"Michael", a biopic about Michael Jackson, is officially happening.

[Simijacksonfan]

the soundtrack

Michael: Songs From The Motion Picture by Michael Jackson

Listen to "Michael: Songs From The Motion Picture" by Michael Jackson on any music platform

michael-jackson.sng.to

Another best-of album with not a single unreleased song, as if there weren't more than enough of those already? Boring and disappointing from Estate.

 

[AlwaysThere]

With some reflection, I do think it’s a bit silly to expect unreleased music on a biopic soundtrack (and yes, I say this as someone who was insisting there would be lmao). This is clearly aimed at the general audience and/or newcomers, so I absolutely don’t think it’s unusual that it’s essentially a greatest hits album that isn’t geared at the hardcore fans. That said, I do hope these songs are given exciting new mixes à la Bohemian Rhapsody.

Regardless, there’s definitely more coming. The Kirk Franklin snippet; the comments from Humberto Gatica, Brody Brown, and Teddy Riley; Prince’s past comments about combing through the vault, if not the soundtrack, there’s 100% another project in the pipeline.

 

[SmoothCriminal1995]

If the soundtrack is a reflection of the songs featured in the film, it's disappointing but not unexpected. Surprised Rock With You snd Shake Your Body aren't on it.

One thing worth noting, the last James Bond film No Time To Die, hid the tracklist of the soundtrack till the last minute because some of the titles might be seen as a spoiler for the films plot and ending

 

[SimeonNC]

If I have to guess, a tiny bit of the Jacksons era will be represented and I'm assuming the 1981 live tracks are supposed to fit that era.

At least Ben gets more recognition than it did in American Dream, sucks that the movie won't cover more of MJ's early solo career or the late J5/Jacksons era in general.

 

[Simijacksonfan]

With some reflection, I do think it’s a bit silly to expect unreleased music on a biopic soundtrack (and yes, I say this as someone who was insisting there would be lmao). This is clearly aimed at the general audience and/or newcomers, so I absolutely don’t think it’s unusual that it’s essentially a greatest hits album that isn’t geared at the hardcore fans. That said, I do hope these songs are given exciting new mixes à la Bohemian Rhapsody.

Regardless, there’s definitely more coming. The Kirk Franklin snippet; the comments from Humberto Gatica, Brody Brown, and Teddy Riley; Prince’s past comments about combing through the vault, if not the soundtrack, there’s 100% another project in the pipeline.

They could have still added bonus songs for long-time fans, then everyone would have been happy.

 

[wonderouzmj]

So is this like the this is it soundtrack where its just the regular cuts AGAIN? Or is it reimagining version like this

 

[martinpaulsheerin2014]

Releasing in 41 days! You can compile it yourself in 41 seconds on Spotify.

 

[Blues_Away2023]

I really hope they don’t make Jaafar lip sync to the studio version of Human Nature when supposed to be live

They better include live audio from the victory tour or even Bad.

 

[innuendo141]

I'm relieved to see that the reaction to the soundtrack is not favourable. I'm afraid the film could accidently feed into the "he was sh*t after Thriller" argument too.

 

[Blues_Away2023]

I'm relieved to see that the reaction to the soundtrack is not favourable. I'm afraid the film could accidently feed into the "he was sh*t after Thriller" argument too.

A lot of people understandably disappointed. It doesn’t cover enough hits. MJ had so many iconic songs but the soundtrack seems to be lacking a bit.

I did laugh after someone posted they were unhappy that you rock my world wasn’t included

They appear to be saving so much for this alleged part 2 that they could end up with less success cause people will be disappointed with the first!

 

[Themidwestcowboy]

So, Man In The Mirror will be saved for pt 2?

The lack of Bad songs on the soundtrack (and if true, the movie) is concerning to me. And it’s not just because of the song but because of what the Bad period meant for MJ as an artist and songwriter. I really hope they do not gloss over the Bad era.

 

[Blues_Away2023]

Working day and night btw. That song has legs!!!! It’s not even many people’s favourite yet has been in multiple world tours and now has a place in the movie

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

I'm relieved to see that the reaction to the soundtrack is not favourable. I'm afraid the film could accidently feed into the "he was sh*t after Thriller" argument too.

That’s why Part 2 needs to nail the soundtrack, to show that it only got better even through the adversity.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

It’s giving contractual obligation.

A posthumous album with unreleased songs is more likely to be the gamble:

 

[dethorro]

Is it confirmed that this is the actual soundtrack for the film? The Instagram post refers to it as a companion album as opposed to a soundtrack.

The soundtrack would also likely include some form of background music used in the introduction, as the Lionsgate/Universal logos are shown.

 

[Themidwestcowboy]

Is it confirmed that this is the actual soundtrack for the film? The Instagram post refers to it as a companion album as opposed to a soundtrack.

The soundtrack would also likely include some form of background music used in the introduction, as the Lionsgate/Universal logos are shown.

Score and soundtrack are used interchangeably in many instances but there is usually a Soundtrack Album and an Original Motion Picture Score album.

 

[SmoothCriminal1995]

It feels like the closer we get to the release, the less fans are looking forward to this biopic. I've had a feeling for while we're basically getting a remake of Jacksons American Dream

Hopefully they give us something special in the build up like a demo of a released song or something like Dreams Away to get us excited, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

 

[innuendo141]

Is it confirmed that this is the actual soundtrack for the film? The Instagram post refers to it as a companion album as opposed to a soundtrack.

The soundtrack would also likely include some form of background music used in the introduction, as the Lionsgate/Universal logos are shown.

Possible, but there was no score for Bohemian Rhapsody. Same producers etc.

 

[mjfp]

Is it confirmed that this is the actual soundtrack for the film? The Instagram post refers to it as a companion album as opposed to a soundtrack.

The soundtrack would also likely include some form of background music used in the introduction, as the Lionsgate/Universal logos are shown.

just a companion, not a score, not a soundtrack, and you can definitely look forward to the next few announcements.

Here's one: Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible are being reissued on standard black Vinyl soon

 

[michaeljackson.nl]

just a companion, not a score, not a soundtrack, and you can definitely look forward to the next few announcements.

Here's one: Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible are being reissued on standard black Vinyl soon

Soundtrack coming too then I suppose?

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

I've had a feeling for while we're basically getting a remake of Jacksons American Dream

At the end of the day, people actually find the story of MJ post Thriller more fascinating. His life before then, while interesting, is more straight forward. Rise to fame and a poor childhood is kind of standard Hollywood.

Everything that happened in the 90s, that’s truly untapped and that’s why Part 2 is the one to bank on.

 

[KOPV]

Is it confirmed that this is the actual soundtrack for the film? The Instagram post refers to it as a companion album as opposed to a soundtrack.

The soundtrack would also likely include some form of background music used in the introduction, as the Lionsgate/Universal logos are shown.

Companion albums are commonly used with big budget movies. The difference is a soundtrack is songs from the film where a companion album has songs inspired by the characters and theme of the movie.

In this case, its a good way to keep what's in the film a mystery. You'll hear more.

Many movies only have companion albums and people interchangeably call it "soundtrack" even though it's not the case.




Side note.
Regarding the comments comparing to American Dream. It's a very different film. It's a complete new telling of Michaels story.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

At the end of the day, people actually find the story of MJ post Thriller more fascinating. His life before then, while interesting, is more straight forward. Rise to fame and a poor childhood is kind of standard Hollywood.

Everything that happened in the 90s, that’s truly untapped and that’s why Part 2 is the one to bank on.

Well, unless you’re Blair I guess.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

The movie is still the main focus here. Can’t have a soundtrack cut into that profit. Point is, Biopic. Nothing new came with Cirque De Soleil or the musical so why would this be any different.

Maybe the film will include some scenes with songs… maybe there’s spoilers there. Might have to go see it in theaters

 

[Galactus123]

So, Man In The Mirror will be saved for pt 2?

The lack of Bad songs on the soundtrack (and if true, the movie) is concerning to me. And it’s not just because of the song but because of what the Bad period meant for MJ as an artist and songwriter. I really hope they do not gloss over the Bad era.

They really should have filmed more Bad Tour when they had to do reshoots. MITM performance after Bad would be better ending.

Edit: Or maybe they tried do film more (white shirt performance) but it ended up being cut too.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

Seems like pretty bog standard biopic stuff

 

[Blues_Away2023]

Seems like pretty bog standard biopic stuff

Nothing wrong with the bog standard stuff for the biopic, my issue is there’s not enough of it. I’m at a loss at the thought of Rock With You not being included or even something tender like she’s out of my life. PYT is a big hit and no sign of that either, not that I expected a performance of it btw (cause there is none)

 

[alexbism]

It feels like the closer we get to the release, the less fans are looking forward to this biopic. I've had a feeling for while we're basically getting a remake of Jacksons American Dream

Hopefully they give us something special in the build up like a demo of a released song or something like Dreams Away to get us excited, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Core fans are not the target audience, they know we will buy tickets to see it no matter what, getting us excited with unreleased songs is probably not part of their promotional run

 

[robotchicken14]

Nothing wrong with the bog standard stuff for the biopic, my issue is there’s not enough of it. I’m at a loss at the thought of Rock With You not being included or even something tender like she’s out of my life. PYT is a big hit and no sign of that either, not that I expected a performance of it btw (cause there is none)

It’s certainly leaning into the songs Michael wrote himself, which is both a good and bad thing. Good in that it will hopefully elevate MJ’s reputation as a songwriter, but bad in that it may gloss over Temperton, Tom Bahler or James Ingram’s contributions. But we shall see

 

[Themidwestcowboy]

They really should have filmed more Bad Tour when they had to do reshoots. MITM performance after Bad would be better ending.

Edit: Or maybe they tried do film more (white shirt performance) but it ended up being cut too.

I believe I know the approach they’re taking after seeing the track list and the trailers. As many of us know, Hollywood is obsessed with Joseph Campbell The Hero’s Journey and the 3 arc structure (in my honest opinion this model flattens biopics into formulaic, painted by numbers projects). As the trailers have alluded to, the personal journey that’s highlighted is breaking free, and not only fram his family but stepping into the role where he takes creative control of his destiny as well. And I believe the latter will be shown with thriller. I think they had to choose either Thriller or Bad because at a story level these two periods have semi functional roles. Bad was also about MJ “breaking free” but on a bigger scale (in terms of songwriting, but not cultural impact). For maximum effect I think they’ll condense these two together. If given the choice to choose one point in time that reflects his peak as the climax of the story, thriller feels like the natural choice.


This is all just conjecture, and I really hope I’m wrong because Bad deserves a huge spotlight.