Michael Jackson has always been one of my favorite artists. My mom tells me I started listening to him when I was about four years old, I am twenty-eight now. After his death, I was very sad,but as a fan there was so much more Michael merchandise available, that aspect was exciting as a fan. When "This Is It" came out, I saw it within the first week, and my father bought me the film's soundtrack. Most of those songs I already had so I was not planning on buying the album, but I was pleasantly surprised when I received it as a gift.

Michael Jackson's career has spanned for over almost forty years. There is enough music to listen to on multiple days, and several different styles expressed over time. Many artists who were famous as children fade away, but Michael's music was the opposite. He seemed to get only more famous with each passing album. Many people claim that Thriller was never eclipsed by Michael. These people are more casual fans in nature, because while I do love Thriller, the other albums pre- and post are just as excellent. As Michael went through times of controversy his fan base stayed larger than most other established artists, especially outside of America. His last studio album in 2001, at the time sold ten million in sales equally popular acts of the time like Britney Spears and Back Street Boys. Michael's music has always done well despite public thinking.

Soon after Michael's death, masses amounts of people came out to buy all things Michael. When it was announced that Sony, would release a posthumous album composed of never before heard tracks, I like every other fan was very excited. Michael was raised in the Motown way, artists were trained to have an extensive catalog that may never have been released to fans. One producer claimed that Michael would write and record many tracks that were never used for each studio album. So, as songs began to leak I waited with great expectation.

When I listened to tracks, most of the songs I felt were not Michael Jackson's voice at all. This view might alienate me from several fellow fans, but after listening to him after most of my life this is what I feel. If my suspicions are true, questions must be raised. Why would the record company claim that the tracks are completely authentic if they indeed are not? I do believe that a few of the tracks are Michael's actual voice, but the others are not. This only personal opinion, but I can not in good conscience buy this album. As I have always been a fan of all his other work it really does hurt to say this. I will not be in the line getting this album, and I will keep listening to other albums that are already in my life.

They have released the song, "Hold My Hand" featuring Akon. This track does appear to feature Michael's voice. This video is poignant and beautiful. I wish I could feel that about the complete album.