Author | Message |
The unreleased songs of Michael Jackson and the Jacksons Yeah, I know, another MJ thread! but I thought that maybe, the org could have one....with substance
anyway, this ongoing list is extracted from the book "For The Record", which I helped on, my own research, and others' research on the Michael Jackson Vault forum here it goes.... 123- The Alternate Version of ABC 7 Rooms of Gloom- The Jackson 5ive's cover of the Four Tops single A Baby Smiles-song Michael wrote in 1979 and included as a poem in his 1992 book, "Dancing The Dream" A Place In The Sun-The Jackson 5ive's cover of the Stevie Wonder classic A Pretty Face Is-written by Stevie circa 1974. either intended for J5 or a duet between Stevie and Michael. Stevie talked about it during an interview in Japan in 1988 and said he envisioned it as a duet with Michael. A version from 1987 with Michael and Stevie was recorded for the Characters album After The Storm (The Sun Will Shine)-written by Willie Hutch Ain't Too Proud To Beg-J5 cover of Temptations single Al Capone- written for the BAD album but didn't make the cut All In Your Name- a duet with Michael and Barry Gibb from 2002 Alright Now-Michael's original version that was recorded by Ralph Tresvant Angel- written by Babyface for an unreleased greatest hits compilation from 1998 Another Day-duet with Lenny Kravitz from the Invincible sessions Attitude-Michael solo Baby I Need Your Lovin-J5 cover of Four Tops single Baby It's Love- rumored duet with J5 and Diana Ross from 1970 Back In My Arms Again-J5 cover of Supremes single Bad Girl-Michael solo Bassouille-track from the HIStory sessions Be Me 4 A Day-written during Michael's 2004 trial. Alternative title is "Be Michael" and "Just For One Day, Be Michael." Be My Girl-song performed during 1973 and cited as a new single with Jermaine on lead, but was never released Behind The Mask-vocal version of Yellow Magic Orchestra's song that was recorded for Thriller, but due to legal reasons, didn't make the tracklistings. Later recorded by Greg Philliganes and Eric Clapton Belong 2-song done by Michael and Teddy Riley for the Invincible album, but never released Blowin In The Wind-J5 cover of Bob Dylan song Bottle of Smoke-song intended for the Dangerous album. written in 1989 Buffalo Bill-written around the 1983-1984 period and intended for either Victory and Bad Buttercup-written 1974/1975 by Stevie for a J5 album that he was going to produce. Buttercup was cited for release for 1975 California Grass-Michael solo Can I Get A Witness-J5 cover of Marvin Gaye song Can I Live-written by Sisqo and Teddy Riley. intended for Invincible but didn't make the cut Carousel-written by Michael Sembello (who wrote New Edition's Mr Telephone Man), was to be on Thriller but replaced by Human Nature Cheater-recorded in 1987 or 1986 for Bad. Written by Michael and Greg Philliganes Chicago 1945-written by Michael and Toto's Steve Pocaro. Recorded for Bad and again for Invincible. The possible original version of Smooth Criminal The Children's Hour-Michael solo Color of My Soul-the possible original album title and title track to the album that became Invincible Color of Love-written by Randy for 2300 Jackson Street(a friend of mine and Maxx has the DAT tape to this one) Come and Get It-J5 song that was recorded for Motown Crack Kills-planned as a duet between Michael and Run DMC but was shelved for several reasons Cry-written by Michael for HIStory album. Different track from the song on Invincible Daydreamer-song written and performed by The Jackson 5 for the 1972 TV special "The Jackson 5 Show), but was never released Do You Love Me- J5 cover of Contours hit Do You Love Me-song written by Babyface for Invincible Do You Want Me-written by Dru Hill for Invincible Doing Dirty-written by Michael and Marlon in 1982 or 1983 for Victory. Also considered for the shelved "Decade 1980-1990/1979-1989" greatest hits project Dreams-Michael solo What About Us-original version of Earth Song and intended for Dangerous. Also intended as a duet with Michael and Shirley Caesar Eaten Alive-written by Barry and Maurice Gibb and Michael. Michael's demo version is unreleased Free- song written by Michael possibly around the 83-91 period From The Bottom of My Heart-the Katrina single that was later cancelled Girls Girls Girls (Remix)- version of Jay Z's 2002 hit that featured Michael on the hook but due to legal warnings from Sony, it was cancelled. The Gloved One- written by Sisqo for inclusion on Invincible in 1999 God Rest Ye Merry Christmas- recorded for the Jackson 5 Christmas Album but didn't make the cut Goin' To Rio- written by Michael in Carole Sager Bayer in 1976 and considered for Off The Wall Got The Hots- written by Michael and Quincy for Thriller. Was to be released in 2001 for the Special Edition of Thriller but was taken off the tracklisting at the last minute. Was finally released on the Japanese edition of Thriller 25 Got To Find A Way Somehow- written by Michael in 1979 and possibly for Off The Wall or Triumph Groove of Midnight- written by Rod Temperton for the Bad album but then recorded by Siedah Garrett for her 1988 album Guess Who's Making Whoopie With Your Girlfriend- original version of Mama's Pearl. Berry Gordy felt the the original lyrics didn't fit the group's image Happy Birthday, Lisa- written by Michael for the The Simpsons' episode "Stark Raving Dad". Michael's version finally surfaced in 2007 He Who Makes The Sky Grey- written by Jermaine Jackson and Sheik Abdullah of Bahrain with Michael featured on vocals Heaven Help Us All- Jackson 5 cover of Stevie Wonder's song Heaven Is Here- written by Michael and included in his 1992 book "Dancing The Dream" rumored to have been recorded due to the structure of the poem Heaven's Girl- written by R. Kelly for HIStory, but was later recorded by Kelly himself for Quincy Jones' compilation, "Q's Jook Joint" I'm Your Sunny Boy- J5's version of The Supreme's song that was titled "He's My Sunny Boy" Ecstacy- poem by Michael from his 1992 book "Dancing The Dream", possibly originally a song Ekam Satyam (The One Truth) written by A.R. Rahman and A.R. Porthasarathy with English translation by Karika Myer Bharat Recorded as a duet with Michael singing in English and Rahman singing in Sanskrit. Recorded in September for the Invincible album Elizabeth I Love You- written by Michael for his friend Elizabeth Taylor. Performed for her during her 65th birthday celebration special in February 1997 Face- song Michael written for HIStory Fall Again- written by Walter Afanasieff and Robin Thicke. The song was 3/4 finished when Michael's oldest became ill Fantasy- written by Michael and Jermaine. Possibly for Victory or Jermaine's "Dynamite" album Far Far Away- written by Michael Fear- written by Michael in 1993 for HIStory Fingertips- Jackson 5's cover of Stevie Wonder's first ever single Fly Away- written by Michael in 1986/87 for the Bad album but later given for sister Rebbie for her 1998 album For All Time- writte by Michael Sherwood, David Paich, and Steve Pocaro for the Thriller album but wasn't recorded until 1990 for the Dangerous album. Surfaced on the internet in 2002. Finally released in 2008 on Thriller 25 with new vocals and added production For Once In My Life- Jackson 5 cover of Stevie Wonder classic For The Rest of My Life- song rumored to be a duet with The Jackson 5 and Diana Ross in 1970 Free- written by Michael before 1992 Get Around- written by Michael before 1993, possibly for Bad or Dangerous. A second version credited to Michael, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins, and LaShawn Davis for the Invincible album is said to exist Girl You're So Together- featured on the 1984 compilation "Farewell My Summer Love" recorded on August 31, 1973, the same day he recorded Don't Let It Get You Down, and Farewell My Summer Love Holiday Inn- written by Michael in 1976 and registered with the U.S Copyright Office in late 1984 Hot Fever- the original version of The Way You Make Me Feel from 1985. Hot Street- written by Rod Temperton for the Thriller album. Although Michael liked the song, Temperton and Jones felt it wasn't strong enough Slapstick- the early demo of Hot Street How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You- the J5 cover of Marvin Gaye's Top 10 hit I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore- one of the seven songs that was issued on the 1979 compilation "Boogie" I Can't Get You Off My Mind- song Michael worked on in the early 70s I Can't Help Myself(Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)- J5 cover of Four Tops classic I Don't Live Here Anymore- song written by Michael for Invincible I Forgive You- written by Michael in either the 70s or 80s I Got A Feeling- J5 cover of Four Tops song I Have This Dream- written by Michael with Carole Sager Bayer and David Foster for inclusion on Invincible, but later became the subject of a song writing contest by Tonos Entertainment and AOL Music. Recorded again in 2006 with guest vocalists such as James Ingram, Shanice, R. Kelly, The O'Jays, Jermaine Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and others but remains unreleased I Have This Love In Me- written by Michael before 1993 I Hear A Symphony- J5 cover of Supremes hit. Michael suggested singing a male version of the song in 1970-73. Released in 1986 on the "Looking Back At Yesterday" compilation. Alternate vocal version released on the 1995 "Soulsation" boxset I Like The Way You Are- J5 unreleased song recorded in 1970-73. Later released in 1986 on "Looking Back At Yesterday" I Want To Be Free- the original title of I Want You Back I Was Made To Love Her- J5 cover of Stevie Wonder hit. Released in 1979 on "Boogie", alternate vocal version released on "Looking Back At Yesterday" If I Can't (Nobody Can)- recorded by The Jackson 5 and written by Stevie Wonder. Recorded for the shelved Jackson 5/ Stevie Wonder album If You Don't Love Me- recorded for the Dangerous album in 1990. Was going to be included on the second disc of the 2001 special edition, but the second disc was shelved If You Really Love Me- J5 cover of Stevie Wonder's 1971 hit If You Want Heaven- written by Michael and his brothers for Motown, but was never released, probably due to Motown barring the brothers from releasing material that they wrote I'll Turn To Stone- J5 cover of Four Tops hit In The Back- written by Michael in 1994, and was to included on the 1997 album "Blood On The Dancefloor". Released in 2004 on the compilation "The Ultimate Collection" In The Life of Chico-written by Michael in 1979 along with Be Not Always and Little Susie In The Valley- written by Michael Iowa-piece of classical music by Michael. Recorded before he left Encino to film the Wiz and put Iowa and other songs on tape at the family home studio. It's Christmas Time- song recorded for the Jackson 5 Christmas Album but failed to make the cut It's Not Worth It- recorded by Michael for the Invincible album but later given to Brandy for her "Full Moon" album with Michael contributing background vocals It's The Same Old Song- J5 cover of Four Tops hit I've Gotta Be Me- J5 cover of Sammy Davis Jr song Jackson Man-recorded for Steeltown as somewhat of a tribute to their father. Take My Heart- another unreleased Steeltown song Joy To The World- recorded for the Jackson 5 Christmas Album, but didn't make the cut Keep Off The Grass- recorded by The Jackson 5 for the Jackson 5/Stevie Wonder album Kentucky-written by Michael in the mid 70s, possibly 1976 Kentucky Road- recorded by The Jackson 5 for Motown Kick It- written by Michael, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins, LaShawn Davis, and Norman Gregg for the Invincible album in 1999 Lavender Blue- J5 cover of Disney song by Burl Ives from the 1948 movie, "So Dear To My Heart" Learned My Lesson- written by Michael in 1981 and registered at the US Copyright Office in 1985 I'll post more later "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
There's a rumor that Stevie Wonder produced a solo album for Michael in 1973.A first single was chosen ("Buttercup") but the project remains unreleased...stored in the Motown vaults.Any truth to this story? | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
SoulAlive said: There's a rumor that Stevie Wonder produced a solo album for Michael in 1973.A first single was chosen ("Buttercup") but the project remains unreleased...stored in the Motown vaults.Any truth to this story?
I've never heard that before, but I'm dying to hear it!!! | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
SoulAlive said: There's a rumor that Stevie Wonder produced a solo album for Michael in 1973.A first single was chosen ("Buttercup") but the project remains unreleased...stored in the Motown vaults.Any truth to this story?
Yep! the album was either for Michael as a solo artist or a Jackson 5 album. It was slated for release for 1974 and Buttercup was a single slated for a 1975 release "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Mozorro said: I don't think I posted a disclaimer saying "Mozorro must look and comment on this thread" sooooo..... "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Let's Have A Party-unreleased J5 song from 1970-1972 that was later included on the 4th disc of the 1995 compilation "Soulsation"
Life-written by R.Kelly that Michael wanted to record for HIStory but Kelly convinced him to record "You Are Not Alone" instead. Was later recorded by K Ci and Jojo for the 1999 movie "Life" Little Girls-written by Michael before 1992 Lonely Heart- unreleased J5 song on the mid 60s. Surfaced in 1989. Believed to be from a demo tape that was recorded in the 2300 Jackson Street home living room or Tito's music teacher Shirley Cartman's living room, who passed the tape to Steeltown Records' Gordon Keith. Cartman later had the tape transferred to a better quality tape, after moving to Atlanta Georgia, to preserve the recordings. Lonely Man- written by Michael before 1992 Lonely Teardrops- MJ cover of Jackie Wilson's classic. Recorded by Michael in 1972-73 as a favor to Berry Gordy, later surfaced on the 1986 compilation "Looking Back At Yesterday" Love Call- unreleased J5 song that was recorded on October 12, 1971. Circulating among fans Love Feels Like Fire- unreleased J5 cover of Four Tops song Love Go Away- J5 song recorded for Motown. Lyrics appeared in the Winter '84 issue of "Rock And Soul Magazine" Love Never Felt So Good- written by Michael with Paul Anka and Kathy Wakefield and recorded by Johnny Mathis in 1984 Love Scenes- unreleased J5 song that appeared on the 4th disc of Soulsation Love's Gone Bad-MJ solo song recorded for Motown that was recorded 3 different times. One version featured on the 1979 compilation "Boogie" another version featured on the 1986 compilation "Looking Back At Yesterday". Earliest version, from 1972, featured on the 1995 compilation "The Best of Michael Jackson: Anthology" Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever- J5 cover of Four Tops single Lucy Is In Love With Linus- song written by Michael, written possibly around 1978-1980 Lulu- unreleased J5 song that was featured on the 4th disc of Soulsation Make A Wish- unreleased MJ song. During the 1993 deposition, he couldn't recall if he had written it or not Make Or Break- written by Michael and John Barnes in 1985-1987. Alternate titles are "For God's Sake/Make Or Break" and "Make A Break" Maybe We Can Do It- written by Michael, Rodney Jerkins, and P. Diddy for Invincible, but didn't make the cut Men In Black- recorded in 1989 for Decade but then later considered for Dangerous. Included on a rare promo CD "Promo Flight Only" of which 10 copies exist and given to certain Sony executives on the way to Neverland from Europe in 1991 as a teaser from the Dangerous album. One of those copies are on eBay right now Michael McKeller- written by Michael, possibly for Bad or Dangerous Miss Lucky Day- J5 song recorded for Motown. A small snippet is circulating among certain fans. Money Honey- unreleased J5 song that was included on the 1995 "Soulsation" compilation Monkey Business- recorded in 1989 for consideration for the Dangerous album. written by Michael and Bill Bottrell and recorded in Record One Studios and Westlake Studios. Was to be included on the 2001 special edition, until Sony pulled the second disc of the release. Surfaced in 2002 on the internet and released in 2004 on the "Ultimate Collection" release Much Too Soon- written by Michael in 1981. Believed by fans to be an early version of "Gone Too Soon" My Favorite Things- J5 cover of the song from The Sound of Music. recorded for the 1970 Christmas Album, but failed to make the album Mystery- written by Rod Temperton for Michael. Michael turned the song down and Anita Baker recorded it instead in 1986. Neither One Of Us (Wants To Say Goodbye)- J5 cover of Gladys Knight and The Pips hit. Neverland Landing- written by Michael before 1993 Nightline- written by Glen Ballard and recorded by Michael for Thriller. Ballard was optimistic after finding out the song wasn't going to be included on Thriller, knowing he'd write for the next album. He would go on to write Man In The Mirror, which he feels is a better song, for the "Bad" album and Keep The Faith for the "Dangerous" album. Later recorded by The Pointer Sisters for the original 1983 edition of "Breakout", but was replaced by "I'm So Excited" on later editions. Also recorded by Ellen Foley and Randy Crawford "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
That`s QUITE a list! I wish we could have these songs on cd. I would think almost everything by The Supremes has been released by now, so why not M.J. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
SunnySkies said: I would think almost everything by The Supremes has been released by now, so why not M.J.
Probably cause of MJ himself, What about the rumoured songs with Queen/Freddie? | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I am dying to hear those songs. Damn, Mike! What good do they make lying in your vaults? "When Michael Jackson is just singing and dancing, you just think this is an astonishing talent. And he has had this astounding talent all his life, but we want him to be floored as well. We really donĀ“t like the idea that he could have it all." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
alphastreet said: SoulAlive said: There's a rumor that Stevie Wonder produced a solo album for Michael in 1973.A first single was chosen ("Buttercup") but the project remains unreleased...stored in the Motown vaults.Any truth to this story?
I've never heard that before, but I'm dying to hear it!!! Buttercup was finally released in the 1980s by another singer. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
anyway, most of this stuff most be specualtions. Someone may have said he wrote a certain song for MJ, but MJ may have never recorded it.
I'm keen on the OTW demos | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I think if half this stuff existed in a completed or even half completed form, Sony would have found a way to release it by now instead of putting the same old previoulsy released tracks on all the compilations over and over again.
The fact that even on the Ultimate Collection there were not a great deal of previously unreleased tracks, and some of them were demos, shows that the barrel has already been scraped. Otherwise, they would have cashed in and put more unreleased tracks on there and on Thriller 25. Instead, in the latter case, they resorted to pretending that For All Time was from the Thriller sessions when most fans knew it came from the Bad era. I don't buy the idea that MJ has a 'vault', he just isn't productive enough. [Edited 8/14/08 4:13am] [Edited 8/14/08 4:13am] | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
graecophilos said: alphastreet said: I've never heard that before, but I'm dying to hear it!!! "Buttercup" was finally released in the 1980s by another singer. It was released in 1982 by a singer named Carl Anderson | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
pjh1972 said: I don't buy the idea that MJ has a 'vault', he just isn't productive enough. He was. not now for sure, but there was a time MJ was prolific. come on now. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
pjh1972 said: I don't buy the idea that MJ has a 'vault', he just isn't productive enough.
Are you kidding? We're talking about a guy who records DOZENS and DOZENS of songs for every album,before finally settling on the 14 or so tracks that will make the tracklist.Also,there is alot of unreleased stuff from his Motown days.It's well known that the Motown artists recorded hundreds of songs (and in some cases,entire albums!) that remain unreleased.I'm betting that there is alot of unreleased MJ music that we don't know about. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Marrk said: SunnySkies said: I would think almost everything by The Supremes has been released by now, so why not M.J.
Probably cause of MJ himself, What about the rumoured songs with Queen/Freddie? Some of the Freddie/MJ demos have turned up: There Must Be More To Life Than This - http://www.youtube.com/wa...7hrUU-UeHk Original Version of State of Shock - http://www.youtube.com/wa...re=related Everybody's looking 4 the answers
How the story started and how it will end What's the use in half a story, half a dream U have 2 climb all of the steps in between......RIP Prince | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
bboy87 said: Carousel-written by Michael Sembello (who wrote New Edition's Mr Telephone Man), was to be on Thriller but replaced by Human Nature I'll post more later Ray Parker Jr wrote Mr Telephone Man. GOOD INFO!!!! how many of these are surfacing? Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Wow, this is easily the best MJ thread I've read on the org maybe ever and I'm being serious. It makes me want to hear these songs. Good thread bboy87 I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
The Mercury colab is great. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Matronik said: The Mercury colab is great.
which one? There Must Be More 2 Life or the State Of Shock demo? Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
paisleypark4 said: bboy87 said: Carousel-written by Michael Sembello (who wrote New Edition's Mr Telephone Man), was to be on Thriller but replaced by Human Nature I'll post more later Ray Parker Jr wrote Mr Telephone Man. GOOD INFO!!!! how many of these are surfacing? I thought Sembello co-wrote it. It must've been another song on the 1984 album "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
pjh1972 said: I think if half this stuff existed in a completed or even half completed form, Sony would have found a way to release it by now instead of putting the same old previoulsy released tracks on all the compilations over and over again.
The fact that even on the Ultimate Collection there were not a great deal of previously unreleased tracks, and some of them were demos, shows that the barrel has already been scraped. Otherwise, they would have cashed in and put more unreleased tracks on there and on Thriller 25. Instead, in the latter case, they resorted to pretending that For All Time was from the Thriller sessions when most fans knew it came from the Bad era. I don't buy the idea that MJ has a 'vault', he just isn't productive enough. [Edited 8/14/08 4:13am] [Edited 8/14/08 4:13am] No, because Michael owns all of the unreleased material. Unlike the Motown stuff, he owns the master recordings to those unreleased songs and will possibly own the OTW, Thriller, and Bad masters in the next 2 years. The deal with the Ultimate Collection was that Michael's never been too keen on releasing unreleased stuff. The Jacksons recorded nearly 500 songs for Motown and only about 200 of those have been released. Michael was very productive from 1976 to 1989. Now..... not so much "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
bboy87 said: paisleypark4 said: Ray Parker Jr wrote Mr Telephone Man. GOOD INFO!!!! how many of these are surfacing? I thought Sembello co-wrote it. It must've been another song on the 1984 album I think they wrote Sweet Thing and Count Me Out on All For Love. Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
i think he's very profilic even today. he just don't think his songs can stand teh time or are the best records ever made...
he apparently recorded 70 songs for Dangerous, and 100 for Invincible. In fact we know over 20 songs from the Vince sessions! | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
thanks for telling me this so i can go on my mj hunt and look for some of these songs | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
This is a great thread! Vaults? | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
bboy87 said: Mozorro said: I don't think I posted a disclaimer saying "Mozorro must look and comment on this thread" sooooo..... Oooooh.....touchy! | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
graecophilos said: i think he's very profilic even today. he just don't think his songs can stand teh time or are the best records ever made...
he apparently recorded 70 songs for Dangerous, and 100 for Invincible. In fact we know over 20 songs from the Vince sessions! I thought his other songs that were supposed to be on Invincible are great! Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records. | |
- E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |