I would not want Timbaland back again except for maybe a song or two. I think it's a good idea to have an exec producer who can make sure that the album feels at least a bit "unified", but I far more like the idea to have more producers on the album to be honest, to give a broader scope to the music and each track. I don't like Timbaland much, but even disregarding that, he has an instantly recognizable style.
My first thought when seeing the snippet from the documentary where they talk about how it shouldn't feel like a Timbaland album was "no, it *does* feel like a Timbaland album". That's not to say it also doesn't feel like a Michael album, because he is very recognizeable on this album. Great performances, with his voice strong and up-front. But the production screams Timbaland all over the place.
It's obvious that a lot of care went into the project, and I'm really grateful for that. But just sonically speaking, I think they tried a bit *too* hard to, as they say, contemporize the songs. I think that will serve to date the album to this period in time.
But it's double-edged sword really. I'm also happened that they poured their souls into it, because it feels like a serious attempt. Just not quite from the direction I was hoping for I guess, even though I do adore the songs because the song-writing is excellent.
Very happy with the release all in all, but if there will be more Michael album I hope they'll bring in a more diverse cast of producers. And personally I'd hope for more live instrumentation all in all.
