Michael Jackson Xscape -deluxe Edition- 2014 Jun 2026
Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid spearheaded the project by gaining unrestricted access to four decades of Jackson's vocal archives. Reid chose producers who could modernize the tracks while respecting Jackson's original artistry. Timbaland served as the executive producer, working alongside hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, and J-Roc.
Originally titled "She Was Lovin’ Me" and written with Cory Rooney in 1999, this song tells a dark narrative of infidelity. The 2014 version, produced by Timbaland, adds a haunting, synthetic trap beat and eerie strings. Listening to the original demo on Disc 2, you realize how much darker and more frantic Jackson’s raw vocal performance was. The contrast is striking: the demo feels like a private confession; the final version is a cinematic thriller.
: Eight tracks recorded between 1980 and 2001 that were remixed to sound like modern radio hits.
At the heart of the album's appeal for collectors and purists was the . The standard version of Xscape contains the eight "contemporized" tracks. The Deluxe Edition, however, is a treasure trove. It features a 17-track CD that includes the eight reworked songs, their eight original demo recordings, and a duet version of "Love Never Felt So Good" with Justin Timberlake. Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
Unlike its fragmented predecessor Michael (2010), Xscape succeeded by implementation of a clear, dual-narrative concept. This execution is best experienced through the Xscape (Deluxe Edition) . The deluxe version does not just offer bonus tracks; it serves as a critical musicological archive. It pairs contemporary "contemporized" remixes with the raw, original studio demos recorded by Jackson between 1983 and 1999. The Concept of "Contemporization"
Usage notes
: Recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions, this dark, mid-tempo story song was originally titled "She Was Loving Me." Timbaland transformed it into a hard-hitting R&B track that perfectly complemented Jackson's angsty vocal delivery. Epic Records chairman L
Originally co-written with Paul Anka in 1983 during the Thriller era sessions.
The Deluxe Edition packages the standard Xscape album (eight tracks reimagined from Jackson’s unreleased vocals) with additional remixes, alternate versions, and production notes that aim to contextualize the project for fans and newcomers. It’s positioned as more than a simple compilation: a bridge connecting Jackson’s archival performances to modern production aesthetics.
Commercially, Xscape was a resounding success. It debuted at on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 157,000 copies in its first week. It achieved even greater international success, becoming Jackson's tenth number-one album in the UK. The album reached the top spot on the charts in over 52 countries worldwide. By September 2014, it had been certified Gold by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies in the US. Globally, it went on to sell over 1.2 million copies. Listening to the original demo on Disc 2,
Xscape was released to largely positive reviews compared to its predecessor, with critics praising the "contemporized" production for honoring Jackson's legacy rather than ruining it. However, the debate remains: Should posthumous music be reworked, or should the original demos stand alone?
It features bonus video content detailing the making of the album and the history behind the songs.
