1. "Love Never Felt So Good"
It's a clap past a masterpiece. I literally mean it. Executive producer, Timbaland, fixed up this track almost perfectly. What you hear on the re-worked and remastered version sounds like a near perfect '80s disco club anthem. The original version had a more grainy texture and featured a lone piano. That's a lot of processing to do on a single track, but the new version feels like it could easily fit in with the other '80s sounding material from Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams on US Pop radio. It's breezy, dance-y and sharp, hitting all the right notes - except for one. At one point right smack dab in the middle of the track (around 2:04-2:07), the claps don't match up with the notes and it sounds awkward. I don't know about you, but that bothers me a lot considering the time they have had to create this project.
Original Version: As noted earlier, the original 1983 version of the track is basically a grainy, stripped version of the new track featuring just a piano against Jackson's vocals. I may actually prefer this version only because it works well with the bare minimum. There appears to be very limited (perhaps no) processing, and it's just throughly enjoyable.
Justin Timberlake Version: I am a fan of this version for the most part. The added vocals from the Justin Timberlake, a current singer that's no doubt a user of '80s throwback sounds, mix nearly perfectly with the remastered vocals from Michael Jackson. The variation in production from the solo new version was an added tidbit to detail that I enjoyed as well. The only issue I have with this version is that it's possible that Jackson didn't want to be featured with any other artists on this track, or maybe he wouldn't have wanted Timberlake to be the featured guest. But then again, this whole album was released so I guess L.A. Reid and the Jackson family were more concerned about driving album sales than Jackson's feelings.
2. "Chicago"
It's funky, fresh and of course tells the story of a dark, forbidden love. Layered with two distinctive parts, the first part of "Chicago" sees Jackson singing about his love for a woman, while the louder second part contains lyrics about Michael realizing that she was already taken and that she had been lying to him all along. Done in a typical Michael Jackson fashion, the second part of the story is sung out in the near screaming voice that made Jackson's discography so popular. It's easily one of the brightest tracks on the set, and was initially supposed to be released as the album's lead single. Rumor has it that either this track or "Slave to the Rhythm" will be the album's second single.
It's funky, fresh and of course tells the story of a dark, forbidden love. Layered with two distinctive parts, the first part of "Chicago" sees Jackson singing about his love for a woman, while the louder second part contains lyrics about Michael realizing that she was already taken and that she had been lying to him all along. Done in a typical Michael Jackson fashion, the second part of the story is sung out in the near screaming voice that made Jackson's discography so popular. It's easily one of the brightest tracks on the set, and was initially supposed to be released as the album's lead single. Rumor has it that either this track or "Slave to the Rhythm" will be the album's second single.
Original Version: The original version of "Chicago" (then known as "She's Lovin Me") was recorded in 1999 for the Invincible sessions, but never made it past the demo phase. It remained a fan favorite. I could see why (the vocals are pretty amazing), but the quality of the original version is extremely pitiful. To me it sounds like it was ripped from a radio play and then mixed with some synths, but I think that the synths were an add on made by Timbaland, J-Roc and L.A. Reid.
3."Loving You"
Its clearly not as bright as XSCAPE's first two tracks, but the bouncing and bubbly mid-tempo groove that is "Loving You", shines bright as ever. It's a sheer pop effort that transformed from a simple song into a hot pop pick with another danceable beat. It's easily another track that'll end up being a classic
Its clearly not as bright as XSCAPE's first two tracks, but the bouncing and bubbly mid-tempo groove that is "Loving You", shines bright as ever. It's a sheer pop effort that transformed from a simple song into a hot pop pick with another danceable beat. It's easily another track that'll end up being a classic
Original Version: The first edition of "Loving You" was more of a dreamy, dance track instead of a groovy disco anthem. First recorded during the Bad sessions, this track was in a near complete state before being released on this album. There was much less added processing compared to the facelift that "Chicago" got. For the most part, they sound similar. This one feels a bit dated, and the new version swaps old beats out for modern fare, making it possible for nearly identical tracks to cater to different markets.
4."A Place With No Name"
And now we come to one of the funkiest tracks on the album. Not because of its beat, but because of its story - well maybe both. "A Place With No Name" was Michael Jackson's answer to the 1972 smash hit "Horse With No Name" by a band called America. Rejected during two different album sessions, this track finally made its way to release courtesy of a modern update applied by producers StarGate. After a mouthful of Timbaland produced beats, it was nice to see a change in terms of production, with StarGate taking the reigns - and their time. According to official sources, Timbaland spent about a single day mixing each of his assigned tracks, while StarGate took over a week to come up with the production for this song. Luckily it paid off; "A Place With No Name" helps XSCAPE continue to wow me.
Original Version: The original version of "A Place With No Name" seems like a bit of a bore. It's surprising to learn that this "original version" was actually verified by Michael Jackson in 2008, 30 years after its initial recording and 1 year before his death. It seemed a bit simple to be deemed a "completed" track.
And now we come to one of the funkiest tracks on the album. Not because of its beat, but because of its story - well maybe both. "A Place With No Name" was Michael Jackson's answer to the 1972 smash hit "Horse With No Name" by a band called America. Rejected during two different album sessions, this track finally made its way to release courtesy of a modern update applied by producers StarGate. After a mouthful of Timbaland produced beats, it was nice to see a change in terms of production, with StarGate taking the reigns - and their time. According to official sources, Timbaland spent about a single day mixing each of his assigned tracks, while StarGate took over a week to come up with the production for this song. Luckily it paid off; "A Place With No Name" helps XSCAPE continue to wow me.
Original Version: The original version of "A Place With No Name" seems like a bit of a bore. It's surprising to learn that this "original version" was actually verified by Michael Jackson in 2008, 30 years after its initial recording and 1 year before his death. It seemed a bit simple to be deemed a "completed" track.
5."Slave to the Rhythm"
The spiciness and typical vocal flair we have all seen in previous Michael Jackson releases is finally back on this revamped version of "Slave to the Rhythm". "Rhythm" tells the story of a woman caught in a never ending web of work, and how she dances around the obstacles she faces in her daily life. It's fairly straight forward, but the flurry of heavy beats loaded onto this recreation make it a groovy dance track.
Original Version: The original track was produced by L.A. Reid (who was the main organizer of this project) and Babyface in 1991 during the Dangerous era, but failed to make the album. I can see why. The original version of "Slave to the Rhythm" clearly had some potential but it seems a bit scattered. Not quite all the kinks were worked out in time for the release of Dangerous; some of the vocals needed touch ups and the production was very marginal. The vocals seem so powerful, but the beats seem dull, causing the whole piece to feel lackluster.
Original Version: The original track was produced by L.A. Reid (who was the main organizer of this project) and Babyface in 1991 during the Dangerous era, but failed to make the album. I can see why. The original version of "Slave to the Rhythm" clearly had some potential but it seems a bit scattered. Not quite all the kinks were worked out in time for the release of Dangerous; some of the vocals needed touch ups and the production was very marginal. The vocals seem so powerful, but the beats seem dull, causing the whole piece to feel lackluster.
6."Do You Know Where Your Children Are"
Like most everyone can agree, "Do You Know Where Your Children Are" is easily the worst track on the album (though with only 8 tracks, that's not saying much). The overpowering synths nearly block out all of the vocals on this track, which is certainly annoying. Additionally, the guitar introduced toward the end of the track just messes up the groove that I was finally starting to get used to. Despite this, the recreated version of this track marks a HUGE improvement over the first edition.
Like most everyone can agree, "Do You Know Where Your Children Are" is easily the worst track on the album (though with only 8 tracks, that's not saying much). The overpowering synths nearly block out all of the vocals on this track, which is certainly annoying. Additionally, the guitar introduced toward the end of the track just messes up the groove that I was finally starting to get used to. Despite this, the recreated version of this track marks a HUGE improvement over the first edition.
Original Version: First known as "12 O'Clock", the release of "Do You Know Where Your Children Are" was scrapped multiple times throughout Michael Jackson's career. Why? Simply because it isn't that great. L.A. Reid said that the team organizing this project selected "the strongest, most complete tracks to dust off and polish", so I was very surprised to see this make the track list (it only meets "most complete"). This track was already left off of two separate albums; at this point I don't think that Jackson would have wanted everyone to hear this piece (maybe it wasn't up to his standards), though it has been noted that he did like making this track.
7."Blue Gangsta"
Building on the nearly complete original version, the Timbaland version feels almost like an exact duplicate - but not quite. Nearly all the beats and instruments were slightly rearranged and modernized. The piano and synths were swapped for buzzing "grasshopper"-like synths and a web of trap infused beats. For part of the track, it feels like they took the original version and layered an array of trap components right on top. This particular effect isn't bothersome per say, but it was definitely a backfire. Overall, I still think that the new version of "Blue Gangsta" is good, but I think that the original didn't really need an updating.
Original Version: The original version of "Blue Gangsta" was one of the few XSCAPE tracks that actually could have passed off as completed without adding any effects or beats. To be honest, it seems like it could have been a James Bond movie theme in the 1980s or 1990s. This is only the second song on this album where I prefer the original (though not by much).
Building on the nearly complete original version, the Timbaland version feels almost like an exact duplicate - but not quite. Nearly all the beats and instruments were slightly rearranged and modernized. The piano and synths were swapped for buzzing "grasshopper"-like synths and a web of trap infused beats. For part of the track, it feels like they took the original version and layered an array of trap components right on top. This particular effect isn't bothersome per say, but it was definitely a backfire. Overall, I still think that the new version of "Blue Gangsta" is good, but I think that the original didn't really need an updating.
Original Version: The original version of "Blue Gangsta" was one of the few XSCAPE tracks that actually could have passed off as completed without adding any effects or beats. To be honest, it seems like it could have been a James Bond movie theme in the 1980s or 1990s. This is only the second song on this album where I prefer the original (though not by much).
8. "Xscape"
Rodney Jerkins produced both the original and remake of this track, doing a great job on both of them. The modernized version of "Xscape" is club ready, aggressive and sounds like a completely new track. The instrumentation is graceful and powerful at the same time, and the beats do the vocals justice. "Xscape" isn't my favorite track on the album overall, but I think that the remake is one of the few that 'escapes' with next to no kinks and blips.
Original Version: It feels like a movie. The 45 second intro sets up the track as a thrilling, fast paced experience - and it is. The original version of "Xscape" is an extremely catchy, radio friendly track that didn't need a modernization - though I do appreciate the new version as well.
Best Tracks (New Versions Only)
1."A Place With No Name" (9.5/10)
2."Slave to the Rhythm" (9/10)
3."Xscape" (9/10)
4."Chicago" (9/10)
5."Love Never Felt So Good (Duet with Justin Timberlake)" (9/10)
6."Love Never Felt So Good" (8.5/10)
7."Blue Gangsta" (8.5/10)
8."Loving You" (7/10)
9."Do You Know Where Your Children Are" (6/10)
New Version Score: 84%
Best Tracks (Old Versions Only)
1."Xscape" (9.5/10)
2."Slave to the Rhythm" (9/10)
3."Blue Gangsta" (9/10)
4."Love Never Felt So Good" (9/10)
5."A Place With No Name" (8/10)
6."Chicago" (8/10)
7."Loving You" (6/10)
8."Do You Know Where Your Children Are" (5/10)
Old Version Score: 80%
Rodney Jerkins produced both the original and remake of this track, doing a great job on both of them. The modernized version of "Xscape" is club ready, aggressive and sounds like a completely new track. The instrumentation is graceful and powerful at the same time, and the beats do the vocals justice. "Xscape" isn't my favorite track on the album overall, but I think that the remake is one of the few that 'escapes' with next to no kinks and blips.
Original Version: It feels like a movie. The 45 second intro sets up the track as a thrilling, fast paced experience - and it is. The original version of "Xscape" is an extremely catchy, radio friendly track that didn't need a modernization - though I do appreciate the new version as well.
Best Tracks (New Versions Only)
1."A Place With No Name" (9.5/10)
2."Slave to the Rhythm" (9/10)
3."Xscape" (9/10)
4."Chicago" (9/10)
5."Love Never Felt So Good (Duet with Justin Timberlake)" (9/10)
6."Love Never Felt So Good" (8.5/10)
7."Blue Gangsta" (8.5/10)
8."Loving You" (7/10)
9."Do You Know Where Your Children Are" (6/10)
New Version Score: 84%
Best Tracks (Old Versions Only)
1."Xscape" (9.5/10)
2."Slave to the Rhythm" (9/10)
3."Blue Gangsta" (9/10)
4."Love Never Felt So Good" (9/10)
5."A Place With No Name" (8/10)
6."Chicago" (8/10)
7."Loving You" (6/10)
8."Do You Know Where Your Children Are" (5/10)
Old Version Score: 80%
Rating: 84% (B)
Combined Rating: 82% (B-)
Overview: XSCAPE gives off several impressions to the average person. A, it's a gimmicking way to rake in money for the Jackson family to share, B, it's likely to be of a poor quality 2010's Michael, and C, we've already heard some of these tracks. Okay maybe that's what I was thinking before I purchased it, but still I think most people would be thinking along the lines of that. After listening to the whole album, I'm here to tell you that 66% of those impressions are right. YES, it's a huge gimmick. YES, lots of people have heard some of these tracks before. But NO, it is not of a poor quality. To be honest, I was blown away at how much I enjoyed the album. Sure it has some blips and blemishes, but when you're working with tracks recorded 30 years ago by a now dead legend, it's hard to get it all nailed the right way.
As noted by my lists above, I have estimated that (in my opinion), the retouching of the tracks boosted my approval for them by about 4%. That brings the average score of the album to an 82%. That doesn't seem like a whole lot, but there were very certain aspects to the new songs that caused me to write them off as an improvement or a decrease in quality. For example, the new solo version of "Love Never Felt So Good" would have scored a 9/10 from me, but there was a small 3 second section that sounded awkward to me, causing me to give it an 8.5 instead. The original is a 9/10 to me. In the case of “Blue Gangsta”, I appreciate both versions, but I think that the old version was a solid track all on its own (it didn’t need a re-mix). The one track that really did benefit the most from the Timbaland created facelift was “A Place With No Name”. The newer version is my favorite of the new material, and is one of the greatest Michael Jackson tracks I’ve ever heard. The older one however, didn’t connect with me the right way. Additionally, the older versions scores might be slightly inflated due to the types of beats and materials that were available back when they were first created. I sort of separated the old and new versions and ranked them as if they were separate albums - if I compiled them, only the original versions of "Xscape", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "Blue Gangsta" would reach the top 10 (the remaining 7 tracks in the top 10 would all be new).
Overall, XSCAPE's deluxe edition is the way to go. It brings justice to the original tracks, as well as showing the differences between versions and how this creative process got started. It's chalk full of surprises and is easily worth the $15. This was an amazing experience; I thought I would never have the pleasure of giving another Michael album praise. With XSCAPE, I was easily proven wrong.
Come back for more posts soon!
Overview: XSCAPE gives off several impressions to the average person. A, it's a gimmicking way to rake in money for the Jackson family to share, B, it's likely to be of a poor quality 2010's Michael, and C, we've already heard some of these tracks. Okay maybe that's what I was thinking before I purchased it, but still I think most people would be thinking along the lines of that. After listening to the whole album, I'm here to tell you that 66% of those impressions are right. YES, it's a huge gimmick. YES, lots of people have heard some of these tracks before. But NO, it is not of a poor quality. To be honest, I was blown away at how much I enjoyed the album. Sure it has some blips and blemishes, but when you're working with tracks recorded 30 years ago by a now dead legend, it's hard to get it all nailed the right way.
As noted by my lists above, I have estimated that (in my opinion), the retouching of the tracks boosted my approval for them by about 4%. That brings the average score of the album to an 82%. That doesn't seem like a whole lot, but there were very certain aspects to the new songs that caused me to write them off as an improvement or a decrease in quality. For example, the new solo version of "Love Never Felt So Good" would have scored a 9/10 from me, but there was a small 3 second section that sounded awkward to me, causing me to give it an 8.5 instead. The original is a 9/10 to me. In the case of “Blue Gangsta”, I appreciate both versions, but I think that the old version was a solid track all on its own (it didn’t need a re-mix). The one track that really did benefit the most from the Timbaland created facelift was “A Place With No Name”. The newer version is my favorite of the new material, and is one of the greatest Michael Jackson tracks I’ve ever heard. The older one however, didn’t connect with me the right way. Additionally, the older versions scores might be slightly inflated due to the types of beats and materials that were available back when they were first created. I sort of separated the old and new versions and ranked them as if they were separate albums - if I compiled them, only the original versions of "Xscape", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "Blue Gangsta" would reach the top 10 (the remaining 7 tracks in the top 10 would all be new).
Overall, XSCAPE's deluxe edition is the way to go. It brings justice to the original tracks, as well as showing the differences between versions and how this creative process got started. It's chalk full of surprises and is easily worth the $15. This was an amazing experience; I thought I would never have the pleasure of giving another Michael album praise. With XSCAPE, I was easily proven wrong.
Come back for more posts soon!
No comments :
Post a Comment