Tracklist, first single from Michael Jackson’s posthumous album announced

A posthumous album called Michael by the late Michael Jackson is scheduled to be released Dec. 14, and the lead single “Hold My Hand,” a duet with Akon will be made public this coming Monday, Nov. 15 at 12:01 a.m. EST on michaeljackson.com. The complete tracklist to Michael has also been announced, and can be seen in full below.

Billboard reports the new single “Hold My Hand” was written by Akon and recorded by the pair in Las Vegas sometime in 2007. An unfinished version of the song leaked in 2008; however, since Jackson’s death Akon has finished the final production of the track.

In a statement Akon said: “The world was not ready to hear ‘Hold My Hand’ when it leaked a couple years ago. We were devastated about it. But its time has definitely come; now in its final state, it has become an incredible, beautiful, anthemic song. I’m so proud to have had the chance to work with Michael, one of my all-time idols.”

The statement also indicated the late king of pop had slated “Hold My Hand” to be the lead single on his next project, as was recorded in a handwritten letter. This week we saw the release of the controversial new song “Breaking News,” which has even family members disputing it is the late king of pop’s voice on the track.

Jackson’s new album will also feature several other collaborations including Lenny Kravitz and 50 Cent.

Work on the album was nearly complete before Jackson’s death as Billboard reports the tracks on were co-produced by Jackson and consist almost entirely of material recorded in three years leading up the singer’s death in 2009.

Tracklist for Michael:
“Hold My Hand” (Featuring Akon)
“Hollywood Tonight”
“Keep Your Head Up”
“(I Like) The Way You Love Me”
“Monster” (Featuring 50 Cent)
“Best of Joy”
“Breaking News”
“(I Can’t Make It) Another Day” (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)
“Behind the Mask”
“Much Too Soon”

Are you excited to hear the new music from the late king of pop?

Hear new music first – HP