Michael Jackson Michael

• Hold My Hand (feat. Akon)
• Hollywood Tonight
• Keep Your Head Up
• (I Like) The Way You Love Me
• Monster (Feat. 50 Cent)
• Best Of Joy
• Breaking News
• (I Can’t Make It) Another Day (feat. Lenny Kravitz)
• Behind The Mask
• Much Too Soon

Death saved Michael Jackson's career. He went from being a national punch line to national icon when he passed away at the too-young age of 50, and a little more than one year later, Michael delivers his final artistic intention. It's hard to say what was completed before he died and what was completed in the studio, but with appearances from Akon, Lenny Kravitz and 50 Cent, it's sure to sound relevant. Akon had to say of the deposed King of Pop: "Some artists think regional, some think national, I was thinking international. He thinks planet." That kind of epic quality hasn't been seen in any music star since his heyday, so unless you think Lady Gaga is ready to take the mantle, this album might be a welcome reminder of the global presence of pop music. There are dozens and dozens (even hundreds?) of unreleased Jackson songs that will eventually find their way to light over the next few years and Michael is the first collection we can expect; start saving up for that Archives Vol. 1 Blu-Ray set in time for Christmas 2011, you dig? 

Abstract by Jeremy Gordon