Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good

This is the lead single from the King Of Pop's second posthumous album entitled Xscape. The original song was  apparently written and recorded nearly 30 years back with Paul Anka but remained unreleased until now. A new version was produced specifically for the album. Despite having been updated, the song has a distinct sound characteristic of what Michael was doing around that time. An alternate remix version with additional vocals by Justin Timberlake, produced by Timbaland has also been released. The production on the remix is different. Justin's vocals do complement Michael's, however, there is an unfortunate noticeable difference in the sound quality that is distracting.

• Purchase the original here (iTunes)
• Purchase the remix here (iTunes)

Grade: B+

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time (Dezrok Remix)

This song was originally the second single off of his Dangerous album. The New Jack Swing-styled song had an iconic music video featuring Eddie Murphy and Iman. The accompanying remixes from the initial release were in a similar style as the original and in the classic, early House style.

Remixer/producer/DJ Dezrok, known for his epic big room, tribal productions throughout much of the 2000s is making a comeback after some time away from the producing. He revisited this classic, making it over in his signature style. Thought the original was not at all like this, the dramatic, synthy production with hard drums works perfectly. It's a lovely, melodic mix. Dezrok has made it available for streaming and limited time download.

Welcome back Dezrok!

Listen and download here:


Grade: A

Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight

Taken from his first posthumous release, "Hollywood Tonight" is a Disco/Funk/Pop song, with those familiar "Billie Jean" sounding beats. The song is classic Michael in every way. It would sound perfectly at home on one of his earlier albums, yet it sounds modern too. DJ Chuckie did some chilled electro/house mixes. This version would be most suitable for sending to mainstream radio as the electro/pop trend has spawned many releases in that style.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Michael Jackson feat Akon - Hold My Hand

This is the first proper single off of his first posthumous release simply titled Michael. "Hold My Hand" is a return to form. This song is a midtempo pop ballad (pretty close to one). The production is smooth and uplifting. Michael's vocals are excellent here. Akon's appearance on the song is nice as well. His vocals blend well with Michael's. Overall, this song has the makings of a new hit for the legend.

Listen to the original version here (Michael Jackson's official website)

Grade: A

Michael Jackson - This Is It

This is the first single released since the legend's passing this past June. It shares a name with the soon-to-be-released This Is It concert movie. A midtempo-ballad, "This Is It" was written by Michael and Paul Anka in 1983. The song was recorded by Freestyle/Dance artist Safire in 1991. Her version was more of a midtempo while Michael's is a bit softer. Overall, the song is decent for what it is. Many were expecting an uptempo song to be released. Perhaps there will be some other new songs in the future. This song will appear on the This Is It CD being released at the end of the month.

Grade: B+

Janet Jackson - Make Me

Just a few hours after she gave a fitting tribute to her late brother, she is giving her fans a little 'gift' in the form of a new song entitled "Make Me." There is no word about whether this is a single or off of any upcoming project at this time. But it seems this is another tribute to her brother's contributions to music and culture. It is fitting that there is an interpolation of his song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." The production is Disco/Electro-House/Pop-oriented. It's very retro but modern. Janet's vocals are clear and strong. She sounds great.

Listen to it here

Grade: A

Rihanna to the DJ: "Please don't stop the music!"

Rihanna is everywhere right now! She just released her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad, has a number one single in the U.S. ("Umbrella"), an already huge second single "Shut Up & Drive", and an upcoming club smash "Don't Stop The Music."

Her Michael Jackson-sampling track is quite dancey in its main version and beckons you to turn it up loud and dance too. This has Summer club anthem written all over it. This is not the next single for radio, but should it be?

Armed with remixes by Jody Den Broeder, The Wideboys and Solitaire, there's a little something for all the DJs out there. And there's always the album version. All the mixes utilize a bit of the "Mama say mama sa..." chant from "Wanna Be Starting Somethin'" in various amounts. This is an instance in which a sample is used properly.

Buy this right away.