Michael Jackson: 'Michael' Album Review

The first clue that the new posthumous Michael Jackson album Michael isn't really a true MJ record is its length. At just 10 tracks, it's barely half as long as a typical album from the King of Pop.

The short running time gives the immediate feeling that the album is merely a cobbled-together collection of B-sides, and none of the ten mediocre songs do anything to change that impression. The record feels disjointed, which is no surprise, given that the songs were recorded years (in some cases, decades) apart.

The opening single "Hold My Hand" is a pleasant mid-tempo duet between Jackson and R&B star Akon that first leaked online in 2008. But the newly-polished version is too overproduced. By the first verse, Akon and MJ are already singing over each other, breaking one of the basic rules of Music Composition 101. You're not supposed to sing over the chorus before you've even established what the chorus is.

"Breaking News" is an awful retread. Its themes of paranoia and victimization make it a carbon copy of "Privacy" and "Tabloid Junkie," songs Jackson released years ago. The singer complains that "everybody wants a piece of Michael Jackson." Even if that's true, it's a tired theme.

One of the more disturbing trends of later Michael Jackson albums was his tendency to feature guest rappers of dubious status (He even let Shaquille O'Neal rap on one of his HIStory tracks, for crying out loud.) On Michael, that trend continues with the lackluster "Monster," featuring an unremarkable guest rap from the overrated 50 Cent.

The best song here is "(I Can't Make It) Another Day," a track Jackson wrote and recorded with rocker Lenny Kravitz. A moody, creepy vibe and prominent electric guitars complement Jackson's most powerful vocals in years. "Behind the Mask" is another standout, featuring synthesizers, computerized background vocals and a sax solo over a decidedly '80s R&B beat.

Unfortunately, the rest of the album does nothing to further Michael Jackson's legacy. It's hard to believe these are the best songs Michael had in the vault. If that is indeed the case, Sony would be wise not to let any more unreleased material from the King of Pop see the light of day.

Michael Jackson Album Review: Sources
www.allmusic.com