How did Michael Jackson create his songs that have become the soundtrack of the lives of generations of music lovers? How would these songs sound today? XSCAPE – the second posthumously released album of Michael Jackson as a solo artist, brilliantly answers these questions and pays homage to the genius of the artist.
Eight songs that Michael Jackson worked upon in different periods of his career but never finished, we can now hear completed by some of the most creative producers on the contemporary DJ scene. Driving force behind this project is Epic Records director L.A. Reid, and musical director is Timbaland. Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome Harmon and John McClain are among the musicians that have developed Michael Jackson’s ideas with the sounds and techniques of contemporary electronic music. The first single Love Never Felt So Good is a virtual duet with Justin Timberlake. The utmost care with which the young musicians have treated the raw material is impressive and touching – XSCAPE is an album expressing respect, dignified, emphasizing the strength. This album is an homage to one of the greatest artists. This album is a bow to his legacy. XSCAPE has the feel of a co-production.
Deservedly, XSCAPE goes farther, outlining the music of Michael Jackson as a fundament – not only of these eight songs, but also of music as we have it today. The deluxe version includes the work tape originals that the King of Pop left unfinished. This is his hand outstretched to today’s generation of musicians – part of their freedom is that they have a solid base to develop their art upon.
XSCAPE has the merit of being exhaustive – these eight songs Michael Jackson recorded between 1983 and 1999. We thus can follow his artistic development, we admire his ability to express himself in different genres – funk, soul, pop music. More than being a bridge between generations, XSCAPE unfolds music history to us.
Release Date: 13 May 2014 from Epic Records
