Michael Jackson’s “Love Never Felt So Good” First Single From XSCAPE Premiered
This week, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, released Michael Jackson’s “Love Never Felt So Good,” produced by Michael Jackson, John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort and Paul Anka, the first single from XSCAPE (May 13), the album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop. XSCAPE features 8 songs originally recorded between 1983 and 1999, and showcases why Michael Jackson remains an indelible influence on contemporary artists today.
A duet version of “Love Never Felt So Good,” with Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, produced by Timberlake, Timbaland and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, will be also available on the deluxe version of XSCAPE. “Love Never Felt So Good” was written and originally recorded and produced by Michael Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983, around the time they recorded “This Is It.” Produced by John McClain, co-executor of the Estate of Michael Jackson, the contemporized recording is a magic combination of the new and the original production that retains the track’s analog, early 80s feel, while also sounding right at home with the disco-soul inflected music of today. USA Today wrote, ‘old school snap and tingle with warm leaping strings that recall the melodic and rhythmic punch of Jackson’s work with Quincy Jones.”
Executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, XSCAPE features music which the world will be hearing for the very first time. Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporizing.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.
XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time.
Sony Network Entertainment International also announced that Music Unlimited, the company’s cloud-based streaming music service, will exclusively stream one new track a day from Michael Jackson’s new album, XSCAPE, from May 5 to May 9. Each track and corresponding unique album artwork will be revealed via the Sony Entertainment Network blog and available to listen to on Music Unlimited at midnight EDT starting May 5, and each following day at midnight through May 9. While the full-length XSCAPE LP features eight tracks, the initial five preview tracks will be available prior to the album’s launch.
The five songs are featured on XSCAPE, which will be available on Music Unlimited at launch. The new album, which is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, is a long-awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time.
