Michael Jackson Xscape -deluxe Edition- 2014 【Cross-Platform OFFICIAL】
This song became an instant favorite. The production is light, groovy, and perfectly complements the nostalgic feel of the song, which dates back to the same era as Thriller .
| Feature | Standard Edition | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Primary Content | 8 "contemporized" reworks of unreleased tracks | Standard Edition tracks + their 8 original versions + 1 bonus track | | Original Versions | Not included | Included, recorded between 1980 and 2001 | | Bonus Track | Not included | The rarities album "Xscape (Vinyl)" included the alternate version "Chicago (Papercha$er Remix)". | | Bonus DVD | Not included | Contains the 23-minute "Xscape Documentary" and outtakes. | | Total Runtime | 34:25 | 73:43 (including all bonus material) |
Xscape (Deluxe Edition) establishes a replicable paradigm for posthumous pop albums. By separating “contemporized” interpretations from “original” artifacts and documenting production decisions transparently, it mitigates charges of necromancy. For future estates (Prince, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie), the Xscape model offers a template: honor the unfinished nature of the work rather than pretending it is complete.
The true value of the Xscape -Deluxe Edition- lies in its inclusion of the original, untouched demo recordings of all eight songs. For purists and music historians, this was a revelation. It allowed listeners to hear exactly what Michael Jackson left behind in the vault.
For fans of Michael Jackson and those interested in exploring his unreleased work, the "Xscape -Deluxe Edition-" is a worthwhile listen. The album provides a unique glimpse into the King of Pop's creative process and features some enjoyable and memorable tracks. Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
: A cinematic, brass-heavy track originally recorded in the late 1990s. The contemporary version heightened the trap-infused beats, making it one of the most aggressive tracks on the album.
In the pantheon of posthumous album releases, few have sparked as much conversation, controversy, and acclaim as . Released on May 13, 2014, by Epic Records, this collection arrived five years after the King of Pop’s tragic death. Unlike the previous posthumous album, Michael (2010), which faced skepticism regarding the authenticity of some vocals, Xscape was built on a foundation of unimpeachable source material: eight tracks entirely recorded by Jackson himself between 1983 and 1999.
Here is a breakdown of the key tracks from both perspectives.
The title track, and the only song modernized by its original producer, Rodney Jerkins. Originally intended for Invincible , Jerkins gave the frantic, anti-paparazzi anthem a sleek, futuristic face-lift. Why the Deluxe Edition is Vital: The Original Versions This song became an instant favorite
A fierce, industrial-tinged track from 1991. It features relentless dance-pop production that perfectly fits Jackson's aggressive vocal delivery.
A polished reimagining of a song originally inspired by America’s "A Horse with No Name."
Originally co-written with Paul Anka in 1983 around the time of the Thriller sessions, this track is the crown jewel of the album.
The title track, written and produced by Jackson and Rodney Jerkins in 1999, is a soaring, anthemic declaration of artistic freedom. The original demo is already fully formed, with Jerkins’ signature dark R&B production. For 2014, Jerkins returned to remix his own work, adding a more aggressive bass drop and synth layers. The difference is subtle compared to other tracks, but the demo’s rawness arguably wins. | | Bonus DVD | Not included |
The driving force behind Xscape was L.A. Reid, then Chairman and CEO of Epic Records. His mission was clear: to honor the legacy of the King of Pop by curating a collection of songs that would stand tall next to his iconic catalog. To bring this vision to life, Reid enlisted a dream team of producers. Leading the charge was Timbaland, a production powerhouse known for his work with Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott. Reid believed Timbaland had the "gravitas, depth and range" to engage with Jackson’s work creatively. He was joined by a formidable team including Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (who had worked with Michael on Invincible ), the Norwegian duo Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, and John McClain.
The core philosophy behind Xscape was defined by executive producer L.A. Reid as "contemporization." The goal was not to remix the tracks in a traditional sense, but to reshape them into music that sounded current while retaining Michael's essence. Reid enlisted a team of heavy-hitting producers, headlined by Timbaland, alongside Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Stargate, and John McClain.
These producers were given a unique challenge: build entirely new sonic landscapes around Michael's isolated, vintage vocal takes. They stripped away the dated 1980s and 1990s synthesizers and drum machines, replacing them with modern, trap-infused beats, lush string arrangements, and crisp, futuristic basslines. Standard vs. Deluxe: Why the Deluxe Edition is Essential
The posthumous release of unreleased material by iconic artists raises fundamental questions of authorial intent. Michael Jackson, a meticulous perfectionist who often spent years on a single album, left hundreds of unfinished demos upon his death in 2009. The Xscape project, named after a 1999 track he did not prioritize for release, confronted a central dilemma: how to make incomplete sketches commercially viable without violating the ghost of Jackson’s creative process.