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Michael Jackson’s “Xscape” has become the late singer’s 10th album to top the UK album chart. It has hit number one on digital charts in more than 50 countries.

“Xscape” features eight previously unheard Jackson tracks that have been worked on by contemporary producers and artists, including Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain.

The first single from the album, “Love Never Felt So Good,” was reworked by John McClain (the co-executor of Jackson’s estate), who brought in Justin Timberlake to duet on the song. The first half of the song sounds like it could have been recorded at the height of the disco era. It was in fact penned and recorded in its original form by Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983. The entertaining video features Timberlake recreating sound of Jackson’s signature moves.

Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake – “Love Never Felt So Good”

Other singers heard on the album include Mary J Blige and D’Angelo.

The album was executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO, L.A. Reid, who was granted unlimited access to the Jackson archives to identify material on which the late star had completed his vocals.

Reid says:

Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world. Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.

Xscape has received mixed reviews, with some criticising the concept of posthumous collaborations, given how tightly Jackson controlled his output. Many fans are of course just happy to have new material and the deluxe option does provide the opportunity to hear the original recordings. These are essentially leftovers, so it would be unreasonable to expect the album to reach the heights of Jackson’s best work, but it’s an essential release for fans.

The deluxe edition also includes a bonus DVD featuring a documentary with L.A. Reid and the producers discussing the project. Both editions can be ordered via the links below:

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XSCAPE	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
XSCAPE – Deluxe Edition	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now