Chris Mosdell’s track “Behind The Mask”, originally a collaboration with Ryuichi Sakamoto for the Yellow Magic Orchestra album “Solid State Survivor,” is on the new Michael Jackson album “Michael.”
The track was recorded by Michael Jackson for the “Thriller” album, but removed at the last minute due to a rights dispute. It became well-known as the one Michael Jackson track fans knew had been fully recorded when Jackson was at the peak of his creativity with Quincy Jones — but had never been heard.
“Michael” is released worldwide on December 14th, 2010.
According to TIME magazine;
“Michael’s finest moment isn’t the dull current single “Hold My Hand.” That honor goes to “Behind the Mask.” Jackson sounds youthful, energized and alluringly snappish; the music has an assertive, effortless drive, aided by a sample from the defunct Japanese electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra. “Who do you love?” Jackson pleads with a yearning intensity he hadn’t mustered in years.”
British music magazine NME;
“… then something remarkable happens. You get to track nine, ‘Behind The Mask’ and it’s an absolute revelation, a swirl of psychedelic, orchestra-twinged R&B. Jackson howls a solid-gold melody at his fearsome best, and blippy production and robotic backing vocals dancing behind it. It is actually brilliant.”
