Xscape
by Michael Jackson
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: May 13, 2014
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
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  1. Billboard.com
    May 13, 2014
    90
    Jackson's music mixed celebration and terror, as if he was unable to find, or maintain, the division between the two. His music offered a place to both explore and escape those tensions. On this album, it does again.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    May 9, 2014
    88
    Xscape offers a chance to once again be whisked back to his creative prime and recall the man before his flaws felled him, when he was untouchable.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Jun 4, 2014
    80
    For the most part, Xscape honors [Jackson's] legacy and should help to relieve some of the mistrust that some may have with those in charge of the icon’s estate.
  5. NOW Magazine
    May 15, 2014
    80
    The songs are all totally enjoyable, even the schmaltzier ones like Loving You, inspiring toe-tapping and appreciation for Jackson’s phenomenal vocals.
  6. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    May 12, 2014
    80
    There’s nothing here to quite match his finest moments, but nothing stinks and that, I suppose, is the best you can expect.
  7. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    May 9, 2014
    80
    It has just eight short songs, and the material isn’t about to eclipse “Thriller.” But it does a service by adding worthy songs to Jackson’s canon. Even better, it makes him sound, once again, alive.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    May 14, 2014
    75
    Xscape's greatest accomplishment is that these do sound like MJ songs--for better or worse.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 27, 2014
    70
    Jacko xscaped in a faulty pod, but now at least we’ve a worthy tribute.
  10. PopMatters
    May 22, 2014
    70
    It may have taken five years, but Xscape is the posthumous album that does more than reminisce about Jackson’s legacy. It honors it.
  11. Sputnikmusic
    May 14, 2014
    70
    Considering what kind of experiment this was, it turned out pretty damn well.
  12. Rolling Stone
    May 13, 2014
    70
    Even with such dark subject matter, though, it's a joy to hear the joy in Jackson's voice.
  13. AllMusic
    May 12, 2014
    70
    Timbaland and Reid evoke the Michael Jackson we all love and miss, finding songs that are worthy and giving them arrangements that are simultaneously nostalgic and modern. It's a difficult trick to pull off but they largely succeed, so XSCAPE is a worthy and memorable coda to Jackson's career.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2014
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 158
  3. Negative: 16 out of 158
  1. Tvpfreek
    May 14, 2014
    7
    MJ's most cohesive and entertaining release since "Dangerous". Some of the re-workings are just as fantastic as the demos and each songMJ's most cohesive and entertaining release since "Dangerous". Some of the re-workings are just as fantastic as the demos and each song sounds as relevant today as it could have been then.… Full Review »
  2. Ryanlap
    Nov 14, 2014
    4
    Xscape was only ok. Jackson is back but not in a good way. I feel like this record was not needed. It's not a total train wreck someXscape was only ok. Jackson is back but not in a good way. I feel like this record was not needed. It's not a total train wreck some highlights being Love never felt so good, Slave to the rhythm and Xscape. Overall I am just not feeling this album. I feel this is lazy, tired, but not terrible. Oh and the song Blue Gangsta god almighty one of the worst songs he's ever produced.… Full Review »
  3. ghoti666
    Oct 8, 2014
    2
    A timely reminder of how mundane and over-rated Jackson was.

    Bland, unchallenging, light-weight pop songs - over-produced (by an army of    A timely reminder of how mundane and over-rated Jackson was.

    Bland, unchallenging, light-weight pop songs - over-produced (by an army of producers) to prop-up Jackson's mediocre talent.
    His relationship songs are unconvincing - precisely because he never had a normal one!
    All of his songs are inauthentic - as you'd expect from someone who was never "real".

    The usual mix of sickly ballads and harmless dance tracks.
    The usual limited vocal gimmicks.

    His initial fame I can understand - but his enduring fame is mystifying.
    A triumph of USA-style hype over content!

    The Emperor has no new clothes - and he's dead! But that will of course change nothing for the faithful...    … Full Review »
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