Michael Jackson – “Loving You” & “Blue Gangsta”

Michael Jackson – “Loving You” & “Blue Gangsta”

We’re edging ever closer to next week’s release of Xscape, Michael Jackson’s second posthumous album, and we’ve already heard “Chicago” and “Love Never Felt So Good.” Now we get to listen to another two tracks: “Loving You” and “Blue Gangsta.” The project is set to feature previously unreleased material “contemporaized” by a team of producers led by Timbaland — and you can most certainly hear that contemporaneous touch in the newest two tracks.

“Loving You” is classic Motown Michael. Originally recorded during the Bad sessions in 1987, Timbaland and fellow producer J-Rocc give the chorus some metronomic drums that are clearly pulled from a different sound palate than was being used in ’87. “Blue Gangsta” isn’t quite as sweet-sounding as “Loving You.” The ominous intro swells before splintering into a snappy and aggressive attack. Stevie Wonder-esque fuzz-bass gives a nod to the past, but that shiny Timbaland production reminds us that Xscape is old school in a new suit. Give both tracks a listen and check out the track list for Xscape below.

Xscape Tracklist:

01. “Love Never Felt So Good”
02. “Chicago”
03. “Loving You”
04. “A Place With No Name”
05. “Slave To The Rhythm”
06. “Do You Know Where Your Children Are”
07. “Blue Gangsta”
08. “Xscape”

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