Michael Jackson-XSCAPE

~~Soulflower~~ · 05-15-2014, 09:50 PM

Released May 13, 2014

Track List:

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape

Tracklist for Delux Edition:

CD One:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape

CD Two:
1. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Demo)
2. Chicago (Original Demo)
3. Lovin’ You (Original Demo)
4. A Place With No Name (Demo)
5. Slave To The Rhythm (Demo)
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Demo)
7. Blue Gangsta (Demo)
8. Xscape (Demo)
9. Love Never Felt So Good ft. Justin Timberlake

Delux Edition includes Poster:

Listen to Full Album Below (Delux Edition):
XSCAPE by Michael Jackson on Spotify

Producers:

Paul Anka Babyface John Branca (exec.) Dr. Freeze Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon Michael Jackson Rodney Jerkins Daniel Jones King Solomon Logan John McClain (also exec.) L.A. Reid (also exec.) Cory Rooney Stargate Timbaland (also exec.) Giorgio Tuinfort

Compiler: L.A. Reid

Executive Producers on behalf of the Michael Jackson Estate: John Branca and John McClain

THIS ALBUM IS FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I am on a MJ high right now. I am wearing this CD out!!! OMG, I miss him so much!!! I do enjoy most of the demo versions better. I do have two favorite re-worked songs though that I do think are better than original. I will come back and review this album with detailed information about some of the writers and engineers on the songs. Ya'll better cop this real quick and stop playing. The Kang lives!

Favorite re-worked songs: Xscape, Blue Gangsta, Loving You, Love Never Felt So Good

Original Demos: They ALL are GREAT!

What do you guys think about the album? Do you like the demo's better or re worked songs? Thoughts?

~~Soulflower~~ · 05-15-2014, 09:54 PM

I think you might have to sign up to listen to the album on that link now. I am going to try to look for another one that has all the songs.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 05-16-2014, 03:06 PM

Realtalk's passion for MJ is

I'll give this a listen asap.

~~Soulflower~~ · 05-17-2014, 12:30 PM

^ Thanks love!

This link has 5 of the re-worked songs.

However when you scroll down to 4, 6, 7 they are the ORIGINAL demos so check them out. They are NOT the re-worked songs.

The first track features Justin Timberfake but not the one with just MJ's vocals

LISTEN: Michael Jackson's Xscape New Full Album [MP3 STREAM] | HEAVY

My Review:

The re-worked songs

1. Love Never Felt So Good

Great album opener. This was one of Timberland's better re worked tracks. This tributes the Off The Wall album and has a nice rich 70's grove. The track was originally recorded in 1983 and Michael's vocals are FLAWLESS like sweet butter. I love the classic sound but the fun aspect about it as well. It is a nice summer jam for sure. Did I say that MJ's vocals are flawless?

2. Chicago

When I first heard this song I originally did not like what Timberland had done with the production because I thought the song was overproduced. I personally like the original much better because the production on the original fits well with the theme of the song.

However, this re-worked song has grown on me and it is not as overproduced as I thought but I still prefer the original. The re-worked version is very urban and modernized.

The original demo sounds more eerie and dark. It sounds like a 90's R&B song. Dr. Freeze worked on the original demo. I love his work!

3. Lovin’ You

This another one of Timberland's better tracks. Michaels vocals are everything. The song sounds modernized but it has a old school flare. It is very catchy and mellow. The lyrics are beautiful. The original demo is just MJ snapping his fingers and I still really love it. The re-worked track is good to.

4. A Place With No Name

Timberland did a HORRIBLE job on this song. Horrible. The production is awful.

The original demo is WAYYYYY better. Michael covers America bands "A Horse With No Name". The demo pays homage to the sounds and production of the cover song. I like the original because it sounds country/western and the lyrics match with that particular production.

5. Slave To The Rhythm

Timberland did a HORRIBLE horrible job.

The ORIGINAL demo is BETTER! I LOVEEEEE the demo for this song. Teddy Riley I believed worked on the demo that was originally intended for Michael's 1991 Dangerous Release.

The original demo is a sexy smooth New Jack Swing song. You can not help but get down on the dance floor to it. I could only imagine what MJ could have did for a music video, would have been epic!

6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are

Timberland did an AWFUL job lol I can't stand Timbo why did they have him re-worked these songs???

He did way to much overproducing.

The original is WAY better

7. Blue Gangsta

I love this song! It is dark and eerie. The intro is really really dark before you hear MJ's vocals. Michael is singing low and haunting. The production is very good although modernized. It fits the theme.

I think this song is about Lisa Marie Presly because he makes references to a relationship in back in "1995"

He sings:

"You tricked me "95"
"left and you said a crime"
"People telling me, you've got another guy"
"I've been abused, watch me light in fuse"
"Said you'd be my wife, nothing but big lies"

She did him dirty so I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Just an assumption because that is the year they divorced and she actually did trick him but that is another discussion.....

The original demo is stellar as well.

Ok I am rambling again back on topic...

8. Xscape

THIS SONG IS FIREEEEE!!! They had Rodney Jerkins do this cut and he put his foot in it!!! I've always liked Jerkins as a producer anyway, not to mention he has actually worked with MJ in the past.

This song has the illest hardest intro in the world. The MJ breathing and beat boxing is EPIC! and then when the beat drops OMG.

MJ's vocals are hard, rough, and very low compared to how he usually sings.

This is a club banger for sure!

I actually prefer this song over the original demo but the original demo is good as well.

Final Thoughts:

While LNFSG and Lovin You are good songs, I am more impressed with Xscape and Blue Gangsta as far as the re worked songs are concern. Overall, these are the best re worked songs out of the 8. The other four are not that good in the production and they take away from the good quality of the original demos.

ALL the original demos for the 8 tracks are GREAT and highlight the album.

The album is great because of the original demos outside of the few good re-worked tracks. The original demos show the genius that was Michael Jackson and show just how much his music and musical talent is missed in this music industry.

I would give this album 4.5/5 with the re-worked songs included but if this album did not have re-worked songs I would give it 5/5. Some people like the re-worked tracks and some don't so I guess it is all up for opinion but it is a great album!!

If I can find some of the original demos I will post them.

~~Soulflower~~ · 05-18-2014, 03:09 PM

Dammit they took some of the songs down from the link that fast lol

Well, ya'll might have to buy it if you want to check it out. It is a really good C.D.

I know someone has listened to it, come on now! REVIEW, REVIEW!!!

OrganizationSix · 05-18-2014, 08:13 PM

well ****

~~Soulflower~~ · 05-18-2014, 08:30 PM

Just in case someone is still interested

Full album from youtube

djchameleon · 05-19-2014, 06:48 AM

You should see if you could get a mod to add a basic poll of "1/5-5/5" like some of the other threads in this sub forum.

I did listen but I am just way to lazy to do a complete track by track breakdown review of this album or any album.

I will give off a few of my opinions though.

I still don't like the track "Love Never Felt So Good". Something about it rubs me the wrong way and it just doesn't get me excited to listen to MJ. After pushing through that track it gets better for me. I do have to give credit to the video with Justin Timberlake in it with all of the dancers. There are plenty of homages to his different videos in it.

This dance tribute video makes me like the song somewhat more but bleh.
Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good (DANCE TRIBUTE) - YouTube

Geez, the link has fag in it so that screwed up me posting it as a youtube video or even linking it.

Chicago, A Place With No Name and Blue Gangsta are definitely my favorites. I prefer all the reworked versions in general for all of the tracks but with Blue Gangsta I feel like the demo trumps the reworked version.

The instrumentation on the demo really shines through much better for Blue Gangsta.

If you prefer to hear songs that sound incredibly dated and aged then just listen to the demos and enjoy yourself to your heart's content but if you don't care about that. I feel like you shouldn't waste your time listening to them IMO.

Of course like any review, take advice with a truck load of salt and listen to the full thing anyways to make up your own mind and figure out which ones that you personally like.

Wpnfire · 05-20-2014, 08:34 AM

I think the entire album is great though my favorites are Love Never Felt So Good, Slave to the Rhythm, Blue Gangsta, and Xscape. A Place with no name and do you know where your children are sound a bit unpolished, and the lyrics sound a bit uninspired, but that's my only complaint with the album.

GoogaMooga · 05-20-2014, 05:02 PM

Personally, I'm glad to see Timberland is credited among the producers. I think it could be an interesting match-up, though no-one can touch Quincy Jones' work, of course.

View Poll Results: Rate this album
5/5	3	15.79%
4/5	7	36.84%
3/5	5	26.32%
2/5	3	15.79%
1/5	1	5.26%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

05-15-2014, 09:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	Michael Jackson-XSCAPE Released May 13, 2014 Track List: 1. Love Never Felt So Good 2. Chicago 3. Lovin’ You 4. A Place With No Name 5. Slave To The Rhythm 6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are 7. Blue Gangsta 8. Xscape Tracklist for Delux Edition: CD One: 1. Love Never Felt So Good 2. Chicago 3. Lovin’ You 4. A Place With No Name 5. Slave To The Rhythm 6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are 7. Blue Gangsta 8. Xscape CD Two: 1. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Demo) 2. Chicago (Original Demo) 3. Lovin’ You (Original Demo) 4. A Place With No Name (Demo) 5. Slave To The Rhythm (Demo) 6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Demo) 7. Blue Gangsta (Demo) 8. Xscape (Demo) 9. Love Never Felt So Good ft. Justin Timberlake Delux Edition includes Poster: Listen to Full Album Below (Delux Edition): XSCAPE by Michael Jackson on Spotify Producers: Paul Anka Babyface John Branca (exec.) Dr. Freeze Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon Michael Jackson Rodney Jerkins Daniel Jones King Solomon Logan John McClain (also exec.) L.A. Reid (also exec.) Cory Rooney Stargate Timbaland (also exec.) Giorgio Tuinfort Compiler: L.A. Reid *Executive Producers on behalf of the Michael Jackson Estate: John Branca and John McClain* THIS ALBUM IS FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I am on a MJ high right now. I am wearing this CD out!!! OMG, I miss him so much!!! I do enjoy most of the demo versions better. I do have two favorite re-worked songs though that I do think are better than original. I will come back and review this album with detailed information about some of the writers and engineers on the songs. Ya'll better cop this real quick and stop playing. The Kang lives! Favorite re-worked songs: Xscape, Blue Gangsta, Loving You, Love Never Felt So Good Original Demos: They ALL are GREAT! What do you guys think about the album? Do you like the demo's better or re worked songs? Thoughts? Last edited by Soulflower; 05-16-2014 at 01:30 AM.

05-17-2014, 12:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	^ Thanks love! This link has 5 of the re-worked songs. However when you scroll down to 4, 6, 7 they are the ORIGINAL demos so check them out. They are NOT the re-worked songs. The first track features Justin Timberfake but not the one with just MJ's vocals LISTEN: Michael Jackson's Xscape New Full Album [MP3 STREAM] \| HEAVY My Review: The re-worked songs 1. Love Never Felt So Good Great album opener. This was one of Timberland's better re worked tracks. This tributes the Off The Wall album and has a nice rich 70's grove. The track was originally recorded in 1983 and Michael's vocals are FLAWLESS like sweet butter. I love the classic sound but the fun aspect about it as well. It is a nice summer jam for sure. Did I say that MJ's vocals are flawless? 2. Chicago When I first heard this song I originally did not like what Timberland had done with the production because I thought the song was overproduced. I personally like the original much better because the production on the original fits well with the theme of the song. However, this re-worked song has grown on me and it is not as overproduced as I thought but I still prefer the original. The re-worked version is very urban and modernized. The original demo sounds more eerie and dark. It sounds like a 90's R&B song. Dr. Freeze worked on the original demo. I love his work! 3. Lovin’ You This another one of Timberland's better tracks. Michaels vocals are everything. The song sounds modernized but it has a old school flare. It is very catchy and mellow. The lyrics are beautiful. The original demo is just MJ snapping his fingers and I still really love it. The re-worked track is good to. 4. A Place With No Name Timberland did a HORRIBLE job on this song. Horrible. The production is awful. The original demo is WAYYYYY better. Michael covers America bands "A Horse With No Name". The demo pays homage to the sounds and production of the cover song. I like the original because it sounds country/western and the lyrics match with that particular production. 5. Slave To The Rhythm Timberland did a HORRIBLE horrible job. The ORIGINAL demo is BETTER! I LOVEEEEE the demo for this song. Teddy Riley I believed worked on the demo that was originally intended for Michael's 1991 Dangerous Release. The original demo is a sexy smooth New Jack Swing song. You can not help but get down on the dance floor to it. I could only imagine what MJ could have did for a music video, would have been epic! 6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are Timberland did an AWFUL job lol I can't stand Timbo why did they have him re-worked these songs??? He did way to much overproducing. The original is WAY better 7. Blue Gangsta I love this song! It is dark and eerie. The intro is really really dark before you hear MJ's vocals. Michael is singing low and haunting. The production is very good although modernized. It fits the theme. I think this song is about Lisa Marie Presly because he makes references to a relationship in back in "1995" He sings: "You tricked me "95" "left and you said a crime" "People telling me, you've got another guy" "I've been abused, watch me light in fuse" "Said you'd be my wife, nothing but big lies" She did him dirty so I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Just an assumption because that is the year they divorced and she actually did trick him but that is another discussion..... The original demo is stellar as well. Ok I am rambling again back on topic... 8. Xscape THIS SONG IS FIREEEEE!!! They had Rodney Jerkins do this cut and he put his foot in it!!! I've always liked Jerkins as a producer anyway, not to mention he has actually worked with MJ in the past. This song has the illest hardest intro in the world. The MJ breathing and beat boxing is EPIC! and then when the beat drops OMG. MJ's vocals are hard, rough, and very low compared to how he usually sings. This is a club banger for sure! I actually prefer this song over the original demo but the original demo is good as well. Final Thoughts: While LNFSG and Lovin You are good songs, I am more impressed with Xscape and Blue Gangsta as far as the re worked songs are concern. Overall, these are the best re worked songs out of the 8. The other four are not that good in the production and they take away from the good quality of the original demos. ALL the original demos for the 8 tracks are GREAT and highlight the album. The album is great because of the original demos outside of the few good re-worked tracks. The original demos show the genius that was Michael Jackson and show just how much his music and musical talent is missed in this music industry. I would give this album 4.5/5 with the re-worked songs included but if this album did not have re-worked songs I would give it 5/5. Some people like the re-worked tracks and some don't so I guess it is all up for opinion but it is a great album!! If I can find some of the original demos I will post them. Last edited by Soulflower; 05-17-2014 at 01:14 PM.

05-20-2014, 08:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Wpnfire Dragon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas, United States Posts: 2,744	I think the entire album is great though my favorites are Love Never Felt So Good, Slave to the Rhythm, Blue Gangsta, and Xscape. A Place with no name and do you know where your children are sound a bit unpolished, and the lyrics sound a bit uninspired, but that's my only complaint with the album. __________________ Last.FM My RYM Ratings *My Glitchwave Beta Profile*

05-15-2014, 09:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	I think you might have to sign up to listen to the album on that link now. I am going to try to look for another one that has all the songs.

05-16-2014, 03:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	Realtalk's passion for MJ is I'll give this a listen asap.

05-18-2014, 03:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	Dammit they took some of the songs down from the link that fast lol Well, ya'll might have to buy it if you want to check it out. It is a really good C.D. I know someone has listened to it, come on now! REVIEW, REVIEW!!!

05-18-2014, 08:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
OrganizationSix Groupie Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 2	well ****

05-18-2014, 08:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	Just in case someone is still interested Full album from youtube

05-20-2014, 05:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
GoogaMooga Groupie Join Date: May 2014 Location: Denmark Posts: 21	Personally, I'm glad to see Timberland is credited among the producers. I think it could be an interesting match-up, though no-one can touch Quincy Jones' work, of course.