Xscape
by Michael Jackson
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: May 13, 2014
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 158
  3. Negative: 16 out of 158
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  1. Skydog
    May 18, 2014
    4
    I think the originals sounded better than the remakes.. especially when you have a wannabe-Michael Justin Timberlake placed on this album. (He's horrible live might I add..)
    Glad they included the originals on my disc though, won't be listening to those awful overproduced pieces of crap.
  2. PMGamer
    May 13, 2014
    9
    L.A Reid has chosen good songs for the project, some reworkings necessarily are not better than the original ones, but overall it's a solid album and it's pleasing.
  3. Ryanlap
    Nov 14, 2014
    4
    Xscape was only ok. Jackson is back but not in a good way. I feel like this record was not needed. It's not a total train wreck some highlights being Love never felt so good, Slave to the rhythm and Xscape. Overall I am just not feeling this album. I feel this is lazy, tired, but not terrible. Oh and the song Blue Gangsta god almighty one of the worst songs he's ever produced.
  4. riqspeixoto
    May 13, 2014
    10
    Better than the previous one. Without false tracks, amazing vocals, a flawless album. For me, ''Loving You'' is the best track. 'Xscape' is not one of the best, but it's great. Recommend.
  5. Tvpfreek
    May 14, 2014
    7
    MJ's most cohesive and entertaining release since "Dangerous". Some of the re-workings are just as fantastic as the demos and each song sounds as relevant today as it could have been then.
  6. barok_232
    May 15, 2014
    10
    Excellent MJ vocals (as always), fantastic songs! Producers contemporized the songs did a great job, with respect to Michael Jackson. Plus, the deluxe version includes the originals as Michael left them. This album is a true gem
  7. ghoti666
    Oct 8, 2014
    2
    A timely reminder of how mundane and over-rated Jackson was.

    Bland, unchallenging, light-weight pop songs - over-produced (by an army of producers) to prop-up Jackson's mediocre talent. His relationship songs are unconvincing - precisely because he never had a normal one! All of his songs are inauthentic - as you'd expect from someone who was never "real". The usual mix of sickly    A timely reminder of how mundane and over-rated Jackson was.

    Bland, unchallenging, light-weight pop songs - over-produced (by an army of producers) to prop-up Jackson's mediocre talent.
    His relationship songs are unconvincing - precisely because he never had a normal one!
    All of his songs are inauthentic - as you'd expect from someone who was never "real".

    The usual mix of sickly ballads and harmless dance tracks.
    The usual limited vocal gimmicks.

    His initial fame I can understand - but his enduring fame is mystifying.
    A triumph of USA-style hype over content!

    The Emperor has no new clothes - and he's dead! But that will of course change nothing for the faithful...    … Expand
  8. Renrawr
    May 15, 2014
    10
    Excellent track choices - My two favourites are Blue Gangsta/A Place With No Name - both the Xscape and originals are fantastic as they are carried mainly by the vocals.
  9. tito909
    May 14, 2014
    8
    its really v.enjoyale album , much much better than the previous one and maybe better than invincible
    all the tracks r very well but blue gangsta is really silly song i didnt like it at all
    all the new versions r better than originals so really really thx to timbland
  10. spi280
    May 13, 2015
    9
    a fantastic collection of tracks that had no business being kept off of MJ's previous albums. i didn't expect myself to enjoy the new versions very much but i actually really enjoyed them. the originals are obviously superb though. the only downside is the new versions of "Blue Gangster" and "Chicago", which suffer from some really bad overproduction.
  11. thpaixao
    May 13, 2014
    10
    Realmente um grande album! Nao é o melhor trabalho de MJ mas cumpre sua missao, fazer lembrar o quanto Michael podia ser incrivel e versatil. "A place with no name" e "Slave to the rhythm" merecem com toda certeza ser singles!
  12. JotaBrasil
    Jul 11, 2014
    7
    Falar de quem já morreu sempre foi difícil, pois fica aquela sensação de "não querer apontar os erros, mas só os acertos já que morreu". Então, imagina julgar uma obra de um artista morto lançado. É ainda mais complicado, pois se não teve cem por cento da mão do artista em questão no produtor final, sempre vai ficar aquele ponto imenso de interrogação nas cabeças de muitas pessoas: esseFalar de quem já morreu sempre foi difícil, pois fica aquela sensação de "não querer apontar os erros, mas só os acertos já que morreu". Então, imagina julgar uma obra de um artista morto lançado. É ainda mais complicado, pois se não teve cem por cento da mão do artista em questão no produtor final, sempre vai ficar aquele ponto imenso de interrogação nas cabeças de muitas pessoas: esse seria o que o artista realmente estaria fazendo se estivesse vivo? Ou é apenas o que as pessoas que produziram acham sobre o que seria a sonoridade desse artista? Essa é a indagação que me debato ao ficar de frente com o segundo
    álbum póstumo do cara que ajudou a modelar a música atual: Michael Jackson.

    Xscape é uma compilação de várias demos, algumas inclusive previamente "vazadas" na internet, reformuladas por um time do escalão A da música contemporânea americana como Timbaland, StarGate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon e Rodney Jerkins que estão por trás dos mais sucessos recentes como Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa e outros, ou seja, a nova corte do pop. Sendo assim, esse povo seria a produção que Michael escolheria para produzir seu álbum? Acho que sim, pois Michel apenas trabalhava com os melhores. E a sonoridade final de Xscape seria a que o Rei do Pop entregaria para o mundo? Talvez não, mas o que ouvimos aqui está no caminho certo. Aqui não é feito nada além do bom R&B/pop que nomes como Timberlake e Usher fazem que, por sua vez, sofreram e sofrem grandes influências do próprio Michael. A modernização das demos são muito bem feitas, pois conseguem manter o espirito que MC queria passar, mas atualiza sem grandes deslizes e como gratas surpresas como a ótima Slave To The Rhythm, que talvez seja a mais próxima do que se poderia esperar do Michael. Mesmo lembrando clássicos como Smooth Criminal e Dirty Diana, a faixa é um dos momentos em que podemos sentir de fato a presença do cantor em Xscape. Como disse anteriormente, o single Love Never Felt So Good é outro momento de qualidade em que viajamos no tempo.

    Enquanto as composições, Xscape não é tão refinado como poderia ser já que Michael nunca pode "refinar" o seu trabalho original. Mesmo entre altos e baixos é possível de ver aqueles momentos de genialidade criativa dele como na boa A Place With No Name e na legal Blue Gangsta, além das já canções citadas. O problema aqui são as qualidade dos vocais de Michael: dependendo mais da qualidade das demos originais e em qual período a canção foi gravada originalmente, as faixas são uma verdadeira montanha-russa em relação a qualidade vocal. O melhor exemplo é Do You Know Where Your Children Are que tem vocais esquisitos e que nem parecem ter a presença do cantor, mas já nos versos a voz do cantor parece ter sido gravada na fase mais áurea da cantor. Já Loving You tem certos momentos que parece que quem canta é uma pessoa imitando Michael mesmo sendo uma canção boa. A canção mais fraca é a mediana Xscape que dá nome ao álbum que não consegue engrenar em nenhum momento. Nada vai fazer Michael Jackson voltar a vida e nunca saberemos o que mais ele tinha para mostrar, mas, ao menos, Xscape é decente e digno com o talento do Rei do Pop.    … Expand
  13. m1shima
    May 25, 2014
    8
    The album really exceeded my expectations entirely! Has a modern and timeless feel that appeals to both his younger and older fans (A Place With No Name is a great example). Two thumbs up!
  14. michaelmadonna
    May 16, 2014
    7
    A good collection of unreleased material from the King of Pop!
    Love "Chicago" and "Slave to the rhythm". But i really don't think "Do you know where your children are" & "loving you" should have been included!
  15. HenriHaukilaht
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    One of the best albums that Michael Jackson has released after Dangerous. This is what the modern MJ would sound like! I just can't believe how the producers have been able to create this miracle album!
  16. Jiano74
    Jan 27, 2016
    8
    I found this a really enjoyable album this wasn't as good as previous of course s that would be very difficult. But the choices on this album are brilliant as they all work really well together a solid album and very pleasing to the ears.
  17. mjkaka
    May 14, 2014
    9
    The album provides a sneak to king of pop's music from 80's & the 90s and probably how mj would have sounded if he had released an album now being alive could be a bit different i believe but still the songs feel fresh as if he had song yesterday the music is great .The album recaptures moments of classic Mj.There are moments on Xscape when classic Michael Jackson is recaptured. From theThe album provides a sneak to king of pop's music from 80's & the 90s and probably how mj would have sounded if he had released an album now being alive could be a bit different i believe but still the songs feel fresh as if he had song yesterday the music is great .The album recaptures moments of classic Mj.There are moments on Xscape when classic Michael Jackson is recaptured. From the electronic womps and finger clicks But it's on the opening cut and lead single where Jackson's spirit is fully felt.The album is surely to top the charts as its no 1 in 50 countries already.The best songs from the album that are sure to be chart toppers are Love Never Felt So Good,slave to the rythm,A place with no
    name,Xscape.    … Expand
  18. jewen
    May 16, 2014
    9
    I Love All Michael music, but honestly and seriously, this is the best album since Dangerous, better than History and Invicible, and of course miles away from Michel (2010).
    The vocals, the rhythem, the sound, and the most important the soul of our true Micheal are inside this music. A very respectfull work by LA Reid, Timbaland, Darkchild, J-Roc and Stargate.
    My Highlights: Slave to the    I Love All Michael music, but honestly and seriously, this is the best album since Dangerous, better than History and Invicible, and of course miles away from Michel (2010).
    The vocals, the rhythem, the sound, and the most important the soul of our true Micheal are inside this music. A very respectfull work by LA Reid, Timbaland, Darkchild, J-Roc and Stargate.
    My Highlights: Slave to the Rhythem, Do you know...?, Blue Gangsta, Xscape and A place whit No Name.

    Michael surpases the dead to bring his Magic and show again why is the inmortal King of Pop.    … Expand
  19. r3dkat
    May 20, 2014
    10
    The genius of Michael Jackson shines through on this album. Very refreshing to hear the pure vocal as the centerpiece of this album. The mix sounds like classic Michael without a bunch of studio hocus pocus. Hearing this album makes me appreciate the talent of this man and miss his presence in music today even more.
  20. ZenNonna
    May 25, 2014
    10
    I love MJ this did not disappoint I got exactly what I expect. I could do without Justin Timberlake (not a fan) love Slave to Rhythm, Blue Gangsta, Xscape, Do you know where your Children are, A Place with No Name. Basically just loved it I bought Deluxe version.

    Dig down in those unreleased & keep 'em coming.
  21. susinger
    May 29, 2014
    8
    Yes, there's been a fair amount of controversy regarding this release of MJ material from the vaults; some question whether he wanted it released at all, that it wasn't up to his standards. Here's my take: even if it wasn't up to par, anything that Jackson discarded is probably better than 80% of pop music today; I also relish the opportunity at being able to see the inner workings ofYes, there's been a fair amount of controversy regarding this release of MJ material from the vaults; some question whether he wanted it released at all, that it wasn't up to his standards. Here's my take: even if it wasn't up to par, anything that Jackson discarded is probably better than 80% of pop music today; I also relish the opportunity at being able to see the inner workings of Jackson's musical mind. For the most part, this is a pretty decent set. "Love Never Felt So Good" (both the solo and JT duet) is a standout track, including "Slave to the Rhythm" and "Do You Know Where Your Children Are." The breezy, relaxed vibe of "Loving You" wouldn't sound out of place on today's Top 40, and "Chicago" makes use of present trends with the drum machine. While I wasn't thrilled about paying extra to purchase the deluxe version of the album (with the original demo tracks), I appreciate their inclusion, to hear what sort of musical adventure Jackson might have taken us on. Timbaland's production is strong without being smothering, and sounds relevant, reaching conclusions that Jackson himself might have reached.… Expand
  22. elmir
    Jun 5, 2014
    9
    That album is more urbanic album than previous.İn difference of previous album,we absolutely know that,vocals belong to MJ.There is deluxe edition in this albums to listen to new and original versions of tracks.The vocal is perfect as always.Xscape,Chicago,Love never felt so good are best tracks in the album.
  23. kyle20ellis
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Excellent release all around. Very good sound quality, clean pressing with no real background noise, and a nice quality gatefold jacket. I’m not sure why they wasted a gatefold jacket on this 1 LP album, but at least they gave us a nifty pointing Michael picture to fill the extra slot. This is the first that I’ve heard this entire album and all of the songs ended up being pretty great. I’mExcellent release all around. Very good sound quality, clean pressing with no real background noise, and a nice quality gatefold jacket. I’m not sure why they wasted a gatefold jacket on this 1 LP album, but at least they gave us a nifty pointing Michael picture to fill the extra slot. This is the first that I’ve heard this entire album and all of the songs ended up being pretty great. I’m glad that this was able to be released so we could enjoy some bonus MJ.… Expand
  24. mjnoorani
    Nov 24, 2015
    9
    Almost all the tracks are awesome. Most entertaining songs with variety of genres. My faves from this album are A place with no name, Loving you, Love never felt so good, and Xscape. A place with no name is the perfect song for driving and I listen this song continuously on loop in my car. The video of Love never felt so good is the best of the best and quite resembles to MJ's Black orAlmost all the tracks are awesome. Most entertaining songs with variety of genres. My faves from this album are A place with no name, Loving you, Love never felt so good, and Xscape. A place with no name is the perfect song for driving and I listen this song continuously on loop in my car. The video of Love never felt so good is the best of the best and quite resembles to MJ's Black or White video.… Expand
  25. ImranCr7
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    the original and remixed are just awesome you can listen to either, love the track do you know where your children are and the track a place with no name love the acoustic with the original track
  26. MehrshadNP
    Apr 9, 2017
    8
    Xscape is a good effort to reproduce some of the most completed - but still unreleased - tracks of Michael Jackson.
    The album has the message and love that all of Michael's albums carry, and still feels as fresh as today's Pop music.
    In most remixes they've remained faithful to Michael Jackson's music making style, except for few tracks. The choice of releasing the original mixes of the    Xscape is a good effort to reproduce some of the most completed - but still unreleased - tracks of Michael Jackson.
    The album has the message and love that all of Michael's albums carry, and still feels as fresh as today's Pop music.
    In most remixes they've remained faithful to Michael Jackson's music making style, except for few tracks.
    The choice of releasing the original mixes of the songs, in the deluxe version of the album, is another positive point for this project.    … Expand
  27. JeremySpears
    Mar 15, 2020
    9
    "XSCAPE" was a nice gift for MJ fans 5 years after his death. The 8 songs on this posthumous album were recorded from 1983 to 1999. The songs were given a modern production by producers like Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and StarGate. If you buy the deluxe edition of the album, you even get the original versions of the songs which were all (except for "Slave to the Rhythm") [co-]produced by"XSCAPE" was a nice gift for MJ fans 5 years after his death. The 8 songs on this posthumous album were recorded from 1983 to 1999. The songs were given a modern production by producers like Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and StarGate. If you buy the deluxe edition of the album, you even get the original versions of the songs which were all (except for "Slave to the Rhythm") [co-]produced by Michael himself and another new version of "Love Never Felt So Good" featuring Justin Timberlake. What I love about this album is that it doesn’t try to force a modern sound on Michael like his estate did for the biggest part with his first posthumous album "Michael" (2010). Timbaland and the other producers said they thought about what Michael would do if he would’ve been in the studio with them. And I truly believe that this is exactly what an MJ album in 2014 would’ve sounded like. It does have a modern sound but it fits him and it still sounds like Michael. The producers must’ve put a lot of thought into this album, which is great and very respectful. As most of his songs that he released during his lifetime, the majority of the tracks addresses serious issues such as child abuse for example ("Do You Know Where Your Children Are?").

    The original versions of the album are of course very good as well (they were produced by the King duh). You do realize why MJ didn’t release them as some of them sound like they are still in early demo stages. The original version of the title track sounds very finished though and is the best of the original versions. You can tell when he recorded these songs without having to look it up on the internet as they all sound like products of their time. "XSCAPE" was a great project. It respects MJ as an artist and gives fans an idea of what he could’ve sounded like these days. I‘m gonna give only 9 instead of 10 points though, as "Loving You" is an annoying song (in both versions) and because I‘m not totally okay with his estate still using him for money. RIP, King. Favorites: A Place With No Name, Slave to the Rhythm & Xscape    … Expand
  28. MMD321A
    May 14, 2019
    10
    Альбом потрясающий ! Потрясающие песни , потрясающий Майкл ! Нету слов
  29. jorjicostava123
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Great songs, great vocals ! Michael is the best , a fantastic collection of tracks that had no business being kept off of MJ's previous albums. i didn't expect myself to enjoy the new versions very much but i actually really enjoyed them. the originals are obviously superb though.
  30. Chartdata
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    Michael Jackson in his maximum splendor, just show the art again
    Michael Jackson in his maximum splendor, just show the art again
  31. DanielRamos
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    When you overcome the novelty of the whole thing, a kind of ecstasy of shock runs over you. And then you realize that Xscape, Michael Jackson's last posthumous album.
  32. ChunkDump
    Jan 7, 2021
    7
    Fairly decent project from late king of pop. "Hold my hand", both versions of "Love never felt so good" and "slave to the rhythm" are the only rememberable songs. classic vocals from the king and a handful of features like Akon and Justin Timberlake. we miss ya mike.
  33. CarlitosNN
    Aug 8, 2021
    10
    A perfect celebration of Michael Jackson's legacy and an exquisite production, with outstanding vocals as always from the artist.
  34. tropo5813
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Great album, on of the best of 2014, mj is so big at this digital age, i really love this job, so much better than MICHAEL, we love this album.
  35. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10
  36. PrThKi
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Michael Jackson's second posthumous album release is one he would have been incredibly proud of, had he still have been with us. Very classy production, reminiscent of Michael's studio albums. The vocals are immense on this album, very silky and smooth.
    This record is a showcase of how spectacular the late Michael Jackson was. Superb.
  37. Caaasper
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    really good unreleased songs with pretty good remixes from some of the biggest producers.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2014
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Paste Magazine
    Jun 4, 2014
    80
    For the most part, Xscape honors [Jackson's] legacy and should help to relieve some of the mistrust that some may have with those in charge of the icon’s estate.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 27, 2014
    70
    Jacko xscaped in a faulty pod, but now at least we’ve a worthy tribute.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    May 22, 2014
    70
    It may have taken five years, but Xscape is the posthumous album that does more than reminisce about Jackson’s legacy. It honors it.
    Read full review
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