This is it, MJ fans — the first posthumous single from the King of Pop, pegged to his upcoming two-disc CD and concert documentary of the 50-date London stand that he didn’t live to complete.
If you think the mid-tempo ballad, with its fingersnaps, soaring chorus and big-build strings, sounds like classic Michael, you’d actually be right — the song supposedly comes from sessions for his 1991 album Dangerous.
Some listeners may pick up shades of “Will You Be There” (also from Dangerous) in the melody, but the song still stands alone as a new release — and reminds us of the singular pop talent Jackson possessed. Listen below (after a 30-second ad for the film), and tell us what you think:
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Michael Jackson died??? OMG!!!! I can’t believe this.
You didn’t?????
Where have you been????
I love MJ and as a proven perfectionist, I don’t think he would have approved. There was a reason this song was left off of the album. Total letdown.
I’d like it better if the Jackson brothers’ backup wasn’t so prominent – more Michael, less brothers.
Classic Michael. I am excited to see the movie at the end of the month!!
I agree KMD! I am his biggest fan no doubt but I don’t think this would’ve been one he would’ve wanted out there! Not saying its horrible just saying you can tell it’s not finished they way he would of liked!
oohh,…..this is really great.
This song is good, but not great. Michael’s vocal is amazing. He had a truly amazing singing voice. His voice is his instruments and he took good care of his voice.
This song doesn’t have Michael’s magic touch. I don’t think Michael would have released the song in this current form. Clearly, this song was a demo and an outake.
As a fan of Michael, I will buy the album. But, I have to express my disappointment toward SONY(not Michael). SONY, please please respect Michael Jackson’s legacy. Please stop putting yet annother “greatest hits” albums. Most fans have the entire Michael Jackson catalog. I personally have everything from Off The Wall to Invincible. I pre-order This Is It solely for this new song and the spoken poem. I don’t think Michael would have approved of this album format.
SONY, please spend some time to research the archive and carefully select the “unreleased” tracks and compile a true album. Please respect and preserve Michael Jackson’s legacy.
SONY, you failed Michael when he was alive. Please don’t fail him again!
Michael Jackson, our true King of Music and Dance, may you rest in peace. We love you and miss you!
The vocal sounds like a very rough cut of a potential MJ song that someone added overproduced backing tracks to so it could become a song.
Sounds nothing like anything Michael would have approved.
It’s a shame really, more dead Michael money mongering. . .
This song is beautiful, but I would have preferred a fast, upbeat song. But overall, it’s great. I can’t wait for the film!
it wasnt really that great,good voice though
I don’t think this song is from the 1991 “Dangerous” sessions – it sounds MUCH older than that (around mid-’70’s) and MJ’s brothers had stopped singing back up for him YEARS before “Dangerous” was recorded.
It’s a pleasant enough song but, let’s be honest here – it was only released because its title just happens to coincide with the aborted tour and upcoming movie.
I’m all for posthumous MJrecords – but, we should do better than this.
The brothers’ vocal was recorded recently for the single.
hmmm…the songs okay. Sounds like all the other MJ ballads, but I guess that’s his signature sound.
Sounds like a “not quite ready to be released” Michael Jackson song. He sounds good, a little heavy on the backup though. It makes me sad to think that none of us will ever hear another “new” Michael Jackson creation, and that’s a bad thing.
Not bad for a Ballard…sounds good.
it is amzing i love it cant wait for the movie going to see nov 1 with al my bffs
OMG OMG OMG I LUV DIS SONG SO MUCH…I KNO YALL AINT TRYIN 2 HATE BUT IT REALLY IS A GUD SONG
Micheal Jackson would be disgusted at your grammar. You wasted the very education he believed in so much. If you truly were a “MJ Lover” you wouldn’t have wasted away your time in school. He valued more than fame, wealth, and superficial appearance, you know.
I actually have not listened to the song but I know it will be a great song for ages, love Michael .
IT’S A SAD DAY WHEN FAMILY AND CEO COMPANYS SUCH AS SONY AND OH THERES ALOT MORE OUT THERE TO USE MICHAEL MORE THEN EVER NOW AS THEY DID ELVIS.I REMEMBER THE DAY WE GOT THE NEWS ON ELVIS AGAIN HE TO WAS USING DRUGS EVEN IF LEGAL OVER USE.THEN EVERYONE WENT ON TO GAIN ON HIS FAME AS THEY WILL MICHAEL.SAD VERY SAD AND ONE DAY THEY WILL STAND UP AND BE ACCOUNTED FOR DOING THIS .They were not God’s but artist top of the line and let them RIP as they should.Whatever was in their pass is not for us to judge them or set in on making all this money.FANS will buy cause they loved these artist,but that is ok its when I see the family such as Michaels brothers ,father etc cashing in that gets to me.Janet got it her way and Latoynut can’t sing or do anything but gossip and she put Michael down so much when he had not even been tried on trial yet the family lets her speak out about him I don’t get that family for alouding her to step up and even get involved she herself accused her own brother of those children acts before he had even gone to court to make what again money muchla get it thats what it is all about.
It’s beautiful!. It’s not like his other masterpices but it’s good..
Shades of the old MJ sound. It’s not a wonder it was shelved from the ‘Dangerous’ LP. Not great, yet bad. A song I believe we could have have done without at this time of his passing.
I meant to say not great yet not bad… Sorry.
This Is It, is not a classic Michael Jackson song we would expect of him today, but it is more of a throwback to his early years with his brothers and his solo career. No it is not perfect, but hearing the youthfulness and strenght in his voice reminds you of how wonderful is voice is and makes you reminisce of the time when he song with his brothers or when he first started off on his own. As a fan speaking to all his fans don’t read so much into the song, just enjoy it and let it remind you of how much you love Michael Jackson and how he was before his passing.
i really do love the song but i agree with a lot of you that michael would not have released it as they did. i love the lyrics!!!! michaels voice is amazing!!!!!
Great song, his voice is so unique.
You can put a cat in a blender and it will sound unique too, but that doesn’t mean anyone should be caught listening to it. At least not while dressed and with a tub of mayonnaise nearby.
I miss MJ. And to the Harry Peters of the world. Do not buy it or listen. People bashed him when he was alive. Please let him rest in peace. MJ was a gift to us that once again we took for granite. No one is perfect. Let’s learn from our mistakes and respect and appreciate his memory. LOL
Harry, what’s wrong with you? If you don’t like Michael’s music, why you listened to his new song? If you didn’t listen to his song, why are you leaving comments here. You sound very ignorant. Michael passed away. Your mean words won’t be able to hurt him anymore. But, you are hurting his family, his children and his fans. Michael Jackson was one of the greatest singer, songwriter, and performer. He left a mark in music history. His works will be celebrated by generations of people around the world. All races, all ages and both gender will keep singing and dancing to his songs. No matter how many negative comments you post, you will NEVER break his legacy. So, please move on and stop being rude.
I loved the song as in the words, the sad part is we seem to worship MJ a little to much. If he were alive I would buy the music now that he is gone I just don’t feel like making Sony or anybody rich. I know his children are very well taken care of. So maybe we should just let MJ Rest-N-Peace. We miss him, but he’s gone now. Let him go.
Oh, my…in shock that someone even thought this would be anything of what Michael would have released. It is truly sad..Sony and his Brothers moving in on his idea’s to make money. Mark my words it will back fire…on them that is. What exactly is this song trying to say…
I’ve been listen to MJ since he came out and anything he does is awesome this included
A true Micajel Jackson I am and will be forever. His music during his life was amazing. this song was okay and since he is not here anymore to add his professional touch, I will live with all the GREAT music he left behind. He is know on the PLANET for his work and his humanitarian care for everyone. I miss him and will rejoice in what he left behind.
It sounds unfinished and heavy on the backup vocals but I love MJ just the same. Shame on Sony and his brothers for trying to cash in.
It’s a demo from 1991 that he wrote and someone by the name of Safir recorded. It’s on Showbiz411 and rickey dot org.