Jean.Francois
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- May 31, 2022
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Hello,
Number Ones is a compilation of Michael Jackson s greatest hits, originally released in 2003 and featuring major tracks from Billie Jean to Smooth Criminal. For the first time, this selection is available as a double LP vinyl edition since January 30, 2026, with 18 iconic tracks from his career.
This pressing offers an analog overview of the highlights of the King of Pop, covering his disco, pop, and funk eras. The release comes in different vinyl variants (black, red, or white, depending on the retailer) for fans and collectors.
But does this vinyl edition live up to expectations?
The vinyl version is not spared from this dynamic compression either. The waveform clearly shows the use of a limiter that completely flattens the dynamics. The effect is slightly less pronounced than on the digital version, due to the cutting process, which artificially restores some apparent dynamics in reality, this is a deformation introduced during cutting, essentially a form of signal distortion, as explained in article “Does analog media force a dynamic on music?“.
It appears that little effort is now being made with vinyl releases, and the analog format is no longer being respected. It is also worth noting that more than 50% of vinyl records are never actually played. Overall, this is an edition to avoid, unless you are a collector or simply want the large artwork.
Too bad, since the vinyl features a careful pressing and low surface noise.
Compared to the original album version, the zoom on the Beat It sample clearly shows a loss of dynamics, both on the digital edition and on the vinyl edition of the compilation.
Find the full analysis, along with audio samples to listen to here (link).
Enjoy listening!
Jean-François
Other albums reviewed:
Michael Jackson – Thriller – Full Review (vinyl, CD, Cassette, SACD, MOFI releases, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, Sony 360 RA, from 1982 to 2022)
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall – Has the remastering lost the original spirit of the album?- Review and comparison between vinyl records, SACD, CD, cassette and streaming (US, MOFI one step, MFSL, Japan, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music)
Michael Jackson- Dangerous – Review (LPs, CDs, Streaming, DAT, MOFI, 1991 to 2025)
Number Ones is a compilation of Michael Jackson s greatest hits, originally released in 2003 and featuring major tracks from Billie Jean to Smooth Criminal. For the first time, this selection is available as a double LP vinyl edition since January 30, 2026, with 18 iconic tracks from his career.
This pressing offers an analog overview of the highlights of the King of Pop, covering his disco, pop, and funk eras. The release comes in different vinyl variants (black, red, or white, depending on the retailer) for fans and collectors.
But does this vinyl edition live up to expectations?
The vinyl version is not spared from this dynamic compression either. The waveform clearly shows the use of a limiter that completely flattens the dynamics. The effect is slightly less pronounced than on the digital version, due to the cutting process, which artificially restores some apparent dynamics in reality, this is a deformation introduced during cutting, essentially a form of signal distortion, as explained in article “Does analog media force a dynamic on music?“.
It appears that little effort is now being made with vinyl releases, and the analog format is no longer being respected. It is also worth noting that more than 50% of vinyl records are never actually played. Overall, this is an edition to avoid, unless you are a collector or simply want the large artwork.
Too bad, since the vinyl features a careful pressing and low surface noise.
Compared to the original album version, the zoom on the Beat It sample clearly shows a loss of dynamics, both on the digital edition and on the vinyl edition of the compilation.
Find the full analysis, along with audio samples to listen to here (link).
Enjoy listening!
Jean-François
Other albums reviewed:
Michael Jackson – Thriller – Full Review (vinyl, CD, Cassette, SACD, MOFI releases, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, Sony 360 RA, from 1982 to 2022)
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall – Has the remastering lost the original spirit of the album?- Review and comparison between vinyl records, SACD, CD, cassette and streaming (US, MOFI one step, MFSL, Japan, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music)
Michael Jackson- Dangerous – Review (LPs, CDs, Streaming, DAT, MOFI, 1991 to 2025)
