New Michael Jackson Album Latest Chapter in King of Pop's Legacy

Millions of Michael Jackson fans around the world rejoiced today as it was announced that Sony is planning to release an album of ten brand new Jackson songs in November. Clearly, the release of the album is timed to coincide with the holiday season, but this is the first in what appears to be many releases from Sony. Rolling Stone Magazine reports that there are about one hundred unreleased songs in Michael Jackson's vaults.

This upcoming album release will be the first containing all new Michael Jackson material in many years. Given the amount of unreleased material, future albums and interactive Michael Jackson video games are logically anticipated as well.

In death, Michael Jackson's legacy, both professionally and personally, seems to have grown dramatically in stature. While his later years were marked by accusations that were ultimately unproven and while his musical output seemingly limited by business disputes, his fan base remained large and loyal even if many casual fans grew indifferent, at best, to the King of Pop.

Now, however, his life and work seem to be in the process of being reevaluated. Since his passing on June 25, 2009, he has received many instances of recognition on several levels.

The Grammy Awards, for example, dedicated a significant portion of its most recent show to Michael Jackson. Disneyland, even, after closing the ride for years, re-opened the Jackson themed Captain EO attraction.

In addition, the United States' National Film Archives accepted Jackson's landmark Thriller video into its collection, which was a first for a music video.

Of course, Sony Music is not planning to release a new Michael Jackson album solely out of respect to the artist. It is a profit driven organization and is responding, of course, to market demand. It has long been speculated as to how much unreleased Michael Jackson material actually exists, but if the report today is to be believed, it is clear that there is enough for nine or ten new albums.

While it remains to be seen what quality the unreleased material represents, often, of course, songs remain unreleased for a reason, it likely will matter little to Michael Jackson's fans, who have remained fiercely loyal to him.

The new music also represents an opportunity for Jackson to grow his fan base, albeit posthumously, as there is a huge potential audience that was born after his Thriller album.

As the world awaits a Michael Jackson album with brand new material, the King of Pop's influence seems only to grow, more than a year after his passing.

Source: Anthony Benigno, "New Michael Jackson album of unreleased material to hit shelves in November", nydailynews.com