Michael Jackson (partially found unpublished songs from American musician; 1974-2009)

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Jackson during a rehearsal for the This is It concerts, which were ultimately cancelled due to his death

Status: Partially Found

Michael Joseph Jackson (1958-2009) was an American musician and entertainer. Initially the lead singer of the family band The Jackson 5/The Jacksons from 1964 to 1984 before branching off into a solo career in 1971, Jackson maintained a high level of success and popularity throughout much of his life, earning praise for his breaking of racial barriers and innovative musical techniques and dance moves. He was one of the most popular artists in the world, the best-selling prior to his death, and the best-selling deceased artist. In particular, his 1982 album Thriller is noted by Guinness World Records as being the highest-selling album of all time, with an estimated 66 million copies sold since its release.

Having had a volatile relationship with tabloids and the general mass media throughout the peak of his fame, particularly due to his eccentric public behavior and dramatic changes in physical appearance (itself the result of a combination of vitiligo, lupus, weight loss, and multiple plastic surgeries), Jackson experienced a sudden and severe fall from grace after two high-profile accusations of child molestation in 1993 and 2003. After spending the majority of the 1990's and 2000's in relative seclusion, he planned to make a comeback in 2009 via the This is It residency show, a series of 50 concerts spanning from June 23 of that year to March 6, 2010. However, two weeks before the show was due to begin, Jackson fatally overdosed on propofil and benzodiazepenes due to medical malpractice. While his death, like those of any other celebrity, sparked a resurgence in public interest and admiration of his life, career and music, his passing also had one other effect: an amplified fan interest in his unpublished music.

Background on the Unreleased Songs

It is common for musicians to record and scrap a multitude of songs throughout their careers, and indeed, Michael Jackson had allegedly recorded up to 50,000+ different songs in the sessions for and years between the ten different albums released during his lifetime, many of which were intended to see a release on his albums. However, for varying reasons (such as concerns over album length, legal conflicts, and the desire for certain kinds of "sounds" per album), most of these songs were left in the studio. The most infamous case in regards to these unused songs are the alleged three dozen or so songs recorded for Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous, most of which were shelved upon the hiring of producer Teddy Riley, who shifted the album's genre to the then-popular new jack swing.

Some of Jackson's unreleased songs include both solo works and Jackson 5 songs, covers of pre-existing works, collaborations with other singers such as Freddie Mercury and LL Cool J, and demos that were reworked into songs officially released by either Jackson or other artists.

Hunting Down the Harmonies

Public knowledge of and interest in Jackson's own unreleased works didn't seem to begin until 1993, when he, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, and Joseph Jackson were accused of plagiarizing the songs "This Girl is Mine", "Thriller", and "We Are the World". During the resultant seven-hour deposition (which ended in the acquittal of the accused parties), Michael Jackson named thirty-seven different songs that he had written or co-written but never published. This event was not only the first public acknowledgement of Jackson's unpublished catalog, but also the first known instance where any of these tracks were referred to by name.

The next high-profile development in the uncovering of these unreleased tracks came shortly after Jackson's death, when his sister La Toya claimed that she had discovered two hard drives containing over a thousand unreleased (and in some cases unregistered) songs recorded by her late brother.

Additionally, a considerable number of unreleased songs were leaked online in the years following the release of 2001's Invincible and especially in the years following his death; YouTube channels such as Sven Nelson have made it a mission of sorts to continuously upload as much of these tracks as possible to keep them publicly accessible. One notable leaked track was "A Place With No Name", a 24-second snippet of which was briefly released by TMZ Network before being officially published posthumously in 2014.

Official Releases

On the note of "A Place with No Name," the post-mortem resurgence in Michael Jackson's popularity and increased interest in his unreleased tracks motivated Sony Music Entertainment, the owner of Jackson's record label Epic Records, to sign an unprecedented $250 million deal with his estate to maintain distribution rights for the unreleased songs and officially publish them on several posthumous albums throughout the 2010's.

The first of these albums, Michael, was released in 2010, with most of the tracks having been recorded in the years between the release of Invincible and Jackson's passing. The album was released to mixed critical reception and generated controversy over the authenticity of the tracks "Keep Your Head Up", "Monster", and "Breaking News", colloquially known (alongside several other still-unreleased songs) as the “Cascio Tracks” on account of them having reportedly been recorded in the basement of Eddie Cascio in 2007; those contesting the tracks' authenticity claim that the recordings presented on Michael were done by Italian R&B singer and Michael Jackson soundalike Jason Malachi.

The next two albums to feature unreleased Jackson material were Bad 25 (a reissue of 1987's Bad that includes several previously unpublished tracks and demos) in 2012 and Xscape (which includes the aforementioned "A Place With no Name") in 2014; these albums, particularly Xscape, generated much higher acclaim from critics and fans alike. Notably, the deluxe version of Xscape included the original demo recordings of the included tracks as well as the final, contemporized remixes included on the standard edition.

Because 2017 marks the expiration time of SME's distribution rights to Jackson's unreleased songs, it is unknown if any more of these tracks will see official releases. While one could speculate that the Jackson estate would extend the rights-holding period or sign the late singer's backlog to another producer, as of now there is no definite answer as to what his family's current plans are for his unreleased music.

What We Know

The following section of the article is dedicated to listing all of the unreleased tracks known to exist; this includes songs that have been officially, posthumously published, leaked online, or mentioned by name.

Status Guide
Label Definition
Lost No portions publicly available
Partially leaked Available as snippets; not officially published
Leaked Available in full; not officially published
Partially released Officially published in fragments during Jackson's lifetime or after his death; full version not officially available
Released Officially published via posthumous album
Songs unreleased during Michael Jackson's lifetime
Title Writer Method of acknowledgement Notes Status
A Baby Smiles Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1979 Lost
A Deeper Love Rodney Jerkins, Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 1999 for Invincible Lost
A Place With No Name Michael Jackson, Lee Martin Burnell, Elliot Straite Snippet leaked by TMZ shortly after Jackson's death Recorded from 1998-2008, during and beyond the Invincible sessions; lyrics written around the melody to America's “A Horse With No Name” Released
A Pretty Face Is Stevie Wonder Unknown Written circa 1974; intended as a duet with the Jackson 5; reportedly recorded for Wonder's 1987 album Characters Lost
Addams Groove Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1993 for Addams Family Values but cancelled due to contractual difficulties with Paramount Pictures; alternatively known as “Family Thing”, “Family Values”, or “Family Morales” Partially Leaked
Adore You Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer Title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Written and recorded in 2009 during the This is It sessions Lost
Al Capone Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded from 1986-1987 during the Bad sessions; early version of “Smooth Criminal”; alternatively known-- possibly erroneously-- as “Chicago 1945” (not to be confused with the identically-named unreleased track written by Steve Porcaro) Released
Alright Now Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1983 as a demo for Ralph Tresvant; Tresvant's version was released on his eponymous debut album Lost (Jackson demo)
Angel Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds Unknown Recorded around 1998 for a shelved greatest hits compilation Lost
Attitude Michael Jackson, Kathy Wakefield, Michael Pierre Registered with EMI Music Publishing Recorded during the Thriller sessions Lost
Bassouille Michael Jackson, Bruce Swedien Unknown Written in 1994 during the HIStory sessions; alternatively known as “Basszouille” Lost
Behind the Mask Ryuichi Sakamoto, Chris Mosdell, Michael Jackson Existence revealed by Sony to promote Michael Recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions; cover of an instrumental track by Yellow Magic Orchestra; planned for inclusion on Thriller, but cut due to royalty issues with YMO; Jackson version covered by Eric Clapton and included on his 1987 album August, 23 years prior to the Jackson version's official release Released
Be Me 4 a Day Michael Jackson, Gray Calix Days Registered with Broadcast Music Incorporated Written in 1987; also known as “Be Me for a Day”, “Just for One Day Be Michael”, “Just for a Day”, “Me 4 a Day”, or “Be Michael” Lost
Belong 2 Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley Unknown Written in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Best of Joy Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 2009 during the This is It sessions; one of the final tracks recorded by Jackson before his death Released
Blue Gangsta Michael Jackson, Elliot Straite Unauthorized remix by Tempamental released in 2006 Recorded from 1998-2001 during the Invincible sessions Released
Bottle of Smoke Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Breaking News Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James M. Porte Made available on Jackson's official site in 2010 Recorded in 2007; authenticity of released version disputed Released
Breathe Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2009 during the This is It sessions; notable for being one of the last songs recorded by Jackson during his lifetime Lost
Buffalo Bill Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1983 during the Victory sessions Lost
Butter Funk Michael Jackson Song title found on note in Jackson's bedroom N/A Lost
California Grass Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Initially written and recorded during the Dangerous sessions; completed in 1993 Lost
Can't Get Your Weight Off of Me Michael Jackson, Bruce Sweiden Unknown Written in 2000 during the Invincible sessions Partially leaked
Can't Stop Loving You Michael Jackson Song title found on note in Jackson's bedroom Unrelated to “I Just Can't Stop Loving You”, which was officially released Lost
Carousel Michael Sembello, Don Freeman Unknown Recorded during the Thriller sessions; cut from the album due to producer Quincy Jones not wanting another novelty song on it Partially released
Cheater Ft. Fats Michael Jackson Song title found on note in Jackson's bedroom Original date of composition unknown; reworked during the Invincible sessions; features rapper Fats Lost
Chicago Cory Rooney Released as a promotional single for Xscape in 2014 Recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Released
Chicago 1945 Steve Pocaro Unknown Written and recorded during the Bad sessions; reworked during the Invincible sessions; unrelated to “Al Capone”, which was originally titled “Chicago 1945”; considered for inclusion on Xscape, but rejected by Pocaro Partially leaked(?) (hook known)
The Children's Hour Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded as a demo for the Japanese charity group J-Friends; Japanese version released in 1998 Partially leaked
Color of My Soul Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 2000; possibly recorded in 2006 with Whitney Houston on backing vocals Lost
Crack Kills Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1986; planned to have featured rappers Run-DMC; allegedly shelved due to an incident where Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles accidentally bit Jam Master Jay, though the overall recording experience was still described as a positive one; Run-DMC's verse was reworked for their album Tougher Than Leather Partially leaked
Coco Butter Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Alternatively known as “Cocoa Butter” Lost
D.I.E. Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Written in 2006; acronym for “Dance is Entertainment” Lost
Dark Lady Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom N/A Lost
Days in Gloucestershire Michael Jackson, Michael Durham, Brad Buxer Unknown Written and recorded in 2004; alternatively known as “Gloucestershire” Leaked
Dead or Alive Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2004 Lost
Deep in the Night Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 1987 Lost
Destruction Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2005 as a sequel to 1995's “Scream” as a duet with Janet Jackson; planned to be included on Janet's 2015 album Unbreakable, but was cut Lost
Dig It John Lennon Unknown Cover song from the Beatles Partially Leaked (Jackson version)
Do You Love Me Michael Jackson, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds Unknown Written and recorded in 1998 Lost
Do You Want Me Sisquó, Dru Hill Unknown Written in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Doing Dirty Michael and Marlon Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1983 during the Victory sessions Lost
Don't Be Messin' 'Round Michael Jackson Prematurely announced in 2012, one month before the Jackson Estate's official announcement Recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions, from 1986-1987 during the Bad sessions, in 1990 during the Dangerous sessions, in 1995 during the HIStory sessions, and in 2009 Released (Bad-era version; other versions lost)
Don't Walk Away Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 2009; unrelated to the identically-named song from Invincible Lost
Do You Know Where Your Children Are Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1987 during the Bad sessions and from 1990-1991 during the Dangerous sessions Released
Dreams Michael Jackson Registered with Broadcast Music Incorporated Recorded in 1993 Lost
Easy Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1993 for an album that was shelved due to contractual difficulties Lost
Eaten Alive Maurice and Barry Gibb, Michael Jackson Unknown Original version written by the Gibb brothers, reworked by Jackson; later recorded by Diana Ross and released on her Eaten Alive album in 1985 Lost
Ekam Satyam A.R. Rahman, A.R. Parthasarathi, Kanika Myer, Bharat Unknown Recorded circa 1999 as a duet between Jackson (singing in English) and Rahman (singing in Sanskrit); intended to be on a planned 2003 album but shelved due to the album's cancellation; title is Sanskrit for “The One Truth” Lost
Elizabeth, I Love You Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1997 as a tribute to Jackson's friend Elizabeth Taylor Leaked
Faces Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded during the HIStory sessions; would have featured an introduction performed by Nelson Mandela and percussion by STOMP; was cancelled after the 1993 child molestation charges motivated Mandela's advisors to prohibit him from recording; alternatively known as “Face” Lost
Fanfare Transition Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1992 Written in 1992; alternatively known as “Fanfare 1992” Lost
Fantasy Michael and Jermaine Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1983 Lost
Far, Far Away Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1983 Lost
Fear Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1993 during the HIStory sessions Lost
Fever Michael Jackson, Bryan Loren Unknown Recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Fly Away Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded during the Bad sessions Released
Free Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1987 during the Bad sessions Released
From the Bottom of My Heart Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 2005 as a charity recording for the victims of Hurricane Katrina Lost
The Future Michael Jackson, will.i.am. Unknown Worked on with will.i.am. in 2006; planned for inclusion on Michael but cut at will.i.am.'s request Partially leaked
Ghost of Another Lover Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Written and recorded during the Dangerous sessions Leaked
Girl of Another Michael Jackson Unknown Written during the Bad sessions; alternatively known as “Girl of Another Love” Partially leaked
The Gloved One Sisqó Unknown Written circa 2001; alternatively known as “Gloved One' Lost
Goin' to Rio Michael Jackson, Carole Bayer Sager Listed during the 1993 deposition Written in 1976; planned to be included on 1979's Off the Wall at one point Lost
Got to Find a Way Somehow Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1979 during the Off the Wall sessions Lost
Groove of Midnight Rod Temperton Unknown Written in 1987 during the Bad sessions Leaked
Halloween Night Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2004; features a guitar solo by Slash Partially leaked
Heaven is There Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1991 Lost
He Who Makes the Sky Grey Jermaine Jackson, Sheik Abdullah of Bahrain Unknown Written and recorded in 2005 Lost
Higher Ground Stevie Wonder Existence confirmed by Donny Osmond in a 2003 interview Recorded in 2003 Lost
Hold My Hand Aliaune “Akon” Thiam, Giorgio Tuinfort, Claude Kelly Leaked in 2008 Recorded in 2008 as a duet between Jackson and Akon Released
Holiday Inn Michael Jackson Registered with U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1976 and recorded in 1984 Lost
Hollywood Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2000, reworked in 2006; unrelated to “Hollywood Tonight” Lost
Hollywood Tonight Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer, Teddy Riley Premiered on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2010 Recorded from 1999-2008, during and beyond the Invincible sessions; unrelated to “Hollywood” Released
Hot Fever Michael Jackson Registered with U.S. Copyright Office in 1985 Written and recorded in 1985; early version of “The Way You Make Me Feel” Lost
Hot Fun in the Summertime Sly Stone Unknown Cover of Sly Stone song, recorded in 1993 with Mary J. Blige and D. Angelo; a new version made in 2012 was planned to appear on Xscape but was ultimately cut Lost
Hot Street Rod Temperton Unknown Recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions; cut due to Temperton and Thriller producer Quincy Jones's personal dissatisfaction, despite Jackson's objections Leaked
H2O Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom N/A Lost
I Am a Loser Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Written and recorded in 2003; early version of “I Was the Loser”; alternatively known as “The Loser” Leaked
I Am Forever Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 2009; early version of “Best of Joy” Leaked
I Can't Get You Off My Mind Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded sometime in the early 1970's; an acetate demo recording is known to exist Lost
(I Can't Make It) Another Day Lenny Kravitz Acknowledged by Kravitz in a letter written in response to Jackson's death Recorded from 1999 to 2001 during the Invincible sessions Released
I Don't Live Here Anymore Michael Jackson Unknown Written circa 2001 as a promo for a shelved 2002 album; alternatively known as “I Don't Live Anymore” Lost
I Forgive You Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written sometime prior to 1993 and recorded in 2007, possibly with will.i.am. Lost
I Have This Dream Michael Jackson, Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster Unknown Early version of “From the Bottom of my Heart”; also known as “I Have a Dream” Partially leaked (instrumental version available)
I Love You Michael Jackson Mentioned by Jackson Written and recorded in 2004; stated to be Jackson's personal favorite song about love Lost
I Love You More Michael Jackson Mentioned by Jackson Written and recorded in 2005 as a continuation of “I Love You”; features Britney Spears; alternatively known as “I Love You Too” Lost
I'm So Blue Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1987 during the Bad sessions Released
I Was the Loser Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Alternatively known as “The Loser”, as is its earlier version, “I Am a Loser” (mentioned above) Partially Leaked
If You Don't Love Me Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions; was scheduled for release on the shelved bonus disc of the 2001 anniversary reissue of Dangerous Leaked
I'm Still the King Michael Jackson, will.i.am. Unknown Worked on in 2006; also known as “Still the King”; planned for posthumous release on Michael, but was cut at will.i.am.'s request Partially leaked
In the Valley Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written sometime between 1990 and 1993; recorded with Tyrese Gibson in 2000 during the Invincible sessions; while working on this song, Jackson found the song “2000 Watts” and included it on Invincible Lost
Innocent Man Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1993 during the HIStory sessions as a commentary on Jackson's child molestation charges Lost
Iowa Michael Jackson Mentioned by Janet Jackson in an interview Recorded in 1977; stated by Janet to exist as a tape recording in the Jackson parents' house Lost
Je Ne Veux Pas La Fin De Nous Michael Jackson, Christine “Coco” Decroix Unknown Recorded sometime after the Bad sessions as a duet with Siedah Garrett; French version of “I Just Can't Stop Loving You” Released
Joy Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley Mentioned by Riley in an interview Written and recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions; later re-recorded by Blackstreet for their 1994 debut album Leaked
Keep Your Head Up Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James M. Porte Unknown Recorded in 2007; authenticity of released version disputed Released
Kentucky Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1975 Lost
Kick It Michael Jackson, LaShawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III Unknown Written and recorded during the Invincible sessions Lost
Kreeton Overture Michael Jackson, Jai Winding, Mary Paich, Patrick Leonard Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1984 as the opening number for The Jacksons' Victory Tour Lost
Learned My Lesson Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1985 Written and recorded in 1981; alternate version of “Much Too Soon”, two different versions of this song are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office Lost
Let Him Burn Michael Jackson, will.i.am. Unknown Recorded in 2006 with will.i.am.; planned for inclusion on Michael, but was cut at will.i.am.'s request Lost
Little Girls Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Possibly recorded during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Lisa It's Your Birthday Michael Jackson Kip Lennon's performance featured in the 1991 The Simpsons episode "Stark Raving Dad" Recorded in 1991 for Kip Lennon; Jackson credited as "W.A. Mozart" for legal reasons; original demo intended to be included on the shelved bonus disc from the 2001 re-issue of Dangerous Leaked
Llama Lola Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Possibly recorded during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Lonely Bird Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Possibly recorded during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Lonely Man Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Possibly recorded during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Love Never Felt So Good Michael Jackson, Paul Anka Leaked in 2006 Recorded as a demo for Johnny Mathis in 1983; revised version by Anka and Kathleen Wakefield recorded by Mathis and included on his 1984 album A Special Part of Me Released
Loving You Michael Jackson Acknowledged by Jackson engineer Matt Forger in an interview Recorded from 1985-1987 during the Bad sessions Released
Lucy Is in Love with Linus Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Possibly recorded during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Maybe We Can Do It Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Sean Combs Unknown Written and recorded in 2000/2001 during the Invincible sessions; features Sean Combs Lost
Men in Black Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 1990 during the Dangerous sessions; planned for release on the cancelled greatest hits compilation Decade; includes creative input by Bryan Loren; alternatively known as “Man in Black” Lost
Michael McKellar Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Midnight Man Rod Temperton Mentioned by Temperton in an interview Written and recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions; early version of the album's title track Lost
MJ Melody Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1982 Lost
Monster (1999) Michael Jackson Described by C.J. DeVillar in an interview Written and recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions; unrelated to the identically-named 2007 recording published on Michael Lost
Monster (2007) Michael Jackson, Eddie Cascio, James M. Porte, 50 Cent Unknown Recorded in 2007; unrelated to the identically-named 1999 recording; authenticity of released version disputed Released
Much Too Soon Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1994 during the HIStory sessions Released
Neverland Landing Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office Written in 1993 Lost
The Nightmare of Edgar Allan Poe Michael Jackson, Walter Afanasieff Unknown Written and recorded circa 2000 for an unproduced film of the same name starring Jackson Lost
Nite Line Glen Ballard Unknown Written and recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions; later re-recorded by The Pointer Sisters for their album Break Out Leaked
Not Guilty George Harrison Unknown Recorded in 1994 during the HIStory sessions as a commentary on Jackson's child molestation charges; featured the Notorious B.I.G. Lost
Nymphette Lover Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions Lost
Ode to Sorrow Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1977, recorded in 1984 Lost
On My Anger Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley Unknown Written and recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
On the Rain Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1998 Lost
The Pain Shawn Stockman, Jay Harvey Mason, Rodney Jerkins Unknown Written during the Invincible sessions Lost
People Have to Make Some Sort of Joke Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Unfinished when mentioned in 1993; writing completed in 2000 Lost
People of the World Michael Jackson, J-Friends Unknown Written and recorded in 1998 for the Japanese charity group J-Friends; J-Friends version officially released in 1999 Leaked
Peter Pan Michael Jackson Mentioned by Jackson on the 1993 CD The Michael Jackson Interview Written and recorded in 1983 Lost
Pressure Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded during the Invincible sessions Partially leaked
Price of Fame Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded from 1986-1987 during the Bad sessions Released
Pyramid Girl Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1983 during the Victory sessions; early version of “Liberian Girl” Lost
River Ripple Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 2009 during the This is It sessions; final song recorded by Jackson, just days before his death Partially Leaked
Rocker Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Similar to Queen's “We Will Rock You”; alternatively known as “Rock Tonight” Lost
Rolling the Dice Rod Temperton Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions; Jackson clarified that the track was removed due to his and Temperton's dissatisfaction with the final result Lost
Satisfy Terry Lewis, James Harris III Unknown Mariah Carey song featuring Jackson on backing vocals Lost
Saturday Woman Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition; cited in the book My Friend Michael Written in 1990/1991 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Saved by the Bell Michael and Jermaine Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition N/A Lost
Seduction Michael Jackson, Shelby Lee Myrick III Unknown Written and recorded in 2001 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Seeing Voices Sydney Fine, Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions; features the Ray Charles Choir Leaked
Serious Effect Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley Unknown Recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions; features LL Cool J; included on the cancelled bonus disc for the 2001 reissue of Dangerous Leaked
Seven Digits Michael Jackson, Bryan Loren Unknown Alternatively known as “7 Digits” Lost
She Got It Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell, Teddy Riley Unknown Recorded in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions; included on the cancelled bonus disc from the 2001 reissue of Dangerous Leaked
She's Not a Girl Michael Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Recorded in Jackson's home studio in Hayvenhurst Encino Lost
She's Not It Michael Jackson Unknown Reworking of “Billie Jean” Lost
She's Only Fifteen Michael Jackson Song title listed on note in Jackson's bedroom Recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions, later reworked in 2006; early version of “Hollywood Tonight” Leaked
She's Trouble Sue Shifrin, Bill Livsey, Terry Britten Unknown Recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions; later recorded by Musical Youth for their 1983 album Different Style!; alternatively known as “Trouble” Leaked
Shut Up and Dance Michael Jackson, Michael Durham Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom Written in 1999, may lack recorded vocals Lost
Siegfried & Roy Michael Jackson Registered with U.S. Copyright Office in 1990 Written in 1989 for the eponymous illusionists; two versions-- vocal and instrumental-- registered with the U.S. Copyright Office; presumably an early version of “Mind is the Magic” Lost (both vocal and instrumental)
Silent Spring Michael Jackson Song title listed on a note in Jackson's bedroom N/A Lost
Sister Sue Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition N/A Lost
The Sky is the Limit Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1983 Lost
Slapstick Rod Temperton Unknown Written and recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions; early version of “Hot Street” Leaked
Slave to the Rhythm Antonio Reid, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Daryl Simmons, Kevin Robersion Portion played on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014 Recorded in 1987 and from 1990-1991, during the Dangerous sessions Released
Soldier's Entrance Michael Jackson Unknown Worked on in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Somewhere in Time Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1980 Lost
Song Groove Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1987 during the Bad sessions; alternatively known as “Abortion Papers” Released
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 demos Howard Drossin, Brad Buxer, Cirocco Jones, Bobby Brooks, Darryl Ross, Geoff Grace, Doug Grisby, Michael Jackson Acknowledged by Cirocco Jones in an email exchange with Rick D. of The D-Pad Recorded in 1993 for Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog 3; while some of Jackson's compositions (i.e. Carnival Night Zone's BGM and the credits theme) were incorporated into the final game, the vast majority were scrapped after Jackson was dropped from the project; varying accounts state that Jackson's removal was either due to the first round of child molestation allegations or that Jackson left on his own accord due to his dissatisfaction with the quality of the Sega Genesis's YM2612 synthesizer Lost
Space Dance Michael Jackson Used as a promotional song for Sega's Space Channel 5 Written and recorded in 1998-1999; alternatively known as “Space Channel 5” Leaked
Spice of Life Rod Temperton Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions; later recorded by The Manhattan Transfers for their 1983 album Bodies and Souls Lost
Stand Tall Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1985 Written and recorded in 1981 Lost
Starlight Rod Temperton Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Recorded in 1981 during the Thriller sessions; referred to by Jackson as “Starlight Sun”; early version of “Thriller” Leaked
Streetwalker Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded during the Bad sessions; planned for inclusion on the album, but replaced with “Another Part of Me” due to the latter being more “dance-able” Released
State of Shock Michael Jackson, Randy Hansen Unknown One of three duets between Jackson and Queen singer Freddie Mercury; later re-recorded by The Jacksons with Mick Jagger (of The Rolling Stones fame) for Victory Leaked
Stay Michael Jackson, Bryan Loren Unknown Recorded circa 1988 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Stop the War Michael Jackson, Carole Bayer Sager Unknown Written and recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Susie Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1978; believed to be an early version of either “Little Susie” or “Blood on the Dance Floor” Lost
Sympathy Michael and Randy Jackson Mentioned during the 1993 deposition Written in or before 1993, but not recorded until 2003 with Randy Jackson; intended for release on a 2003 album, which ended up shelved due to Jackson's arrest for child molestation Lost
Thank Heaven Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1998 Written and recorded in 1998 Lost
Thank You For Life Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1976 Lost
That Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1998 Lost
That Kind of Lover Michael Jackson, Ray Ruffin Unknown Written circa 2001 Lost
This is Our Time Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, David Foster Unknown Written and recorded in 1999; commonly believed to be a duet with Hill, though this is false Lost
Throwin' Your Life Away Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1988 Written in 1988 Lost
Todo Mi Amor eres Tu Michael Jackson, Ruben Blades Unknown Recorded sometime after the Bad sessions as a duet with Siedah Garrett; Spanish version of “I Just Can't Stop Loving You” Released
To Satisfy You Bryan Loren Unknown Written and recorded from 1990 to 1992; features Jackson on backing vocals Leaked
Tomboy Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1985 during the Bad sessions Partially leaked
The Toy Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1981 for a Richard Pryor film of the same name; early version of “Best of Joy” Lost
Tragedy of a Cheer-leader Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written in 1991 during the Dangerous sessions Partially leaked
The Truth on Youth Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1990 Written and recorded in 1990 during the Dangerous sessions; features LL Cool J Lost
Tubeway Michael Jackson Unknown Written in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Turning Me Off Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1987 during the Bad sessions Partially leaked
Under Your Skin Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written and recorded in 1979; alternatively known as “Under My Skin” Lost
Unknown Michael Jackson Registered with Broadcast Music Incorporated Possibly written in 1996 or 1999; it is unknown whether “Unknown” is the song title or if the song's title is not known Lost
Verdicts Michael Jackson, Bryan Loren Unknown Written and recorded in 1990 during the Dangerous sessions Lost
Vibrationalist Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley Unknown Written circa 1999 during the Invincible sessions; alternatively titled “The Vibrationalist” Lost
Victory Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury Unknown One of three collaborations between Jackson and Mercury in 1983 Lost
We Are the Ones Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Recorded in 1978 Lost
We Be Ballin' Michael Jackson, Ice Cube, Clark Kent, DMX Unknown Written in 1997; remix of “We Be Clubbin'”; features Ice Cube and Shaquille O'Neal; intended to be featured in the NBA's “I Love This Game” campaign, but shelved when the 1997 player strike against the NBA caused the campaign to fold Leaked
What a Lonely Way to Go Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded in 1975 Lost
What About Us Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1988 during the Dangerous sessions; intended for release on the cancelled bonus disc from the 2001 reissue of Dangerous; early version of “Earth Song” Leaked
What You Do to Me Michael Jackson Initially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1985; copyright renewed in 1998 Written in 1985 Lost
What's a Guy Gotta Do Pharrell Williams Unknown Written in 2000 Lost
What's It Gotta Be Michael Jackson Registered with Broadcast Music Incorporated Not to be confused with “What's It Gonna Be” by Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes Lost
What's Your Life Michael and Jermaine Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition N/A Lost
When You Wish Upon a Star Medley Michael Jackson Unknown Recorded in 1983; features the songs “When You Wish Upon a Star”, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, and “Ease On Down the Road”; alternatively known as “Disney Medley” (despite only the first song being from Disney) Leaked
Who is the Girl With Her Hair Down Michael and Jermaine Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition N/A Lost
Why Can't I Be Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1980 during the Triumph sessions Lost
Why Shy Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition N/A Lost
Willing and Waiting Michael Jackson Mentioned by Jackson's engineer in an interview Written during the HIStory sessions; produced by Babyface; shelved due to it sounding softer than what Jackson desired for HIStory Lost
Work That Body Michael Jackson, Bryan Loren Unknown Written and recorded during the Dangerous sessions; planned for inclusion on the shelved bonus disc from the 2001 reissue of Dangerous Leaked
The World is Our Church Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions Lost
Xscape Michael Jackson, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels Unknown Recorded from 1999-2002 during and beyond the Invincible sessions Released
You Ain't Gonna Change Nothing Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written in 1975 Lost
You Are a Liar Michael Jackson Listed during the 1993 deposition Written and recorded during the Invincible sessions; alternatively known as “You're a Liar” and “You're a Liar, Brother” Lost
You Are So Beautiful Michael Jackson Unknown Writing began in 2005; written as a thank-you to his fanbase Lost
You Told Me Your Lovin' Michael Jackson Registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in 1984 Written in 1979; a second version exists, with words and music by Randy Jackson Lost
You Were There Michael Jackson Unknown Written and recorded in 1989 for Sammy Davis Jr. Lost
You're Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me Stevie Wonder Unknown Originally recorded in 1975 by Jermaine Jackson, with Wonder, Jackie Jackson, and Michael on backing vocals; re-cut solo version published by Jermaine on his 1980 album Let's Get Serious, replacing the original recording Lost