Michael Jackson, Xscape, review: 'A mediocre posthumous album'

Michael Jackson on the cover for his forthcoming posthumous album, XSCAPE (Epic Records)

Michael Jackson’s final years were marked by hubris, morally dubious behaviour and exhaustion.

Giving that life a zombie extension with a second posthumous album of out-takes, “contemporised” by current producers, seems an awful idea.

It turns out to be a mediocre one.

“Love Never Felt So Good”, a 1983 Paul Anka co-write, sweeps in on lush Philly strings, while never suggesting it should have been added to Thriller.

The boy-man who supposedly never grew up is elsewhere haunted by adult concerns. “Xscape” finds him spied on, resentful and judged. On “Slave to the Rhythm”, his voice flutters like a trapped bird.

His talent survives in these songs. So does its fatal fracture.

Download: Love Never Felt So Good, A Place With No Name, Xscape, Do You Know Where Your Children Are