Michael (2010)
Michael is a posthumous compilation album of unreleased tracks by the late American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson,which was released in the United States by Epic Records on December 14, 2010. The album is the seventh to be released since the singer’s death, and features guest performances by Akon, 50 Cent, Lenny Kravitz and Dave Grohl.
The album’s first single, “Hold My Hand”, was released on November 15, 2010. The music video was directed by Mark Pellington, and had its worldwide debut on December 9, 2010. On Friday, December 10, 2010, a 29,070 square foot poster depicting the Michael album artwork was erected at the Rectory Farm in Middlesex, England, which broke a Guinness World Record for the largest poster in the world. The album shipped three million units to 31 territories in its first week of release.
Officially announced on November 12, 2010, the album features 10 tracks. “Breaking News” was the first song from the album to be released to the public and was available for radio airplay. The song was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and according to Sony, the song was “recently brought to completion.” Other tracks were recorded at studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with various unidentified collaborators. In the years prior to his death, Jackson was reported to be working with contemporary hitmakers such as singer-songwriter Akon and producer RedOne. The first official single, “Hold My Hand”, is a duet with Akon recorded in Las Vegas in 2008. Co-writer Claude Kelly told HitQuarters that it was the song’s theme of friendship and togetherness that had struck a chord with Jackson. A handwritten note from Michael belonging to his Estate indicated his desire that “Hold My Hand” be the first single on his next project. However, in its unfinished state, the song leaked out in July 2008. Before the release, Akon stated that the final version would have more of Jackson’s vocals. The song was released globally on Monday, November 15 at 12:01am EST.
The album contains two songs that were written during the Thriller era, “Behind the Mask” and “Much Too Soon”. The song “(I Like) The Way You Love Me” previously appeared on The Ultimate Collection (2004) with the title “The Way You Love Me” as a demo. For Michael, the song has been completed and more vocals have been added. The song “Best of Joy” is one of the last that Michael recorded during his lifetime, having written and recorded it in 2009, the year of his death.
Tracklist and Contributors
1. “Hold My Hand” (duet with Akon) Aliaune Thiam, Giorgio Tuinfort, Claude Kelly Akon, Giorgio Tuinfort, Michael Jackson 3:32
2. “Hollywood Tonight” Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer; spoken bridge written by Teddy Riley Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Theron “Neff-U” Feemster 4:31
3. “Keep Your Head Up” Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James Porte Michael Jackson, C “Tricky” Stewart, Angelikson 4:51
4. “(I Like) The Way You Love Me” Michael Jackson Michael Jackson, Theron “Neff-U” Feemster 4:33
5. “Monster” (featuring 50 Cent) Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James Porte; rap written by Curtis Jackson Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Angelikson 5:04
6. “Best of Joy” Michael Jackson Michael Jackson, Theron “Neff-U” Feemster, Brad Buxer 3:02
7. “Breaking News” Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James Porte Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Angelikson 4:14
8. “(I Can’t Make It) Another Day” (featuring Lenny Kravitz) Lenny Kravitz Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson 3:54
9. “Behind the Mask” Michael Jackson, Chris Mosdell, Ryuichi Sakamoto Michael Jackson, John McClain 5:03
10. “Much Too Soon” Michael Jackson Michael Jackson, John McClain 2:48
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