As I’m sure you know if you’re a regular reader of this site, we are huge Michael Jackson fans, and we are eagerly anticipating the release of Xscape, the latest posthumous gathering of unreleased material. The title track was fun, and would’ve been one of the better tracks on Invincible (which it was intended for,) but didn’t really put me in a “oh my God, this album is gonna be good” place. Not that I really expect any post-mortem MJ to, but…a man can dream, right?
“Love Never Felt So Good,” on the other hand, feels like a peak-era Michael Jackson track. Co-written by Paul Anka (who also co-wrote “This Is It,” MJ’s first posthumous hit) and presumably taken from the same sessions, this cut fits right into the retro-’80s sound that dominates the pop (and hell, indie-pop) airwaves these days. Of course it would, right? Michael damn near originated the sound.
Two versions of this track are making the rounds. The better one features Michael solo, but the version that will probably get more play features production from Timbaland and an assist from one of Mike’s most obvious disciples, Justin Timberlake. Timbo goes overboard with the percussion a little bit, and the sound is a bit cluttered, but Justin is a good complement. Of course he’d be, right? Michael damn near originated his sound.
Check out the Timberlake-assisted version of “Love Never Felt So Good” below.
5 comments
GG says:
May 2, 2014
I’ll probably listen to the solo version of this song more so than any other song this year.
Liz says:
May 2, 2014
Peak-era MJ? The only thing that peaked were his record sales. In terms of artistry, his best work emerged from the 90’s with Dangerous and HIStory.
MJ says:
May 2, 2014
Opinions, etc…
GG says:
May 2, 2014
Best work is from HIStory instead of Off The Wall, Thriller? Hmm. I’d love to read an opinion analysis on that one!
Kevin says:
May 14, 2014
Just listened to this new track. Yes, old school MJ. Loved it. Listening to the rest today. And as much as I liked Dangerous and HIStory, I would have to disagree on his best work. Look at the hit tracks on “Bad” too!