The first single from Michael Jackson’s posthumous release, “Xscape” has been released this morning, titled “Love Never Felt So Good.” The disco/pop track was written by balladeer Paul Anka, and was originally recorded in 1983 as a demo.

The song has been reworked for the new album, and features production by Timbaland, with backing vocals from Justin Timberlake. The track has a definite 80’s vibe to it, and sounds a bit like some of the songs from Jackson’s “Off The Wall” album.

Even though it’s nice to hear something “new” from Jackson, this song isn’t exactly what I had in mind. If I’m being completely honest, I can see why the song was never released on any of Jackson’s prior albums; even after being reworked and remixed, it has an “unfinished” feeling to it, and the disco sound is so dated now. Timberlake’s vocals are also wasted, as you can barely hear him in the background- it would’ve been better to do this as a duet, I think. In all honesty, the song is a bit boring, especially as a first single.

Despite my lukewarm feelings about this first single, I’ll probably check out the full album when it’s released on the 9th. And maybe the song will grow on me by then…after all, this is only my impression after hearing it 2-3 times.

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Check out “Love Never Felt So Good” here:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG08ukJPtR8]