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 Michael Jackson’s new song: ‘This Is It’:
 Cause for celebration? Or more motivation to mourn?  As Michael Jackson fans attempt to move on in the wake of the Gloved Ones unexpected passing in June, a never-before-released Jackson song, “This Is It,” has arrived.
The midtempo ballad premiered at midnight Monday on the late King of Pop’s Web site, michaeljackson.com, where it can be heard for free. It’s the title track of a new double-CD collection that drops Oct. 27, a companion to the new Michael Jackson movie (also titled “This Is It”), which opens a limited two-week run in theaters on Oct. 28.
Reasons to celebrate: “This Is It” is a good song. In many ways it encapsulates the passion, vulnerability and musicianship that made Jackson untouchable as an artist. Think of the poignancy of “Heal the World” or “Man in the Mirror,” albeit with a less compelling message: Michael is not saving the world or igniting self-transformation, just unexpectedly discovering love.
The genesis of “This Is It” is hazy. The song is built from a tape of Jackson singing to piano accompaniment that may have been recorded as early as 1979 or as late as 1991. From that bare bones beginning, it’s been bulked up by a string-heavy arrangement punctuated by snaps, light guitar work and lush harmonies from Jackson’s brothers, which provide some of the song’s most thrilling moments.
Jackson vacillates between all-or-nothing zeal during the chorus to the innocent, boyish charm that became his trademark, most notably while counting off the song’s opening notes.  ---------------------------------------------- |
