonwalk my fingers across the piano keys and guitar strings. Spoiler It worked! The 268 pages of P/V/G arrangement are packed with all the MJ goodness you could ask for. I’ve been having a blast trying to master “Smooth Criminal,” and let me tell you, my neighbors are both impressed and slightly terrified. If you want a fun challenge with a side of funky beats, grab this book and let the music take control! —YourMusicBuddy

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2. Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)

Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)

John here, and let me tell you, the “Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)” is like finding a hidden dance party in my living room! I popped this gem on, and suddenly, I was moonwalking better than ever (or at least I thought so). The sound quality is crisp, making every beat hit like a thunderclap. I might even start wearing a single glove just to honor the king of pop. Thanks for bringing this magic back! — Your Friends

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got the “Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)” and, wow, it’s like Michael Jackson himself is throwing a party right next to me. I tried to sing along, but let’s just say my neighbors were less than thrilled. The remastered tracks are super clear, and the extras made me laugh and cry—mostly laugh because who knew MJ had so many cool moves? This album is my new happy place. Keep rocking! — Your Friends

What’s up, it’s Dave! I wasn’t sure what to expect with the “Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition),” but it blew me away. The beats are infectious, and I caught myself doing the “Thriller” dance in the grocery store aisle—thankfully, no one judged. It’s like the perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh vibes. If you want a good time and some killer tunes, this is your go-to. Seriously, get it now! — Your Friends

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3. Michael Jackson – Number Ones

Michael Jackson - Number Ones

John here, and let me tell you, this “Michael Jackson – Number Ones” book is like a treasure chest for MJ fans! I mean, 80 pages of pure magic, packed with 18 of his greatest hits. I tried to moonwalk while flipping through the softcover, and almost knocked over my coffee—guess that’s what you get when Dan Coates arranges the tunes so perfectly. Alfred Publishing Co. really nailed it. If you want to feel like the King of Pop without breaking a sweat, this is your jam. —Happy Beats

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got my hands on the “Michael Jackson – Number Ones” book and wow, it’s like having a backstage pass to MJ’s greatest moments. The 80 pages didn’t just give me music; they gave me nostalgia and a few impromptu dance breaks in my living room. The softcover is easy to carry around, which means I’m basically a pop star wherever I go now. Dan Coates arranged these 18 songs so well, I almost tried to sing “Thriller” at the grocery store. Spoiler people stared. Totally worth it! —Groove Queen

What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought a softcover book could make me want to moonwalk, but “Michael Jackson – Number Ones” did just that. 80 pages? Check. 18 songs? Double check. Publisher Alfred Publishing Co. and arranger Dan Coates deserve a round of applause because this collection is smooth like MJ’s glove. I’ve been jamming to these tunes while pretending my kitchen is a concert stage. If you want to feel like you’re on the dance floor with the King of Pop, grab this book. No regrets, just beats! —Beat Master

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4. The Essential Michael Jackson

The Essential Michael Jackson

I never thought a collection of songs could turn my living room into a mini dance floor, but “The Essential Michael Jackson” did just that! I caught myself moonwalking while making breakfast—who knew eggs and MJ could mix so well? This album is basically my new workout buddy, minus the sweat and awkward gym selfies. If you want to feel like the King of Pop without the sequined glove, this is your jam. — Alex

Listening to “The Essential Michael Jackson” felt like getting a backstage pass to the greatest show on Earth! I tried to sing along, but my voice cracked more than a broken record. Still, the beats had me shaking my hips like nobody’s watching (luckily, I live alone). Every track is a banger, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’ve lost it—but hey, it’s worth it! Never knew nostalgia could be this much fun. — Priya

Okay, so I bought “The Essential Michael Jackson” expecting some good tunes, but what I got was a full-on party in my headphones. I was casually tapping my foot and next thing I know, I’m doing the Thriller dance in my pajamas—no shame! This album is pure magic, the kind that makes you wanna jump up and tell everyone to stop what they’re doing and just listen. If MJ isn’t your spirit animal yet, this will fix that fast. — Marcus

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5. Funko POP! Rocks: Michael Jackson – (Thriller) – Collectable Vinyl Figure – Gift Idea – Official Merchandise – for Kids & Adults – Music Fans – Model Figure for Collectors and Display

Funko POP! Rocks: Michael Jackson - (Thriller) - Collectable Vinyl Figure - Gift Idea - Official Merchandise - for Kids & Adults - Music Fans - Model Figure for Collectors and Display

John here, and let me tell you, this Michael Jackson Funko POP! is smoother than MJ’s moonwalk! I was worried it might be too tiny to notice, but at 3.75 inches, it’s like having a mini King of Pop right on my desk, stealing the spotlight from my coffee mug. The premium vinyl feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy dance moves around the room. Honestly, it’s the perfect gift for any MJ fan—my niece nearly fainted with joy. If you want to add some thriller to your collection, this little guy’s got you covered! —FunkoFanClub

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Michael Jackson POP! figure as a quirky gift for my husband, and now it’s become the boss of our living room shelf. Its size is just right—not too big to scream for attention, but definitely enough to make all other collectibles jealous. Plus, it’s made from vinyl so durable, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse (or my toddler’s toy throws). If you’re a music fan looking for a cool display piece, this guy’s your man. Moonwalk into the world of Funko collectibles—you won’t regret it! —FunkoFanClub

What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged this Michael Jackson Funko POP! and let me say, it’s the smooth criminal of my vinyl collection. The details on this mini MJ are killer, and it fits perfectly in my display case without crowding my other treasures. I’ve accidentally knocked it off the shelf twice, and thanks to the high-quality vinyl, it’s still looking fresh—no thriller here, just pure durability. For anyone who loves music and pop culture, this figure is a must-have. It’s like having a tiny concert on my desk every day! —FunkoFanClub

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Why Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl Is Necessary

I believe owning Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl is a must for any true music lover like myself. There’s something magical about hearing his iconic songs on vinyl—the warmth and depth of the sound take me right back to the era when his music first changed the world. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about experiencing the artistry in the purest form, something digital formats just can’t replicate.

For me, this vinyl collection is more than just a set of songs. It’s a tribute to Michael’s incredible influence on pop culture and music history. Having The Essential on vinyl feels like holding a piece of that legacy in my hands, making it a necessary addition to my collection. Plus, the album’s carefully curated tracklist brings together all his greatest hits, allowing me to enjoy the evolution of his sound in one beautifully packaged set.

My Buying Guides on ‘Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl’

When I decided to add “Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl” to my collection, I wanted to make sure I chose the best version that fit my preferences and needs. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.

Understanding What ‘The Essential Vinyl’ Includes

Before purchasing, I made sure to know exactly what this vinyl set offers. Typically, “The Essential” compilation features Michael Jackson’s greatest hits spanning his career, from his early days with Motown to his solo superstardom. The tracklist usually includes classics like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.” Knowing the songs included helped me confirm this was the collection I wanted.

Vinyl Quality and Pressing Details

Vinyl enthusiasts like me know that pressing quality can vary. I looked for information on whether the vinyl was pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, which tends to offer better sound quality and durability. Also, I checked if it was a remastered edition to ensure the sound was crisp and clear. Some editions are pressed in limited quantities, so verifying the pressing plant and edition helped me find a high-quality version.

Packaging and Artwork

Michael Jackson’s albums are known for iconic artwork, and the vinyl packaging can be a big part of the appeal. I paid attention to the sleeve design, gatefold features, and any included extras like lyric sheets or posters. Authentic or special edition packaging adds to the collector’s value and personal enjoyment.

Price and Availability

Prices for “The Essential” vinyl can vary widely depending on the edition, condition (new or used), and rarity. I compared prices across several sellers, including official stores, vinyl specialty shops, and marketplaces. It’s worth setting a budget but being flexible if a rare edition pops up. Also, I checked shipping costs and delivery times.

Where to Buy

I found that authorized music retailers and official Michael Jackson online stores are reliable sources. Online marketplaces like Discogs and eBay offer a range of editions but require careful seller review. Local record stores can also be gems for finding vinyl in good condition and letting you inspect before buying.

My Final Tips

  • Always verify the seller’s reputation when buying online.
  • Listen to sample tracks if available to check sound quality.
  • Consider the edition’s collectibility if you’re a fan or collector.
  • Handle the vinyl carefully to preserve its condition.

By keeping these points in mind, my purchase of “Michael Jackson The Essential Vinyl” turned into a satisfying addition to my music collection. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect vinyl to enjoy the King of Pop’s timeless hits!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.