Back in January, we reported on the Latin remake of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal. In fact, we’ll admit that we were flat-out obsessed with everything about it, from the music video to the smooth vocal and Spanglish lyrics. It was a refreshing reminder that Michael Jackson’s work changed the lives of people around the world, and we couldn’t get enough of it. Waiting for the full album to drop was torture.
But now, finally, Unity: A Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is live, with even more incredible renditions of Michael Jackson’s iconic songs. From Billie Jean to Blame It On the Boogie, there is to like about these playful remixes, all of which pay loving homage to Jackson’s signature style.
With clear love for Michael Jackson’s music, producer/multi-intrumentalist/arranger Tony Succar has married R&B classics like Thriller and I Want You Back to glorious tropical rhythms, salsa sounds, and vibrant arrangements that are dripping with energy in every note. The album is meant to celebrate the diverse cultures that Jackson’s music brings together.
“The one thing that stood out in Michael’s music was love. The reality was unity,” Succar says. He continues, “I also wanted the title to stand for something: a real marriage between Latin roots and American pop culture, and to help keep Michael’s legacy alive.”
One thing’s for sure, these are ten songs that you’re guaranteed to fall head over heels in love with all over again.
