Michael Jackson's 'Breaking News' hits the Web: What do you think of his new song?

by Simon Vozick-Levinson


The first single from Michael, the set of unreleased Michael Jackson recordings due Dec. 14, is streaming this morning from Jackson’s official site as promised. It hasn’t been made clear exactly to what degree “Breaking News” was completed after the King of Pop’s 2009 death — some have even questioned whether Jackson actually sang on these tracks — and listening may or may not provide a final answer.

The track opens with a few staticky tabloid news headlines: “The paparazzi would not leave him alone… Here we go again, another lawsuit for Michael Jackson… More allegations against him.” In comes a tight new jack swing beat, à la 1991′s Dangerous, followed by some angry, half-whispered lead vocals that remind me more of 1995′s HIStory. “Everybody wanting a piece of Michael Jackson,” he hisses, presciently adding after a few lines, ”They want to write my obituary.” Later on he reaches the chorus: “Why is it strange that I would fall in love?/Who is the boogieman you’re thinking of?”

The theme of lashing out at the press is vintage Jackson, dating back at least to 1987′s “Leave Me Alone.” Aside from that, the melody here feels second-rate, with echoes of his own “Who Is It” and (to my ears, in the descending verses) Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative.” This probably shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jackson chose to leave “Breaking News” unfinished in his vaults for a reason. But dedicated fans will no doubt appreciate the chance to hear even these warmed-over leftovers.

What do you think of “Breaking News”? Will you be buying Michael next month?



Michael Jackson's new single: Is that really him singing?
by Simon Vozick-Levinson


The Internet is abuzz with speculation about just how many of Michael Jackson‘s original vocals ended up on Michael, his upcoming album of unreleased material. Those rumors heated up today with the release of “Breaking News,” the first single from the album.

Some fans are convinced that the lead vocals on “Breaking News,” particularly during the verses, don’t sound enough like the late legend they remember. Others feel that perhaps Jackson was just using a different vocal timbre than usual.

Jackson’s label has acknowledged that at least some of the tracks on Michael were brought to completion after his death last year. Beyond that, specifics on these recording sessions are hard to come by, so it’s an open question for now.

Visit Jackson’s official site (http://breakingnews.michaeljackson.com/) to hear “Breaking News”

Backup singer singing Metallica "Nothing Else Matters". I'm so sorry Metallica, but she ROCKED your song the way you couldn't.