The Jacksons signed with Philadelphia producers Kennth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1976. Sealing the deal in Gamble's office are, standing, from left, Tito, Randy, Michael, Marlon and Jackie Jackson, and, seated, from left, family patriarch Joe Jackson, Huff and Gamble.

Michael and sister Janet Jackson take a break during a portrait session in 1978 in Los Angeles.

Michael Jackson holds the Millennium Award at a ceremony in May 2000 in Monaco.

And yet for all that, the new disc does feel like an act of courage on Jackson's part--in its sheer, surprising joylessness. The skin-deep lyrics themselves may not take us too far into his thinking, but the downbeat tone does: He's sad, he's sad, he's really, really sad. More..." class="gallery-slideshow-photo" height="410" width="410">

Inasmuch as the album sells itself as his most deeply personal body of songs, yet doesn't offer up much sense of real personal revelation beyond mere defensiveness, "HIStory" is principally an album of denial, probably in more ways than one.And yet for all that, the new disc does feel like an act of courage on Jackson's part--in its sheer, surprising joylessness. The skin-deep lyrics themselves may not take us too far into his thinking, but the downbeat tone does: He's sad, he's sad, he's really, really sad.

At the risk of sounding uncynical, it can be said that, for all the weaknesses inherent, it's a dandy stocking-stuffer. Relatively tame, and wildly unfocused, "Dangerous" is also mostly good, expertly made fun.
"Dangerous," the album, arrives in stores Tuesday and guess what? Like the video, it too is a messy grab-bag of ideas and high-tech non sequiturs, with something for everyone from the man who has everything. In other words, Merry Christmas!At the risk of sounding uncynical, it can be said that, for all the weaknesses inherent, it's a dandy stocking-stuffer. Relatively tame, and wildly unfocused, "Dangerous" is also mostly good, expertly made fun.

REVIEW: 'Bad'" class="gallery-slideshow-photo" height="410" width="410">
The fact that the LP's key tracks are rooted in established traditions is a clue to "Bad's" relatively modest aims. "Thriller's" hallmark was the vaulting ambition and hair-raising power of two startling songs: "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " (and, to a slightly lesser degree, "Beat It"). "Bad's" retreat from that kind of ambition is a letdown, but it's understandable: It would have been hard to out-thrill "Thriller" without the strain showing.

Michael Jackson attends

Michael Jackson attends a press conference to announce plans for a summer residency of concerts at the O2 Arena, Grenwich, in London, England.

Michael Jackson announces

Michael Jackson announces that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July. The singer also stated that this would be his final performances in London.

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Michael Jackson attends a news conference to announce plans for a summer residency of concerts at the O2 Arena in London.

Michael Jackson addresses a press conference at the O2 arena in London, on March 5, 2009.

Michael Jackson shows some dance moves

Michael Jackson shows some dance moves as he addresses a press conference at the O2 arena in London, on March 5, 2009.

Pop icon Michael Jackson addresses

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Pop icon Michael Jackson addresses a news conference on March 5, 2009, at the O2 arena in London.

Michael Jackson poses for a photograph with one of Japanese participants to an exclusive fan events in Tokyo in 2007. Jackson was in Japan

2006 World Music Awards

Singer Michael Jackson arrives at the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court in London.

Defendant Michael Jackson with sisters LaToya Jackson (left) and Janet Jackson

Defendant Michael Jackson with sisters LaToya Jackson (left) and Janet Jackson exit the Santa Maria courthouse in 2004 for break during the Michael's evidentiary hearing in the child molestation case against him.

Michael Jackson waves at his fans

Michael Jackson waves at his fans standing on top of his limousine following his arraignment on sexual molestation charges in Santa Maria Court, in Santa Maria, Calif.

Michael Jackson acknowledges screaming fans

Michael Jackson acknowledges screaming fans as he departs the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif. Jury selection was had stated for Jackson who was charged with child molestation.

Michael Jackson arrives at Santa Barbara County Courthouse during the third week of his trial in 2005 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson is charged in a 10-count indictment with molesting a boy, plying him with liquor and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He plead innocent.

Michael Jackson, his face hidden behind blinds, signals "V" from his room on the fourth floor of the Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria

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Pop icon Michael Jackson waves to photographers in 1996 during a press conference in Paris.