A few days ago, headlines across several media outlets announced the discovery of unreleased recordings by Michael Jackson. These songs, which had been forgotten for decades in a warehouse in California, sparked a huge interest among fans and music lovers. And it’s not hard to see why. The mere idea that there’s new material from the King of Pop is exciting, yet also frustrating. Because, even though we know these songs exist, we can’t hear them.
According to reports, the recordings were found in an abandoned warehouse in San Fernando Valley, California, by Gregg Musgrove, a "treasure hunter" and former highway patrol officer. These tapes belonged to producer Bryan Loren, who worked with Jackson in the late 80s and early 90s. Among the 12 discovered tracks, notable titles include “Don’t Believe It”, where Michael seems to reflect on the rumors surrounding him, and “Truth On Youth”, a duet with rapper LL Cool J in which the King of Pop explores unfamiliar styles, like rap.
Here’s the list of songs:
- Don’t Believe It
- Seven Digits
- Can’t Come Back
- Son of Thriller
- Truth on Youth
- She’s Got It Baby
- All the Truth You Need
- Call It Off
- She Got It
- Man in Black
- Work That Body
- A Pretty Face Is
- To Satisfy You
- Pressure
- Serious Effect(Source: Huffington Post)
Despite the excitement caused by this discovery, the recordings are far from being available to the public. The Jackson Estate, which manages the rights to the artist’s legacy, has control over the release and distribution of these songs. This means that, although Musgrove may keep or even sell the tapes to a private collector, the content can’t be released without the proper legal permissions.
This news hit me from the moment I heard it. My initial reaction was almost instinctive: “I need to hear them!” However, after a few minutes, I began to think more deeply about what this discovery means, both for those of us who admire Michael Jackson and for the music world in general.
A Debt to the Music Universe
When someone as great as Michael Jackson leaves us too soon, there’s always the sense that the universe owes us something. We were robbed of more years of his art, more songs, more of that magic he knew how to share. That’s why the discovery of these recordings feels like a claim for universal justice. It’s a reminder that there’s still something left from him waiting for us, as if Michael still has things to tell us.
The impact of this news is enormous. Not just for the fans, who would devour any new material with enthusiasm, but also for the music industry, which still sees Michael as an eternal symbol of innovation and perfection. However, there’s one problem that can’t be ignored: these songs are locked behind a tangled web of legal issues and strict management by the Jackson Estate, and their future remains uncertain.
What to Expect from These Songs?
I confess that I’m keeping my expectations controlled. If these songs weren’t released at the time, it was probably because Michael didn’t think they were ready or they didn’t meet the standards he set for himself. But still, the curiosity is huge. What stories do they tell? What emotions did he want to capture? What sides of his creativity are we still unaware of? Knowing that one of the songs features a duet with LL Cool J, for example, sparks the imagination: What would it be like to hear Michael Jackson rapping?
The Ethical Dilemma: To Release or Not to Release?
This is the most complicated point. On one hand, I believe we should respect Michael Jackson’s wishes, and if he didn’t want to release these songs, we should accept his decision. But on the other hand, I think there are responsible ways to adapt and release them, as we’ve seen in other cases. For example, last year, The Beatles released “Now and Then”, an unreleased song produced using modern technology, respecting the band’s essence. It was a success. Something similar could be done with these Michael Jackson recordings, giving them the quality needed to live up to his legacy.
It’s not about releasing the material as it is. It’s about working on it, producing it with care, and ensuring it reflects the artistic level he demanded. This wouldn’t just be a gift for the fans but also a way to preserve his legacy authentically.
The Problem of Rights and Legacy
This is where things get tricky. The Jackson Estate has full control over these songs, and copyright laws give them the final say. I’m not an expert in legislation, but it seems to me that this rigid management sometimes contradicts the spirit of the artist. What’s the point of protecting a legacy so much if that means hiding his art?
Furthermore, we can’t ignore the economic dimension. It’s inevitable to think that, at some point, these songs will be released, but probably when it’s deemed more profitable. This makes me angry. Speculating on the legacy of a deceased artist, withholding his work only to inflate its value, is dishonoring his memory. Music is meant to be shared, not hidden.
How Should These Songs Be Released?
Today, the most logical way would be a release on streaming platforms, the format that dominates the industry. But there could also be special editions, accompanied by documentaries or unreleased materials that explain the context of these recordings. The important thing isn’t the format; it’s the respect with which it’s done. If they are released, I won’t judge the songs. I just want to hear them, enjoy them, and feel that, somehow, Michael is still with us.
The Gift of Discovering Unreleased Music
Every time new material from a deceased artist surfaces, I feel it’s an unexpected gift. Especially in the case of figures like Michael Jackson, who left an irreplaceable void. Discovering new songs is like reconnecting with his genius, with the impact he had on our lives and on global culture.
A Responsibility Not to Be Taken Lightly
Michael Jackson’s heirs and representatives bear a great responsibility: to handle his legacy with integrity. It’s not just about money. It’s about honoring the vision and art of someone who changed the world. This should be the priority, but unfortunately, in too many cases, the legacies of deceased artists are managed from a purely economic perspective, tarnishing the artist’s image.
An Uncertain, Yet Inevitable Future
I’m convinced that these unreleased Michael Jackson recordings will see the light of day at some point. I can’t imagine something this important staying hidden forever. But my hope is that it’s done in the right way, with the respect and care the King of Pop deserves. Until then, we’ll have to wait and continue remembering why Michael Jackson remains an unmatched icon. His music is eternal, and these songs, when we can finally hear them, will be yet another reminder of his genius.
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