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some old news pieces from the Invincible recording era
31/05/1999 New Album Special
Michael has been working with various producers on his new album. As usual, it is impossible to say which collaborations will make the final cut.
Here is a list of some artists that have been working with Michael on new recordings:
-Rodney Jerkins (recorded between 25 and 30 songs with Michael.)
-Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster (co-produced the millenium song “I Have This Dream” with Michael.)
-Devante Swing (former leader of R&B; band Jodeci, proposed song ideas to Michael by the end of 1998.)
-R. Kelly (co-produced and recorded two ballads with Michael in the fall of 1998.)
-Sisqo (Michael showed interest in “Do You Want Me”, a song composed by Mark Andrews, a.k.a. Sisqo, leader of R&B; band Dru Hill.)
-Puff Daddy (has co-produced a song for Michael featuring Dutch and Mase.)
-Babyface (has co-produced two tracks with Carole Bayer Sager for Michael.)
-Mark C. Rooney (has worked with 3T on “Brotherhood” and on their new album; he’s now working on songs for Michael.)
-Monica Mancini (daugther of composer Henri Mancini and famous background singer; she recorded a song with Michael in the winter of 1999.)
09/06/1999 Quote from Carole Bayer Sager
In a recent interview with an American journalist, songwriter Carole Bayer Sager talked about her work with the King of Pop:
"I am keeping myself quite busy working with Carole King on her new album and with Michael on a few new songs. Musicians with their amount of genius push me harder in my craft. Michael is aware of the pressure to have a hit, and he wants this album to be spectacular and full of twists you wouldn't expect from him... Michael is a sweet genuine professional who I have worked with twice before. He sang on one of my albums ("Just Friends") and I helped him with Off The Wall ("It's The Falling In Love").
We wrote a song together with David Foster about the millenium. It will be a celebration of the changing times, a song for the future, which I suspect will be bright."
16/06/1999 New Album - Release Date
Sony Music has finally set a release date for Michael Jackson's new album.
Following a meeting with Michael last week-end in New York, Tommy Mottola, president of Sony Music, set a date for the US release of the new album:
November 9th 1999.
As usual, the new record will certainly be released a couple of days earlier in Europe to prevent parallel imports.
Michael's American record company is currently wondering whether they will release a vinyl version of the new album. As of now, the only formats planned for release are CD, Cassette and Minidisc.
A vinyl pressing of the record would nevertheless be released in Europe.
19/07/1999 Slight Change in Schedule - Update
Michael was expected to turn in song samples from the new album by the end of this month. However, due to several delays, Sony Music won't get the expected material on time. Therefore, a slight change in the schedule has been made. Michael is now expected to turn in a sampler of his new album by early August.
This slight change does not affect the planned November 9th commercial release date.
29/07/1999 Official Announcement
Today, Sony Music has officially announced that they should get the tapes of Michael's new album by the end of August.
The title of the album should then be revealed...
04/08/1999 New Album - Sony Music Schedule
Due to new production delays, the schedule of Sony Music for the release of Michael Jackson's album is being rearranged. The final tapes of the new album won't be turned in by August as expected.
The November 9th commercial release date may be postponed soon. Sony Music is still hoping for a release this year but very little time is left now to meet the deadline.
05/08/1999 Michael with Will Smith
Today, dotmusic.co.uk published the following statement:
"Will Smith and Michael Jackson are teaming up for a track that is due out at the end of the year. Rodney Jerkins, who has produced records for the like of Whitney Houston, is the producer on the as as yet untitled track. A source said: "Will Smith has already laid down a rap. Now they're just waiting for Michael to lay down some vocals."
06/08/1999 Collaboration on the New Album
One of Michael's song from the new album will feature a rap solo by Will Smith.
Will Smith started to work on this track with Michael at the Hit Factory, in New York, in May of 1999. He met Michael there but spent little time with him in the studio.
This featuring rap is similar to the cameo appearances that Shaquille O'Neal, Naughty By Nature, Notorious B.I.G, Heavy D. or LTB did on Michael's Dangerous and HIStory albums.
11/08/1999 New Album - Release Date Postponed
Sony Music has rescheduled the release date of the new Michael Jackson album.
The new record is now expected for a release by early 2000.
21/08/1999 New Producer Works with Michael
A new producer is teaming up with the King of Pop.
Hip-hop producer DJ Scratch is bringing his hardcore flavor to one possible track for the new album. He is currently working with Michael Jackson.
DJ Scratch's latest work includes production on EMPD's Out Of Business album and on Busta Rhymes' hit singles "Do The Bus A Bus" and "Party Is Goin' On Over Here".
29/09/1999 New Collaboration
Michael Jackson is currently working on his new album in New York City.
One of his latest productions is a song that he recorded with Indian artist Ar Rahman.
The King of Pop is always exploring new musical grounds and this collaboration with Ar Rahman should bring a new flavor to one of his songs.
Ar Rahman is a popular Indian artist that appeared on stage during the "Michael Jackson & Friends" concert in Munich, Germany.
The song Michael Jackson and Ar Rahman recorded together is now completed and may appear on the new album.
14/10/1999 New Planning
Sony Music and Michael Jackson have set a new planning for the release of the album.
Michael has three months and a half to finish the recording of his new album. He is now expected to turn in the tapes of the album on January 31st 2000 at the latest.
A first single is planned for a release by the end of February, and the album should hit the streets by late March.
12/11/1999 New Collaboration
The King of Pop is still contemplating new musical directions for his forthcoming album.
Producer Emilio Estefan, Jr has been contacted by Michael Jackson and is currently working on two tracks for the new album.
Emilio Estefan, Jr is married to singer Gloria Estefan and has executive produced all of her albums. He is also the mastermind behind the famous Cuban band Miami Sound Machine. Estefan's most recent credits include production on Ricky Martin's latest album.
Should these tracks produced by Estefan appear on the new album, they would mark Michael Jackson's first recording of latin-styled music.
The King of Pop is currently in New York City where he has resumed work on his new album after a short break spent in Los Angeles.
23/12/1999 Album Release - New Planning
Once again, Sony Music has postponed the working release date of Michael's new album. The album tapes won't be ready by January as originally expected.
The record company is now hoping to release a single by April, and the album by May or June.
The King of Pop is still in New York working on new tracks. To this day, he has recorded 75 new songs for the album.
17/01/2000 Another Collaboration
Mainstream American producer Walter Afanasieff is working on Michael Jackson's new album. That's what the Los Angeles Times stated in an article about the hit producer published last week.
The newspaper said Afanasieff "is working on writing and/or production for Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Julio Iglesias and the rock band Train."
This is the first collaboration between Walter Afanasieff and Michael Jackson.
Afanasieff has produced hits for a lot of American artists, including his most successfull record, "My Heart Will Go On" sung by Celine Dion.
26/01/2000 Quote from Walter Afanasieff
Columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith dedicated an article to Walter Afanasieff and Michael Jackson in the latest edition of their famous BeckSmith Hollywood Exclusive column.
The following is an excerpt of that article titled "When will Michael Jackson's next album be finished?"
" 'That's one of the great mysteries in the world,' answered producer Walter Afanasieff to the title question. 'It was supposed to be out last year. The record company is pressuring him, and it's now supposed to be done by summertime, but it's still pretty much a work in progress. Michael does so much recording, nobody knows when he'll be done. He could end up recording 70 songs. When he decides it's enough, it's enough.'
Afanasieff, Grammy-nominated for producer of the year, is contributing the tune 'Fall Again' to Jackson's disc. 'We worked to the point that we were three-fourths of the way finished —then, the incident happened when his son got very sick. We're going to have to reserve a little spot to finish the song.' "
12/02/2000 Work in Progress
Wyclef Jean has resumed work on two tracks for Michael Jackson's new album.
He started to work on the songs several months ago and, after a break, he is now back with Michael to finalize them.
There is still no release date for the release of the new album.
19/02/2000 New Album Release Date
Rodney Jerkins has recently granted an interview to an internet news service. Quotes from this interview have been circulated on the internet by Michael Jackson fan-clubs.
One of the things Rodney Jerkins was quoted as saying was that Michael Jackson's new album wouldn't be coming out before the end of the year and could probably be postponed until early 2001.
The fact is that there is no final release date for the new album as of now.
More information regarding the release date of the new album should be available soon.
01/03/2000 New Album Release
Sony Music International executives just had an important meeting where the release date of Michael Jackson's new album was discussed and four new songs premiered.
As of now, a new schedule is on. The new album is now expected to be released by September 2000.
Michael will be finishing the record into the summer and delivering it to the record company by early June at the latest. A first single from the album could then be released by August.
This news is not part of a promotional announcement. Release date is subject to change depending on Michael's own recording schedule.
17/03/2000 New Album Release - Update
Sony Music has once again postponed the release date of Michael Jackson's new album. Since the recording won't be finished on time, a new schedule has been set.
The new album is now slated for an October 2000 release.
28/03/2000 Seeing Voices
Michael Jackson recently recorded a song for Sony called "Seeing Voices." The song is about "signing", the communication language of the deaf. It features Sidney Fine's music and lyrics, and Ray Charles' choir.
Sidney Fine recently celebrated his 95th birthday. Among other songs, he wrote "Lady" for the Disney movie "Lady And The Tramp" in 1955, along with Ed Penner and Oliver Wallace
03/04/2000 Quote from Carole Bayer Sager
Daily News reporter Stephanie Dubois recently interviewed Carole Bayer Sager. The famous songwriter spoke about her collaboration with the King of Pop.
"I co-wrote two of the tunes that may be featured on the new album. I heard the song I co-wrote with Rodney Jerkins and it sounds great, as great as anything everyone remembers from Michael.
I believe that if you're an icon —and I think Michael fits into that description— the most important thing is to have an undeniable album, with 10-12 undeniable hit songs on it. I don't see any reason to rush. The only thing that matters is to keep that bar up high, and don't go below it.
The other song I co-wrote with David Foster and Michael is partly recorded. We're just waiting for Michael to finish the vocal."
07/04/2000 Rodney Jerkins Continues To Work With Michael
Yesterday, Rodney Jerkins issued the following statement through his publicist Courtney Barnes.
" Grammy Nominated producer Rodney Jerkins will continue to produce and write songs for the forthcoming Michael Jackson album as he has for over a year. Jerkins is furious about numerous rumors and stories that have surfaced over the past several weeks claiming he was fired by Jackson.
Jeff Kwatinetz, manager for Michael Jackson, upon hearing of the rumor, said 'Of course it's not true. Rodney was not fired. It's just silly internet gossip.' "
Today, Planet Jackson talked to Fred Jerkins, Rodney's brother, who is also working on the Michael Jackson project. Here are excerpts from that interview.
"This story about Michael firing Rodney is absolutely not true. Rodney has done 12 songs with Michael and Michael will choose some for the album. Right now, Rodney is busy with the Spice Girls project, but he will get back in the studio with Michael some time later. Anyway, Rodney is perfectioning the songs even if Michael is not there. The sound on Michael's album will be totally different from anything Rodney did before. Because Rodney is very versatile.
I think the album will be released next year. Actually, maybe this year. We're not sure."
30/06/2000 New Album Release Date - Update
Michael Jackson has set another release plan for his new album. He is now hoping to release the record in March 2001.
Plans for a release by Christmas 2000 are definitely cancelled.
29/09/2000 New Album Release - Update
Michael Jackson has postponed his plans for a March 2001 release of his new album.
As of now, the record won't come out before the summer of 2001.
04/10/2000 New Album Update
Michael Jackson is no longer recording new music for his album. He currently has a large selection of tracks from which he will make the final choice.
As of now, Michael Jackson is not planning on recording anymore new songs for this album.
The mixing of the new album has now begun. Michael Jackson and engineer Bruce Swedien hope to be done with this crucial and final artistic stage by late January 2001.
Provided everything goes in accordance with this working schedule, the new album could exit the mastering stage in the Spring of 2001 and be ready for a release early in the Summer of 2001.
03/12/2000 New Album - Release Date
Last week, Michael Jackson and Sony Music have set a release date for the new Michael Jackson album.
The new recording is now scheduled for a release on Tuesday March 27th 2001.
This working release schedule is for the US market and is subject to modifications.
The new album is to be released on a record six configurations:
-CD Album
-Cassette Album
-Mini Disc Album
-Vinyl Album
-CD Super Audio
-DVD Audio Album
21/12/2000 New Album - European Release Date
Sony Music has set a European release date for the new Michael Jackson album.
The new recording is now scheduled for a release on
Monday March 26th 2001.
The US release of the album has already been slated for March 27th.
This working schedule is subject to modifications depending on Michael Jackson's progress in finalizing the album.
09/01/2001 New Album Postponed
Michael Jackson's new album won't be ready for a March release as previously planned.
The King of Pop is still working on new tracks for the album.
Although the mixing of most of the tracks is done, Michael Jackson is still recording new material.
Therefore, the album won't come out by the end of March. A new schedule for the release is currently in the work.
11/01/2001 New Album - On Schedule Again
Sony Music has planned a new release date for the King of Pop's album.
The new planning coincides with Michael Jackson's latest readjustment in the recording schedule.
Sony Music still hopes to deliver the new album to the public before the summer.
The new working release date is April 24th in the USA and April 23rd in Europe.
This schedule being very tight, a rearrangement is likely to occur.
25/01/2001 New Album - New Release Date
Sony Music have rescheduled the new Michael Jackson album to June 26th in the USA and June 25th in Europe (2001).
In order to meet this release date, the recording of the new album will have to be over by the end of March.
04/02/2001 New Songs Premiered to Privileged Few
On January 31st, a few Sony Music executives had the privilege to hear three tracks from Michael Jackson's new album.
While a handful of music industry professionals were attending a meeting with Tommy Mottola in New York, the Sony Music President premiered three new Michael Jackson songs to his hand-picked audience.
This exclusive music was played as an example to demonstrate the power of excellence in quality production, a goal that, according to Mottola, each Sony Music executive should push their artists for.
Three songs from Michael Jackson's new album were premiered during the meeting. Only 1 minute of each song was played, consisting of a verse and a chorus.
Michael Jackson being very secret about the titles of his songs, this information will remain undisclosed.
The first two tracks were up-tempo; the last one was a ballad co-produced by R. Kelly.
18/04/2001 New Album - Release Date Update
Sony Music and Michael Jackson have rescheduled the release of Michael Jackson's new album.
The album is now tentatively slated for a release in the USA on September 18th 2001. (A release date for Europe is yet to come.)
21/05/2001 New Album Release Date - Update
Michael Jackson and Sony Music have now come to a final decision with regards to the release date for the new album.
Michael Jackson's new album will either be released on September 18th or September 25th.
It is Michael Jackson's will to do his utmost to release the album before September 30th.
13/06/2001 New Album Premiere
Tuesday June 12th, Sony Music held a special conference at the Hit Factory studio in New York City to premiere Michael Jackson's new album to Sony Music executives from around the world.
Michael Jackson greeted the exclusive crowd at the studio and then left the audience.
15 songs were premiered during that special session.
Michael being very secret about his songs prior to their release, we will not reveal the complete tracklisting details. Besides, there are still four tracks from the selection that was premiered that might be replaced. Michael is still undecided about those four songs.
The title of the new album is now decided.
Michael has chosen to give a spectacular title to his new record.
As it is Michael's wish to keep it a secret for the time being, we will only reveal that the album title is one word that begins with the letter "i".
And it is spectacular.
After the exclusive premiere of Michael Jackson's new album, the reaction of the crowd was ecstatic.
The new record was described by many as Michael's best work since "Thriller."
15/06/2001 New Album - Final Release Date
Sony Music and Michael Jackson have now confirmed the final release date for INVINCIBLE, the King of Pop's new album.
The record will be released on September 25th.
19/06/2001 First Single
Michael Jackson has chosen the first single to be released from the forthcoming INVINCIBLE album.
It will be "Rock My World."
11/07/2001 New Single Release - Update
There are currently no plans to release "You Rock My World" as a commercial single in the USA next September.
The song will only be released to radio stations and clubs in America.
"You Rock My World" will be available commercially in other parts of the world, however.
13/07/2001 You Rock My World - Update
On July 30th, the King of Pop will take over airwaves around the world with "You Rock My World," the smashing new single from the forthcoming INVINCIBLE album.
Produced by Michael Jackson and Rodney Jerkins, "You Rock My World" was written and composed by Michael Jackson and Rodney Jerkins, and co-written by Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels and Nora Payne.
"You Rock My World" opens with a spoken dialogue between Michael Jackson and comedian Chris Tucker.
The hit song features lead and background vocals by Michael Jackson.
28/07/2001 Release Dates Rescheduled
Due to production delays, Sony`s Michael Jackson release schedule is currently being modified.
Several release dates, including the radio and video premieres of "You Rock My World," will be rescheduled.
A new release planning should be available shortly.
08/08/2001 New Album Postponed
Due to production delays in the filming of two short-films to accompany the first two singles off of INVINCIBLE, Michael Jackson and Sony Music had to postpone the release of the new album, the first single, the expanded versions of Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous, and the HIStory Greatest Hits compilation.
There is currently no new release date set for INVINCIBLE. However, the new album is tentatively slated for late October. The first single is expected to be released to radios by late August or early September.
10/08/2001 You Rock My World - Release Date
"You Rock My World" is now scheduled to hit radio stations around the world on September 10th.
The accompanying video is planned to premiere on the same day.
The international commercial release date of the "You Rock My World" single is slated for October 8th.
23/08/2001 INVINCIBLE It Is
Today, Sony Music President Tommy Mottola, Epic Records Chairman Dave Glew and Epic Records President Polly Anthony issued a press statement confirming that Michael Jackson's new album will be titled INVINCIBLE and will be released on October 29th internationally and on October 30th in North America.
In the press release, Tommy Mottola says, "INVINCIBLE contains some of Michael Jackson's finest work to date. He continues to grow as an artist and, together with his talented cowriters and coproducers, he has created a fresh body of music that is destined to take its place alongside the greatest recordings in Pop history. Music lovers around the world will be surprised and delighted by the power, depth and range of INVINCIBLE.''
Dave Glew adds, "As a singer, composer, producer, arranger and musician, Michael Jackson is one of the most talented and influential artists in the history of recorded music. The release of this new album is a global event. From 'You Rock My World' to `Speechless, INVINCIBLE is a towering musical achievement, that breaks new ground for this pioneering artist.''
Continues Polly Anthony, "'You Rock My World' represents the very best of Michael Jackson. Simply put, this record is a global smash!''
The press statement also states that the director of the "You Rock My World" short film is Paul Hunter.
24/08/2001 You Rock My World - Short Film Update
Filming of the "You Rock My World" short-film was officially finished on Tuesday, August 21st.
Director Paul Hunter is currently working on editing and post-production of the film.
Paul Hunter is one of the most famous directors of the music video world. Since 1997, he has laid down a new style in music videos. His credits include Whitney Houston's "Step By Step," Mariah Carey's "Honey," Janet Jackson's "I Get Lonely," Will Smith's "Wild Wild West," Jennifer Lopez' "If You Had My Love" and "TLC's "Unpretty."
The release of the "You Rock My World" short-film has been rescheduled. It will now premiere worldwide on September 17th.
24/09/2001 World Exclusive! INVINCIBLE Updated Tracklisting
Michael Jackson has made a final last-minute change to the content of his forthcoming INVINCIBLE album.
The King of Pop has decided to replace the song “Shout” with a new track titled “You Are My Life,” produced by Michael Jackson and Babyface.
Here is the complete tracklisting of the INVINCIBLE album, including timings. All tracks in final order.
1- UNBREAKABLE (6:25)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Nora Payne, Robert Smith, Christopher Wallace)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
Featuring special rap by The Notorious B.I.G.
2- HEARTBREAKER (5:10)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Mischke, Norman Gregg)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
Featuring rap by FATS
3- INVINCIBLE (4:45)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Norman Gregg)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
4- BREAK OF DAWN (5:32)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Dr. Freeze)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Dr. Freeze
5- HEAVEN CAN WAIT (4:49)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Andreao Heard, Nate Smith, Teron Beal, E. Laues, K. Quiller)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley
6- YOU ROCK MY WORLD (5:39)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Nora Payne)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
Intro by Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker
7- BUTTERFLIES (4:40)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Andre Harris, Marsha Ambrosius)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Andre Harris
8- SPEECHLESS (3:18)
(Written by Michael Jackson)
Produced by Michael Jackson
9- 2000 WATTS (4:24)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Tyrese Gibson, J. Henson)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley
10- YOU ARE MY LIFE (4:39)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Babyface, Carole Bayer Sager, John McClain)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Babyface
11- DON'T WALK AWAY (4:25)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Richard Carlton Stites, Reed Vertelney)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley
12- PRIVACY (5:05)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Bernard Bell)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
13- CRY (5:01)
(Written by R. Kelly)
Produced by Michael Jackson & R. Kelly
14- THE LOST CHILDREN (4:00)
(Written by Michael Jackson)
Produced by Michael Jackson
Contains audio snippets from the Twilight Zone
15- WHATEVER HAPPENS (4:56)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Gil Cang, J. Quay, Geoffrey Williams)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley
Featuring guitar solo by Santana
16- THREATENED (4:19)
(Written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Robert Smith)
Produced by Michael Jackson & Rodney Jerkins
Contains audio snippets of Rod Serling
26/09/2001 INVINCIBLE Vinyl LP To Include Bonus Track
The vinyl album version of INVINCIBLE may include a bonus track not available on the CD.
A special tracklisting for the vinyl pressing is currently being considered.
INVINCIBLE will be released as a double-12" vinyl album in America and other countries.
Here is the tentative tracklisting:
Disc 1 - Side A
1- UNBREAKABLE (6:25)
2- HEARTBREAKER (5:10)
3- INVINCIBLE (4:45)
4- BREAK OF DAWN (5:32)
Disc 1 - Side B
1- HEAVEN CAN WAIT (4:49)
2- YOU ROCK MY WORLD (5:39)
3- BUTTERFLIES (4:40)
4- SPEECHLESS (3:18)
Disc 2 - Side A
1- 2000 WATTS (4:24)
2- SHOUT (4:17)
3- DON'T WALK AWAY (4:25)
4- PRIVACY (5:05)
Disc 2 - Side B
1- CRY (5:01)
2- THE LOST CHILDREN (4:00)
3- WHATEVER HAPPENS (4:56)
4- THREATENED (4:19)
Note: "You Are My Life" would be replaced with "Shout."
02/10/2001 INVINCIBLE Tracklisting - Modification Update
A change in the track sequence of the INVINCIBLE album has recently been made. With the inclusion of "You Are My Life" in the tracklisting, Michael Jackson has made a transposition. "Privacy" is now track #11 and "Don't Walk Away" is track #12. The order of the other tracks remains the same.
With regards to the LP vinyl and cassette versions of the album, the song "Shout" will not be included after all. It has been replaced on all formats by "You Are My Life."
