Michael Jackson’s “Xscape”: The MOC Preview & ST CD Review Link

michael-jackson 80s painting

……For a posthumous release, Xscape is actually worth the ends, giving us the chance to contrast the unvarnished versions of eight songs that were completed during multiple Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and Invincible recording sessions that, for one reason or another, failed to make the final track lists. Some of those song omissions were probably more about changing tastes or whims, as Michael was (in)famous for, because most of them are enjoyable even in their minimalist demo-type form.

Producer and Executive producers Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Timbaland, respectively, do a commendable job with the material at hand: the original recordings preserve his analog essence and the updated versions, while they may or may not have met Jackson’s exacting standards, will not disappoint the majority of his loyal fans. The highlights among them are the songs that work both as demos and modern reconfigurations; the Invincible-era title track, a fervent and ferocious rant against a manipulative ex, the fork-tongued media and the erosion of his privacy (masterminded by Rodney Jerkins): in a delivery that’s all but seething, Michael lashes out…… (click here for the full-length review at soultracks.com)

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2 Comments

  • Reply Abraham Bowen

    Hi lorrie and to all others reading this in 81 the Jacksons released a live album of one of the triumph album tour dates.there was a segment in the show where Randy tried to get the Jacksons to sing their old Motown classics but initially Michael relented and did a medley of I want you back ABC the love you save and part of I’ll be there there’s a theory that Michael was initially reluctant to sing the old Motown songs because those were bittersweet years for him because he had to sacrifice his childhood for success.

    May 20, 2017 at 8:24 am
    • Reply Lorrie Irby Jackson

      I truly wish that Sony would do the right thing and release a DVD of those 1980s-era Jackson performances Abraham, but I guess that makes too much sense……

      June 21, 2017 at 5:33 pm

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