Michael Jackson Gets Royal Treatment in New Album Art; 'Michael' Drops Dec. 14

By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 5th 2010 08:21AM

We're sure all you Michael Jackson fans will be, um, thrilled to see the artwork for Jackson's new album, due out on Dec. 14. Called 'Michael,' the album will include previously unheard MJ tracks, including one called 'Breaking News.'

Epic Records/Sony has opted to keep a lid on most other details about 'Michael,' but has released the stunning cover art, which features a sort of "This Is Your Life" collection of Jackson images from throughout his blockbuster career. Front and center is the singer in the role he yearned for most: King of Pop.

"The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop, who was always planning for his next album," a statement said.

It's not certain whether his last "new" song, 'This Is It,' will be on the album. That track, co-written by Paul Anka, was actually recorded by a Puerto Rican singer 18 years ago.

In their announcement, the label said 'Breaking News' was recorded in 2007 at a friend's home. Starting Monday, fans will be invited to hear it on the late singer's official website.

The other songs were recorded at studios in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and it's been reported that he was working with will.i.am, Akon and Ne-Yo before his death last summer.

The album artwork comes from an oil painting by Kadir Nelson, who tried to explain the collage in an e-mail to Reuters: "Michael wears a golden suit of armor and stares at the viewer as he is crowned by cupids. He places his hand over his heart and looks directly at the viewer, a symbol of Jackson's big heart and strong connection to his fans and music. A monarch butterfly sits on his shoulder, another symbol of Jackson's metamorphosis as a singer and entertainer, as well as a symbol of royalty. His musical history unfolds behind him."

Jackson's last album of original material, 'Invincible,' was released in late 2001.

Tags: michael jackson

Comments

(23)

Wednesday 24 November

By cheryl martin

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All Michael Jackson fans:Stop tying to change the ignorant minds of people-they will never change???We know the truth and thats all that matters.As to the new Album cover,I don't think Michael would like it--He NEVER wanted to be thought of as better than anyone else.I know he had paintings of himself that way,but would not display it on an album coverTo me it does not look MICHAEL LIKE;IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAM!!!!!!!!!!!To me it looks cartoonish...Michael would not approve.................

Tuesday 14 December

By anton bryant

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i don't really see how people really have that much hate,turmoil, and disrespect to a man who has changed thousands of lives and has brought peace through his music. Michael Jackson will always be loved and remembered as "The King" for all eternity.

- Anton Bryant

By Anton Bryant

The art of the album cover, its like a timeline, its takes you back where you say "i remember when i first saw these videos of Michael, and how enjoying it was" and look how popular it has became 20 years later. He has past, but his music will live on, forever. long live the king.

R.I.P Michael Jackson.

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