Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.
Listened to it twice at work my verdict:
Love Never Felt So Good: Enough has been said of this track already
Original Version: Same as the version that leaked but cleaner
Chicago: Second favourite remix on the album
Original Version: The first unheard treat on the album the bass on the original version is a lot heavier(think about the bass line in Unbreakable)than on the remixed version also the synth melody during the chorus isn't as up front its much more subtle I personally prefer this version to the remix version.
Loving You: By far my favourite remix on the album.
Original Version: Second favourite original version its very of its time which adds to its charm for me reminds a lot of Liberian Girl the instrumental of the song is classic Michael
. I love both versions of this song its the highlight of the album for me.
A Place with No Name: Least favourite remix on the album given it a few more listens but its just not for me.
Original Version: Same as the leaked version I prefer version overall.
Slave to the Rhythm: The beat on the remix had me dancing behind the counter not to mention two fellow colleagues.
Original Version: The first surprise of the album I was expecting to hear the version that leaked but my god the funkiness of it. I prefer the original to the leaked version and the remix its classic Michael beats that get under skin.
Do You Know Where Your Children Are: Still not sure about the remix to be honest at the minute I'm not keen on it.
Original Version: Second surprise this isn't the version that leaked before its miles better and out funks the original version STTR so far I prefer this version for its beat and the drums on it are INSANE !!!!
Blue Gangsta: Third favourite remix I love the cinematic quality of it.
Original Version: Same as the leak still like this version.
Xscape: I wasn't overly keen on the preview when I first heard it but after hearing the final version with the string section I like it much more it doesn't quite top the original version for me.
Original Version: Same as the leaked version and my preferred version of the song.
Verdict Overall:
Xscape is nowhere near as bad as I and many feared it would be its not perfect but it still will surprise you. The best part of the album was expecting to hear the leaked versions of DYKWYCA & STTR and hearing completely different versions add to that hearing the original versions of Chicago & Loving You and you'll be on cloud nine. The estate has clearly put a lot of thought for Xscape and I wouldn't mind hearing Timberland work on more MJ songs in the future he did a great job, for the next album of unreleased music a suggestion make it up of songs that haven't leaked.
