Informative Report: Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
Introduction
In 2014, a posthumous album by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was released under the title "Xscape". The album was a collection of unreleased tracks recorded by Michael Jackson between 1995 and 2001. A deluxe edition of the album was also made available, offering additional tracks, demos, and remixes. This report aims to provide an overview of the "Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014" album.
Background
The "Xscape" album was curated by Michael Jackson's brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy Jackson, along with producer Timbaland and others. The album's title, "Xscape", refers to the idea of escaping into a world of music. After Michael's passing in 2009, his team worked on completing the unreleased tracks to create a cohesive album.
Deluxe Edition Tracklist
The deluxe edition of "Xscape" includes 10 additional tracks, making a total of 17 tracks. Some of the notable tracks on the deluxe edition include:
Critical Reception
The deluxe edition of "Xscape" received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album holds a Metacritic score of 64 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Critics praised the additional tracks on the deluxe edition, which offered a deeper look into Michael Jackson's creative process.
Commercial Performance
The "Xscape -Deluxe Edition-" debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 60,000 copies in its first week. The album also charted in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Conclusion
The "Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014" album offers a comprehensive look at Michael Jackson's unreleased work from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The additional tracks on the deluxe edition provide insight into Michael's creative process and offer something new for fans to enjoy. While opinions on the album vary, it remains a valuable addition to Michael Jackson's discography.
Recommendation
For fans of Michael Jackson and those interested in exploring his unreleased work, the "Xscape -Deluxe Edition-" is a worthwhile listen. The album provides a unique glimpse into the King of Pop's creative process and features some enjoyable and memorable tracks.
Rating: 4/5
This report provides information on the album, deluxe edition tracklist, critical reception, commercial performance, and a conclusion. A rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given based on general reviews and critiques of the album.
Michael Jackson: Xscape - Deluxe Edition (2014) Released on May 9, 2014, Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
is the second posthumous album from the King of Pop. Curated by Epic Records chairman
, the project features eight tracks originally recorded between 1980 and 1999 that were "contemporized" by a team of elite producers including Rodney Jerkins John McClain Why the Deluxe Edition?
The Deluxe Edition is widely considered the definitive way to experience this release. It includes: Modernized Versions
: The primary eight tracks updated with a fresh, contemporary R&B and pop sound. Original Demos
: All eight songs in their raw, original form as Michael Jackson last worked on them. Exclusive Duet : A special version of "Love Never Felt So Good" featuring Justin Timberlake Documentary Content
: A bonus DVD or video content detailing the making of the album. Key Tracks & Highlights
Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014 is the second posthumous compilation of unreleased material from the King of Pop. Curated by
, the album features eight tracks "contemporized" by modern producers alongside their original demo recordings. Production Team Executive Producers: L.A. Reid and Timbaland. Leading Producers:
Timbaland, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, and John McClain. Original Producers:
Includes Michael Jackson, Paul Anka, Babyface, and Dr. Freeze, who worked on the tracks between 1980 and 2001. Deluxe Edition Contents
The Deluxe Edition is a 2-disc set (CD + DVD) containing 17 audio tracks and exclusive visual media: Disc 1 (CD): Tracks 1–8: Modernized "contemporized" versions of the songs. Tracks 9–16: The original, unedited demo recordings. A "duet version" of Love Never Felt So Good featuring Justin Timberlake. Disc 2 (DVD): Xscape Documentary:
A "making-of" film featuring interviews with the producers discussing the creative process. Physical Extras:
Typically includes a fold-out poster and a booklet with lyrics and liner notes by Joe Vogel. Track-by-Track Production Guide Track Name Original Year Contemporized By Original Production Love Never Felt So Good John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort Michael Jackson, Paul Anka Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson, Cory Rooney Loving You Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson A Place with No Name Michael Jackson, Dr. Freeze Slave to the Rhythm Timbaland, J-Roc L.A. Reid, Babyface Do You Know Where Your Children Are 1986–1990 Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson Blue Gangsta 1998–1999 Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson, Dr. Freeze Rodney Jerkins Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins technical details on specific tracks, or would you like to know where to a copy of this edition?
Released on May 13, 2014, Michael Jackson’s Xscape -Deluxe Edition- marked a pivotal moment in the King of Pop’s posthumous legacy. Following the controversial 2010 release of Michael, this project sought to restore fans' trust by pairing modern "contemporized" tracks with the raw, original demos that Michael himself recorded. The Core Concept: "Contemporization"
The album was executive produced by L.A. Reid, who curated eight tracks from Jackson's extensive archives spanning roughly 1983 to 1999. Reid recruited A-list producers like Timbaland, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Stargate to update the sound for a 2014 audience—a process they termed "contemporization". Review: Michael Jackson, 'Xscape' - NPR
This was the album’s lead single. The Deluxe Edition includes the original 1983 demo (co-written with Paul Anka) which is sparse, driven by a simple piano and Jackson’s youthful, agile voice. The contemporized version features a modern four-on-the-floor disco beat, and the deluxe version famously added a remix duet with Justin Timberlake. The song became a massive global hit, showcasing that Jackson’s voice could sit perfectly atop contemporary production.
For longtime fans, disc two is the reason to buy the Deluxe Edition. These are the raw, unpolished demos—some recorded as early as 1980 ("Love Never Felt So Good") and as late as 2007 ("Xscape"). Listening to these reveals the genius of Michael Jackson the arranger and vocalist, separate from any trendy production. "Love in the Morning" "She's Working It Out"
The standard edition contained eight contemporized songs, but the Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014 adds a ninth track and the eight original demos. Here is a breakdown of the key cuts.
Xscape (Deluxe Edition) represents a benchmark for posthumous releases. By respecting the source material and giving fans both a “modern radio” version and the untouched historical artifact, the project honored Jackson’s motto: “I never take the art home. The art takes me home.” It proved that even in unfinished form, Michael Jackson’s voice, melody, and rhythm remain timeless. For any fan, the Deluxe Edition is essential listening—a dialogue between the King of Pop and the 21st century, where he is both a ghost in the machine and very much alive in every note.
The primary feature of the Michael Jackson - Xscape (Deluxe Edition) (2014) that distinguishes it from the standard release is the inclusion of the original demo recordings for all eight tracks. While the standard version features "contemporized" versions reworked by producers like Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins, the Deluxe Edition allows fans to hear the songs as Jackson originally left them in his archives. Key Components of the Deluxe Edition
Original Versions: Includes the raw, un-remixed recordings of the 8 tracks, which many critics and fans prefer for their authentic "time capsule" quality.
Bonus Tracks: Features the hit duet version of "Love Never Felt So Good" co-produced by and featuring Justin Timberlake.
Bonus DVD: Contains a making-of documentary titled Xscape, featuring interviews with the producers discussing how they modernized Jackson's archival work.
Physical Collectibles: The physical CD/DVD set typically comes in a gold glittery cardstock case and includes a folded poster with song titles in colorful graffiti and a booklet containing lyrics and production notes.
Watch an unboxing of the physical Deluxe Edition to see the gold cardstock case, poster, and internal booklets in detail: Michael Jackson - Xscape (Deluxe Edition) CD UNBOXING FAN DE UNBOXING YouTube• Jun 25, 2023 Full Tracklist Love Never Felt So Good Chicago Loving You A Place With No Name Slave To The Rhythm Do You Know Where Your Children Are Blue Gangsta Xscape Love Never Felt So Good (Original Version) Chicago (Original Version) Loving You (Original Version) A Place With No Name (Original Version) Slave To The Rhythm (Original Version) Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Original Version) Blue Gangsta (Original Version) Xscape (Original Version) Love Never Felt So Good (feat. Justin Timberlake)
Are you looking to purchase a physical copy or are you interested in the production history of a specific track?
Released on May 13, 2014, Xscape (Deluxe Edition) is the second posthumous studio album from Michael Jackson. Curated by Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid, the project focused on "contemporizing" unreleased vocals with modern production from heavyweights like Timbaland, Stargate, and Rodney Jerkins. Album Overview & Structure
The Deluxe Edition is widely considered the definitive way to experience the project because it provides both the "contemporized" tracks and the raw historical demos.
Contemporized Versions: Eight tracks recorded between 1980 and 2001 that were remixed to sound like modern radio hits.
Original Versions: The Deluxe Edition includes the original raw recordings as Jackson left them in the vault, allowing for a direct comparison of the production changes.
Bonus Content: Features a guest appearance by Justin Timberlake on "Love Never Felt So Good" and a documentary DVD exploring the album's creation. Tracklist Analysis
The eight core songs span several decades of Jackson's creative output:
"Love Never Felt So Good": Originally recorded in 1980 with Paul Anka.
"Chicago": A 1999 session track originally titled "She Was Lovin' Me". "Loving You": Recorded during the Bad sessions in 1985. Critical Reception The deluxe edition of "Xscape" received
"A Place with No Name": A 1998 track inspired by America's "A Horse with No Name".
"Slave to the Rhythm": Recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions.
"Do You Know Where Your Children Are": Originally recorded between 1986 and 1990. "Blue Gangsta": A 1998 session track.
"Xscape": The title track, recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions. Commercial & Critical Reception
The story of Michael Jackson's Xscape (Deluxe Edition) , released in 2014, is a journey of "contemporizing" long-lost treasures from the King of Pop’s private archives. 1. Digging into the Vault
The project began when L.A. Reid, Chairman of Epic Records, was granted unprecedented access to Michael’s multi-decade vault of unfinished work. He selected eight tracks recorded between 1980 and 1999 that featured complete vocal performances by Michael. 2. The "Contemporizing" Process
Reid’s vision wasn't just to release old demos, but to "modernize" them for a new generation. He enlisted top-tier producers like Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Timbaland, and Stargate to create fresh, modern backing tracks while keeping Michael’s original essence intact. 3. The Title Track's Origins
The title song, "Xscape," was originally recorded during the Invincible sessions in 1999. Rodney Jerkins, who worked with Michael on the original, was brought back to finalize the 2014 version, bridging the gap between Michael’s last studio efforts and the sound of the mid-2010s. 4. The Deluxe Experience
The Deluxe Edition of the album offered fans a rare glimpse into Michael’s creative process. It included: Contemporized Versions: The new, modern remixes.
Original Recordings: The raw, unedited demos exactly as Michael left them, allowing listeners to hear his pure, initial ideas.
Bonus Content: A documentary on the making of the album and the song "Love Never Felt So Good," which became a massive hit featuring Justin Timberlake.
Today, the album is remembered for bringing Michael's voice back to the top of the charts years after his passing, with iconic visual art designed by Mat Maitland.
In the pantheon of posthumous album releases, few have sparked as much conversation, controversy, and acclaim as Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014. Released on May 13, 2014, by Epic Records, this collection arrived five years after the King of Pop’s tragic death. Unlike the previous posthumous album, Michael (2010), which faced skepticism regarding the authenticity of some vocals, Xscape was built on a foundation of unimpeachable source material: eight tracks entirely recorded by Jackson himself between 1983 and 1999.
The project was spearheaded by Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid, who was tasked with curating an album that respected Jackson’s legacy while introducing his genius to a new generation. The result was a dual-pronged release: the Deluxe Edition of Xscape offered fans both a modernized “contemporized” version of each song and the original demos, allowing for a fascinating musical archaeology of the late artist’s process.
This article explores the production history, tracklist, critical reception, commercial performance, and enduring legacy of Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014.
What makes the Deluxe Edition truly indispensable for collectors and scholars is its dual-disc format. The standard edition of Xscape contained eight contemporized tracks. The Deluxe Edition, however, includes a second disc: "The Original Versions." This is the crown jewel of the package.
Here is a breakdown of the key tracks from both perspectives.
