To achieve this, Reid recruited Timbaland as the executive producer. Timbaland, renowned for his avant-garde rhythm structures and work with Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott, brought a team of elite hitmakers on board. This roster included Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (who had originally worked with Jackson on the Invincible album), Stargate, J-Roc, and John McClain.
Timbaland transforms this tale of marital infidelity into a dark, pulsing, mid-tempo R&B track. The heavy use of negative space and metallic synth drops mirrors the angst in Jackson’s delivery.
Written during the Bad and Dangerous eras, tackling the heavy, socially conscious themes Jackson frequently explored.
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, who had previously worked extensively with Jackson on his Invincible album, was protective of his friend's legacy. He originally balked at the idea, only agreeing to participate after hearing the full album to ensure everything met the high standard Jackson would have wanted. Stargate , the Norwegian production duo who defined much of the 2000s pop and R&B sound, were brought in by L.A. Reid specifically to provide a European touch, as Jackson had always enjoyed Europe. Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
Michael Jackson's Xscape - Deluxe Edition (2014) is a testament to the King of Pop's boundless creativity and enduring legacy. This special edition offers a fresh perspective on his music, with a diverse range of tracks that showcase his artistic versatility. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Xscape - Deluxe Edition is an essential addition to any music collection. So, get ready to moonwalk into the world of Michael Jackson's Xscape and experience the magic of his music like never before.
The Deluxe Edition’s inclusion of the original demos was widely praised by critics and fans alike. By providing the raw recordings alongside the new versions, the estate avoided the "faked vocal" controversies that had plagued previous releases.
The main album is not a Michael Jackson album; it is a .
Produced by John McClain and Giorgio Tuinfort, this track opens the album with pure, unadulterated joy. It relies on a classic disco-pop string arrangement and a warm bassline reminiscent of Off the Wall . The deluxe version features a high-profile duet with Justin Timberlake, seamlessly blending two generations of pop royalty. To achieve this, Reid recruited Timbaland as the
: Features a guest appearance by Justin Timberlake on "Love Never Felt So Good" and a documentary DVD exploring the album's creation. Tracklist Analysis
Originally co-written with Paul Anka in 1983, this track serves as the album's joyful opener. The modernized version is a breezy, disco-soul anthem. The Deluxe Edition ups the ante by including a high-profile duet version featuring Justin Timberlake, alongside Jackson's original, minimalist piano-and-vocal demo.
The album is split into the "contemporized" versions and the "Original Versions" found in Jackson's vault. XSCAPE (Deluxe) by Michael Jackson on Apple Music
Timbaland delivers some of his best work on the album here, pairing Jackson's staccato vocals with trap hi-hats, dramatic brass stabs, and an ominous accordion loop. Timbaland transforms this tale of marital infidelity into
The included in the Deluxe Edition How the Justin Timberlake collaboration came together
The responsibility of mining Jackson’s legendary vault fell upon L.A. Reid, the Chairman and CEO of Epic Records. Reid was granted unprecedented access to four decades of vocal tracks. Rather than merely cleaning up old tracks, Reid sought to "contemporize" the music—a process he defined as updating the production to sound like cutting-edge, modern radio hits while retaining Jackson's core essence.
The contemporized tracks on Xscape showcase the distinct flavors of its all-star production team.
This track dates back to the 1987 Bad era. It stands out as a bright, soulful mid-tempo ballad. The updated version retains a warm, classic Motown feel while polishing the sound for modern speakers. 4. A Place with No Name
Recorded in 1999 at the Hit Factory during the Invincible sessions, this track tells a cinematic story of a deceptive love affair.