Love Never Felt So Good: Epic Readies Michael Jackson’s Posthumous “XSCAPE”
Expectedly, the project is still shrouded in a degree of secrecy; a complete track listing has not yet been confirmed. However, it is known that executive producer L.A. Reid has assembled a production roster including Timbaland, Jackson’s Invincible collaborator Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “JRoc” Harmon and Jackson Estate executor John McClain. Guest artists reported to appear (but not confirmed) include Jesse Johnson of The Time as well as Mary J. Blige, The Roots’ Questlove, and D’Angelo. Reid states in the March 31 press release announcing Xscape, “Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world. Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”
After the jump, we’ll take a look at what you might be able to expect on this new Jackson release!
Epic notes that the album, via its title cut “Xscape,” conforms to Jackson’s practice of selecting single-word titles for his post-Off the Wall LPs. Written by Jackson and Rodney Jerkins, “Xscape” has been specifically revisited by Jerkins for this project. Another song, “Slave to the Rhythm,” has been confirmed by producer Timbaland. The song had its genesis in the Dangerous sessions, and a version was leaked online in 2010; more recently, a new mix appeared overseas in an advertisement for a Sony mobile phone. “A Place with No Name” is inspired by America’s classic rock staple “A Horse with No Name.” A snippet first leaked online in 2009 and was acknowledged by the band. “Love Never Felt So Good” was written by Jackson, Motown veteran Kathy Wakefield (“Nathan Jones”) and Paul Anka and was originally recorded by Johnny Mathis in 1984 for his A Special Part of Me album. Of course, Anka co-wrote the first posthumously released Jackson tune, “This Is It.” Other titles reportedly mooted for inclusion are “Blue Gangsta,” “Do You Know Where Your Children Are,” and “Chicago (She Was Lovin’ Me).”
Both the standard (single CD) and deluxe (CD/DVD) editions of Xscape will arrive from Epic Records on May 13. Vinyl and digital editions arrive that same day, and the iTunes release is also said to include music videos. You’ll find pre-order links for the physical releases just below.
Michael Jackson, Xscape (Epic. 2014)
Standard Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
Deluxe Edition (CD/DVD): Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
- Love Never Felt So Good
- Chicago
- Loving You
- A Place with No Name
- Slave to the Rhythm
- Do You Know Where Your Children Are
- Blue Gangsta
- Xscape
Deluxe Edition adds original versions of Tracks 1-8 plus “Love Never Felt So Good” duet with Justin Timberlake and a documentary DVD
Vinyl: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. TBD
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2 thoughts on “Love Never Felt So Good: Epic Readies Michael Jackson’s Posthumous “XSCAPE””
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Excited for the original versions but really wish they’d stop modernizing Michael’s unreleased material and just leave it alone. The Bad25 bonus disc of demos was great… the Thriller25 bonus tracks of remixes were not. I still can’t listen to the “Michael” album without feeling a little lied to, haha. I have to know it’s “pure” Michael and not somebody else’s Michael vision… even if it’s an unfinished demo, I’d much rather have that than anything else. But who knows, maybe the new versions will be alright. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I am always concerned with these types or release as there is usually a scent of cashing in. I thought Michael was an awful album, so not holding much hope for this one. But I WILL give it a listen.