Will Michael Jackson Ever Release New Album?

There is no contesting the fact that Michael Jackson is the "King of Pop". However, it seems like MJ might never reclaim his throne.

That's at least what Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am alludes to. He had been helping Michael with the album, which was slated for release this year. However, no new material has surfaced, except for a duet with Akon called "Hold My Hand".

In a new interview with the BBC, Will.i.am said,

There's all these artists in the world like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and Usher, Justin Timberlake, Fergies and Rhiannas and then there's Michael Jackson... Michael Jackson has a different pace and you can not put Michael Jackson in that category especially when a lot of those artists have been inspired by Michael Jackson... So, Michael Jackson is gonna release his record when he releases his record.

The rather cryptic statement leads one to wonder if the comeback album will ever see the light of day. Michael, in an interview with ABC's Good Morning America for his 50th birthday claimed that more was to come, but that may impossible. The pop legend doesn't have a record label after an ugly split with Sony Records over the direction of his 2001 effort Invincible. Also, his newly attained age could possibly make the performances he is legendary for difficult (although Tina Turner just went on tour, at 18 years his senior).

I think it would be a shame if Michael Jackson never released another album. His impact on pop music is undeniable, and it just seems tragic that we might never hear anything from him again.