So often, Michael Jackson's early career is glossed over in a few sentences, acknowledging some big hits with the Jackson 5; maybe, maybe not mentioning his solo albums before "Off The Wall." As great as his music would become, I've found myself so full of astonishment and joy simply trying to wrap my mind around how incredible this kid was. I try to imagine kids I know doing what Michael did, and just shake my head at what a talent he was.If you're new to his early solo music, this box set is as good as it gets. It doesn't contain every single solo track Motown has put out (there are some vinyl and cassette obscurities from the 80's), but all you really need is here. If you're a long-time fan and have all of these albums already, it's still worth hearing the previously unreleased, original versions of the "Farewell My Summer Love" album (as well as "Twenty-Five Miles"), all of which will probably be preferred to the 1984 mixes (also included). Plus, the packaging is beautiful, the book contains nice photos and session info, and the remastered sound is great. In particular, the "Got To Be There" album sounded fresher and brought out more of the background vocals and treble portion of the mix.Many fans are probably unfamiliar with the material featured on disc three, particularly "Looking Back To Yesterday," a hard-to-find collection I was lucky to stumble across about 15 years ago and have never seen since. The sound here does not differ much from the CD I bought all those years ago, but the "Farewell..." album sounds much better than my worn-down cassette from 1984!Surely, a ton of credit belongs to the writers, arrangers, and producers of these songs. But it's Michael, not only as a singer but as an interpreter, that steals your heart here. When I was just a kid myself, listening to these songs convinced me that I could feel emotions beyond what I knew at the time. In terms of vocal prowess, range, and dramatics, the first three songs on disc 1 knock me out. "Got To Be There" is the best album in the set. "Ben" as an album is similar in style, perhaps more mellow, but with an uptempo, energetic gem in "What Goes Around Comes Around"--one of my favorite Jackson Motown tracks ever. The newly released original mix of "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" is awesome, near the end of disc one.Disc 2 is quite a contrast in styles. The inconsistent and light "Music & Me" album precedes the changed-voice, disco leaning "Forever, Michael." Lyrically, songs like "With A Child's Heart" and "Music and Me" seem perfect for the singer; the former especially touching in context of his adult persona. "Too Young" is a show-stopper, "Johnny Raven" is fun, "One Day In Your Life" is gorgeous.On disc 3, how did "Give Me Half A Chance" never get released in the J5 heyday? The song is in the "Never Can Say Goodbye" vein but more urgent (if that's possible) and Michael hits notes I still can't believe. And try not smiling to the well-orchestrated, joyful take on "I Hear A Symphony." The poigniant "To Make My Father Proud," with lyrics that point out his stand-apart talent and pressure/desire to be the best, ring of truth and makes a great end to the set.