Author: Fred Colby

Make A Wish : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

Make Or Break (demo) : Written by Michael Jackson and John Barnes. Recorded in 1985 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. Described by Matt Forger as having a “very driving, terrific hook, but never got finished”. 

July 25 + 26 + 27 + August 18, 1989 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Make Or Break” at Weslake Studio C.

Remains unreleased.

Make Tonight All Mine : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972-1975. Released on October 26, 1976 (Joyful Jukebox Music).

Makin’ Life a Little Easier for You : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Mama, I Got A Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No) : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in November 1972 – July 1973. Released on September 12, 1973 (Get It Together).

Mama’s Pearl : Recorded in April–July 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on September 8, 1970 (Third Album).

Mama’s Pearl (demo) : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Mama Told Me Not To Come : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Man In Black : Written and recorded during the dangerous album sessions (1989-1991). Planned for release on the later cancelled greatest hits compilation album “Decade 1979-1989”. One of around 20–25 songs that Michael and Bryan Loren worked on. Included in an ultra rare promo titled ‘Promo Flight Only” given to Sony executives in 1991 as a teaser for tracks in consideration for the Dangerous album. A low quality snippet leaked in 2018, full demo leaked in 2020 but remains unreleased. In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “Man In Black” (chorus only). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. The full song leaked in HQ on June 24, 2025. Remains unreleased.

Man In The Mirror : Recorded in May 1987. Released on August 31, 1987 (Bad).

Man Of War : Recorded with The Jacksons from December 1976 to August 1977. Released on October 18, 1977 (Goin’ Places).

Man’s Temptation : Recorded in ??? with the Jackson 5. Released posthumously on November 10, 2009 (I Want You Back, Unreleased Masters).

Maria (You Were the Only One) : Recorded in July – November 1971. Released on January 24, 1972 (Got To Be There).

Maybe Tomorrow : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

Maybe We Can Do It : Written by MJ, Rodney Jerkins and Sean Combs. Features MJ and Sean Combs. Recorded in 1999-2002 but failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

Melodie : Recorded January – October 1973. Released on May 8, 1984 (Farewell My Summer Love).

Michael : Written and recorded circa 1999. The lyrics are about a little boy named “Michael”. Includes autobiographical elements. Vocally complete and ready for release. Re-recorded in 2008. Remains unreleased.

Michael’s Affirmation : Damien Shields : “Michael’s Affirmation isn’t a song. It’s a spoken word piece recorded by MJ to encourage Roy Horn (of Siegfried & Roy) to stay positive when recovering from the onstage tiger attack in October 2003. The music behind MJ’s spoken words is an instrumental called “Photographs”. A 15 seconds snippet leaks on YouTube on August 12, 2023. A longer version (2:16) leaked on April 1, 2024. Remains unreleased.

Michael McKellar : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. The song is mentionned in Frank Cascio book in 2011. About child neglect, pain children feel when they are ignore. Remains unreleased.

Michael The Lover aka Some girls want me for a Lover : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in 1989 (Beginning Years 1967-1968).

Mind Is The Magic aka Siegfried & Roy : Written and recorded with Bryan Loren in 1989 for Siegfried & Roy’s ‘Beyond Belief Show’ in Las Vegas. Released in 1995 (Dreams & Illusions).

Miss Lucky Day : Song recorded with The Jackson in 1973. Remains unreleased.

MJ Melody : Written by Michael Jackson in 1982. Song registered with the United States Copyright Office. Remains unreleased.

Money : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

Money Honey : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1975. Released on June 20, 1995 (Soulsation!).

Monkey Business : Recorded in 1989 with Bill Bottrell. According to him work on the song began during the Hayvenhurst sessions in 1985/1986. Included in an ultra rare promo titled ‘Promo Flight Only” given to Sony executives in 1991 as a teaser for tracks in consideration for the Dangerous album. Scheduled to be featured on the Dangerous Special edition in 2001 but the bonus CD was canceled. The song leaked in 2002 and was finally released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set). Bill Bottrell on X (December 14, 2024) : “MB was 4-8-91 @ Toad Hall from 1/4″ and as I’ve said, the estate released that one by simply looking for the last date, did not contact me about it. There should be dozens of other mixes some might be quite different.”

Monster : Recorded in 1998. Mentionned by Michael Prince & CJ DeVillar. Mj sings “you created a monster” in the chorus. The song was played to fans. Not related to the FAKE Cascio song released in 2010. Damien Shields : “Recorded 1998. Epic production. Lots of layers. It’s dark. Heavy beat. Has a string section. MJ sang the strings in a voicemail left on Brad Buxer’s answering machine, and Michael Prince brought them to life musically. Lyrics: “you created a monster” and that’s it”. On September 27, 2024 a snippet of “Monster” was provided by Michael Prince for the 4th episode of Damien Shields’ Faking Michael podcast. Remains unreleased.

Morphine : Recorded 1994-1997 & released in 1997 (Blood On The Dance Floor).

Morning Glow : Recorded in March 1972 – January 1973. Released on April 13, 1973 (Music And Me).

Movin’ : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Moving Violation : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1974-1975. Released on May 15, 1975 (Moving Violation).

Much Too Soon aka Learned My Lesson : “Much Too Soon” was first written back in 1981, originally titled “Learned My Lesson”. It was created during the Thriller sessions and two versions of the song were registered with U.S. Copyright Office in 1982. The song was picked up again during HIStory sessions in 1994. It was first reworked and recorded as an acoustic guitar + vocal song, and later with harmonica and orchestra. The production was done with John McClain. Seems to have been considered for the final track list. In 2010, the track was completed for the posthumous album, Michael. A different mixing and additional production was added with McClain returning to work on the song. On January 13, 2020, multitracks for “Much Too Soon” leaked, which included a 1994 demo with Jackson singing over an acoustic guitar. Original demo remains unreleased.

Muscles : The song was written and produced by Michael Jackson, and performed by American singer Diana Ross. It was released as the first single on September 17, 1982 by RCA from Ross’s Gold-certified album Silk Electric.

Music And Me : Recorded in March 1972 – January 1973. Released on April 13, 1973 (Music And Me).

Music’s Takin’ Over : Recorded with The Jacksons from December 1976 to August 1977. Released on October 18, 1977 (Goin’ Places).

My Cherie Amour : Recorded in July 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on December 12, 1969 (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5).

My Favourite Things : Song recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970 for the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

My Girl : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in June 1996 (The Jackson 5 pre-history The Lost Steeltown Recordings).

My Girl (1972 version) : Recorded in November 1971 – February 1972. Released on August 4, 1972 (Ben).

My Little Baby : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) : Gladys Knight & The Pips track recorded with The Jackson 5 in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Never Can Say Goodbye : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

Never Can Say Goodbye (Adult solo version) : Recorded in 1989 and scheduled to feauture on the canceled complilation DECACDE 1980-1990. Remains unreleased.

Never Had a Dream Come True : Recorded late 1969/early 1970. Released on May 8, 1970 (ABC).

Neverland Landing : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Damien Shields : Just say “children’s song”. This demo was recorded in 1983 and intended to be featured in Steven Spielberg’s Peter Pan musical. On August 28, 2025, a high-quality snippet was leaked online by Legend Zx1 on Discord. The full demo leaked on January 06, 2026 but remains unreleased.

NEW JELLY : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. I assume New Jelly spider be it’s official title of it was completed and/or released, and is probably just a working title. Remains unreleased.

Night Time Lover : Song recorded in 1980 by LaToya Jackson. It was the second single from her eponymous debut (1980). The track was produced and co-written by her brother Michael, who provides co-lead vocals on the chorus. They originally wrote the song for Donna Summer under the title “Fire Is The Feeling”.

Nightline aka Nite-Line (demo) : Recorded in 1982 during the Thriller sessions. The song leaked in 2008 but remains unreleased.

Nobody : Recorded in August 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on December 12, 1969 (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5).

No News Is Good News : Song recorded with Stevie Wonder & The Jackson 5 in 1974. Remains unreleased.

Nymphette Lover : Written by Michael Jackson in 1981. Registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1984. Remains unreleased.

Ode To Sorrow : Written by Michael Jackson in 1977. Song registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1984. Remains unreleased.

Off The Wall : Recorded from December 1978 to June 1979. Released on August 10, 1979 (Off The Wall).

Oh, I’ve Been Bless’d : Recorded in May-August 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on January 16, 1979 (Boogie).

Oh How Happy : Recorded in April–July 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on September 8, 1970 (Third Album).

OH LOVE : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

On My Anger : Written in 1999 by MJ and Teddy Riley. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

On The Line : Recorded in 1994-1996. First used in the closing creditd of Spike Lee’s movie Get On The Bus (released on October, 16, 1996) but not featured on the soundtrack album. Finally released in December 1997 (Ghosts’ Deluxe Collector Box Set).

One Day I’ll Marry You : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1973. Released on January 16, 1979 (Boogie).

One Day In Your Life : Recorded in October–December 1974. Released on January 16, 1975 (Forever Michael).

One More Chance : Recorded late 1969/early 1970. Released on May 8, 1970 (ABC).

One More Chance : Different than the song from 1970. Recorded in 1999-2003. Released on November 18, 2003 (Number Ones).

ONLY YOU : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

Ooh Baby, Baby : Smokey Robinson’s cover recorded with The Jackson in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Ooh, I’d Love To Be With You : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972–1973. Released on March 29, 1973 (Skywriter).

Our Love : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone : Temptation’s cover recorded with The Jackson in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

PALESTINE DON’T CRY : Basically nothing seems to be known about this track, other than the handwritten lyrics from 1993, which were sold at an auction. It is unknown if the song was even recorded, which it doesn’t seem to be since there’s no cassette or DAT tape for it, or at least there isn’t one that I know of. Remains unreleased.

Penny Arcade : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970-1973. Released on January 16, 1979 (Boogie).

People Got To Be Free : Demo recorded with The Jacksons and Bobby Taylor at the Hayvenhurst home studio in 1975-1976. Remains unreleased.

People Have To Make Some Sort of Joke : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

People Of The World : Released only in Japan in 1998 for the Japanese children’s choir J-Friends. Solo demo leaked in 2014 but remains unreleased.

People Make The World Go Round : Recorded in November 1971 – February 1972. Released on August 4, 1972 (Ben).

Petals ; Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

Peter Pan : Song mentioned by MJ during an interview with Diane Collins at Hayvenhurst in 1983. The same year, MJ sings parts of the song during a private home movie filmed at Hayvenhurst. Remains unreleased.

Piece Of The Pie : Demo recorded with The Jacksons and Bobby Taylor at the Hayvenhurst home studio in 1975-1976. Remains unreleased.

Planet Earth : Originally written as a poem. In 1990, MJ decided to record it as a spoken piece for inclusion on the Dangerous album, specifically as an introduction to “Earth Song”, which was by then still considered for the album. A new mix with background music was done on June 08, 1994 during the “History” album sessions. The 1990 version was released posthumously on October 26, 2009 (This Is It). The 1994 mix remains unreleased.

Prayers : Written and recorded on June 15th, 2009. This is the last song Jackson fully completed in his lifetime, having been recorded only 10 days before his death. Vocally complete and ready for release. Has a runtime of 6:51. Remains unreleased.

Pressure : “Pressure” was first recorded sometime during the Dangerous sessions with Bryan Loren (1989-1991). It was intended for the album although it was left off of it. The Invincible version was registered with ASCAP. Little is known about this version, other than it was written by LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, and Harvey Manson. Failed to make the Invincible album. In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “Pressure” (complete). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

Pretty Young Thing/PYT (demo) : Recorded in 1982. Released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set).

Pretty Young Thing/PYT : Recorded from April 14 – November 8, 1982. Released on November 30, 1982 (Thriller)/

Price Of Fame

Pride And Joy : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972-1975. Released on October 26, 1976 (Joyful Jukebox Music).

Privacy : Recorded from July 1998 to July 2001. Released on October 30, 2001 (Invincible).

Purple Snowflakes : Song recorded with The Jackson in 1970 fot the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

Push Me Away : Recorded in 1978 and released on December 17, 1978 (Destiny).

Quicksand : Martha Reeves & The Vandellas’ cover recorded with The Jackson in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Rampage : Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins production written and recorded in 1999-2001. Snippet leaked in 2020. Remains unreleased.

Reach In : Recorded in April–July 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on September 8, 1970 (Third Album).

Reach Out, I’ll Be There : Recorded between May-August 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on June 20,1995 (Soulsation!).

Ready or Not (Here I Come) : Recorded in April–July 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on September 8, 1970 (Third Album).

Red Eye : Written by Michael Jackson. Mentioned by MJ during the 1993 Mexico Deposition. Reworked in 2008 with Neff U. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Reflections : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in November 1972 – July 1973. Released on September 12, 1973 (Get It Together).

Remember The Time : Recorded in 1991. Released on November 26, 1991 (Dangerous).

Remember The Time (short film version) : Mix done in 1991 for the short film. Remains unreleased.

Remember What I Told You : Damien Shields : “has vocals. Starts off acapella and builds into an epic finale with many layers of MJ’s voice. Recorded at MJ’s house in Vegas in 2008. Very rough demo with lovely vocals.Yes, it’s a somewhat comparable vibe to Speechless. Remember What I Told You is nicer, IMO. It had potential to be really special. I wish he’d been able to finish it. Alas. It’s an incomplete demo with “do do, de de” parts. It starts acapella, but MJ asks for playback. And so then he sings with a piano. The end has multi-layered MJ vocals and finger snaps. It’s like 90 seconds in total. Short but very sweet. Fans deserve to hear it. They’d adore it. As for lyrics… “Remember what I told you, and remember for all time. Do do do do do do do do, dee dee dee dee dee dee.”. Written and recorded on June 19, 2009. Reportedly similar to “Speechless” in terms of tone. Song includes a short verse and multi-layered chorus. Michael vocals was recorded in June 15, 2009. Last song Michael ever put vocals to. Also known as “Just Remember”. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. The full song lasts only 1:30. A short snippet leaked online in August 2025. The full demo leaked on January 06, 2025 but remains unreleased.

RESCUE ME : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

REVENGE : It was auctioned off with tracks like Ask DD, Family Thing, and a few others in 2016. It was recorded in 1994, but is very unfinished. During an episode of the Big MJ Debate, Pez Jax (@Pezjax) said the track is just a short series of stomps and clicks. Remains unreleased.

RICH GIRL : During the 100th episode of the MJCast in 2019, Brad Buxer mentioned the track as one of the songs he and Michael worked on together, around 1993-1994. Remains unreleased.

River Ripple aka Breathe

Rock In A Hard Place : Demo recorded with The Jacksons and Bobby Taylor at the Hayvenhurst home studio in 1975-1976. Remains unreleased.

Rock With You : Recorded from December 1978 to June 1979. Released on August 10, 1979 (Off The Wall).

Rock Tonight : One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Rocker : August 13, 2004 : Michael records a demo for the song “Rocker” at Neverland with Brad Buxer and Michael Prince.

Damien Shields : “Rocker reminds me of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” – a really aggressive spitting type of verse vocal with an anthemic chorus. The verses on Rocker are just MJ spitting out random nonsensical sounds and phrases. The chorus has lyrics, but without the verses it’s not a complete song. I wish MJ would have finished it. Alas. I don’t know the exact date, but I was told by the engineer who recorded MJ’s vocals that Rocker was recorded in a bathroom at Neverland ranch. So sometime before then end of 2004? I don’t know exactly when. The composition is not similar to “We Will Rock You”, but the vocal melody and aggressive “spitting” style of vocal delivery in the verses are similar to it. VERY strong vocal. The verses are PURE nonsensical mumbling. The chorus is pretty close to complete.”. On August 7, 2025, two LQ snippets of “Rocker” were leaked online by KaiMakesMusic. An HQ snippet was leaked online by Legend Zx1 through Discord on August 28, 2025. The demo remains unreleased.

Rockin’ Robin : Recorded in July – November 1971. Released on January 24, 1972 (Got To Be There).

Rolling the Dice aka Roll The Dice : Written by Rod Temperton. MJ worked on the song with Temperton and Quincy Jones during the Thriller recording sessions in 1982. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

Sad Souvenirs : Four Tops’ cover recorded with The Jackson in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

Satisfy : Written by Terry Lewis and James Harris III. Mariah Carey song featuring Jackson on backing vocals. Failed to make the 2002 Charmbracelet album. Remains unreleased.

Saturday Night At The Movies : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in 1995 (Michael Jackson Pre History).

Saturday Woman : Demo recorded in 1991. Damien Shields : “Saturday Woman is listed in one of the many handwritten notes found in Michael’s Holmby Hills mansion at the time of his death. A picture of that particular note has never been published. The song is mentionned in Frank Cascio book in 2011 : “about a girl who wants attention and goes out to party instead of focusing on her relationship. The first verse went : “I don’t want to say that I don’t love you/I don’t want to say that I disagree…” then Michael mumbled the rest of the lines because he wasn’t sure of them yet. The chorus went : “She’s a saturday woman. I don’t want to live my life all alone. She’s a saturday woman”. Remains unreleased.

Saved By The Bell : Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

Save Me : Song by Dave Mason recorded in 1980. Released on June 15, 1980 (Old Crest on a New Wave). MJ sings background vocals.

Say Say Say : Recording began at AIR Studios in London in May 1981. As keyboard player Bill Wolfer recalled in a 2014 interview, he and Jackson worked on a rough sketch of the song based on the original acoustic demo with McCartney, Jackson’s intention being to present the latter his vision for the song. This soon evolved into a 24-track studio recording with a rhythm section, horns and harmonica laid down, which Michael presented to McCartney instead and this was kept in the final version. Released on October 3,1983 on Paul’s solo album “Pipes of Peace”. An early demo of the song featuring Michael & Paul singing with an acoustic guitar leaked online on March 13, 2024 but remains unreleased.

Scared Of The Moon :  The song was first written and recorded in 1984 for the Jacksons’ Victory album, however, it didn’t make the cut. The track was re-recorded the next year in the fall of 1985 for Bad, although, it was scrapped again. The song was brought again in 1994-1995 during the History sessions. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. The 1985 mix was released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set).

Scream : Duet with Janet recorded from September 1994 to March 1995 at the Flyte Time Studios (initial tracking and Janet vocals), The Hit Factory (Michael vocals) and Record One (mixing). It was released as a single on May 29, 1995, serving as the lead single from the “History” album. It was released specifically as a part of a double-a side, “Scream/Childhood”. Alongside Michael, Janet Jackson is featured on lead vocals.

Season’s Greetings from Michael Jackson : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released posthumously in 2009 (Ultimate Christmas Collection bonus tracks).

Seduction : Written by Michael Jackson and Shelby Lee Myrick III. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

Seeing Voices : Recorded in 2000 with Ray Charles and Sidney Fine. Frank Casio auctionned a demo tape in May 2014. Leaked online in 2016 but remains unreleased.

Serious Effect : Recorded in 1989-1990 with Bryan Loren. Features rap by LL Cool J. Solo demo version by MJ exists. Included in the first acetate version of the special expanded edition of Dangerous in 2001 but the bonus dis was canceled. It leaked in 2002. In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “Serious Effect” (completed). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

 remains unreleased.

Set It On Out : Written by Michael Jackson and recorded in 1982. Remains unreleased.

Seven Digits : “Seven Digits” was written and produced with Bryan Loren in the Summer of 1990, intended for the Dangerous album. However, it didn’t make the final selection. “Seven Digits” was later considered for Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. However, it was replaced by “Superfly Sister”, as it was more complete and demanded less time to finish.A snippet of the song was leaked on Shana Mangatal’s Instagram story on August 25, 2019, alongside “Don’t Believe It”. Mangatal also confirmed she owns a thirty-minute cassette tape with at least three different versions of the song. The tape also includes audio of Jackson writing the song.

On February 02, 2024 : Another Michael Jackson song called “Seven Digits” on a DAT tape will be auctioned on February 7 by Los Angeles Estate Auction. Writers Bryan Loren, this master tape was recorded around 1991 and contains the song but also an extensive 1-hour and 13-minute session of Michael Jackson’s practice and workout routines, providing an intimate look into his artistic process. “Seven Digits” is an unreleased track, Recorded in high-quality digital audio, the tape is in excellent condition, preserving the clarity and integrity of the recording.

In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song  “Seven Digits” completed with 1m09 of creative process between Loren & MJ. He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly.

On February 2, 2024, a DAT tape of “Seven Digits” was announced to be put up for auction, which was set to take place on February 7. Los Angeles Estate Auction posted on their Instagram a completely new snippet of the song, revealing details concerning the cassette. Unfortunately, no one bid. Similarly to Shana’s description, the DAT features not only the song but a full one-hour and thirteen minutes long “session of Michael Jackson’s practice and workout routines, providing an intimate look into his artistic process.” These are also bundled with an MP3 of the song. In February and April 2025, the same tape Mangatal owned (or a copy of it) with the song and its writing session went on sale at gottahaverockandroll.com. On February 14, 2026, the first take of “Seven Digits” was leaked. Full demo remains unreleased.

Sex Life : Recorded in June 1981. The original version that he made during Off The Wall Sessions was called Flex Strife but he changed this version to Sex Life during Thriller Sessions. Sex life was supposed to be for Off the wall, Thriller, Dangerous, Invincible. Worked on in 1978, 1981, 1989, 1999. In the closet replaced it on Dangerous. Was going to be released on Thriller 40 but “Who Do You know” replaced it at the last second. A 46 seconds snippet leaked in 2023. Remains unreleased.

SEXY LOVE SONG : It was written by Babyface and LA Reid, and was recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Judging by the title it is probably just a working title, like Ask DD, Broken Chair, New Jelly, etc are. Remains unreleased.

Shake A Body (demo version of Shake Your Body) : Recorded in 1978 at the Hayvenhurst home studio. Released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set).

Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over) : Four Tops’ cover recorded with The Jackson in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) : Recorded in 1978 and released on December 17, 1978 (Destiny).

She Don’t Love Me : Damien Shields : “Recorded in 2008. But to my knowledge, it’s just one line of vocals. “She don’t love me. She don’t want me. She don’t need me. She doesn’t care. She doesn’t care.” That’s all that was on what I heard. The rest is just instrumental”. Remains unreleased.

She Drives Me Wild : Recorded in 1991. Released on November 26, 1991 (Dangerous).

She Got It (demo) : Recorded in 1989-1990 with Bryan Loren. Included in the first acetate version of the special expanded edition of Dangerous in 2001 but the bonus dis was canceled. It leaked online in 2005 but remains unreleased. In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “She Got It” completed. He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

She Say Want : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

She’s A Rhythm Child : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1974. Released on September 15, 1974 (Dancing Machine).

She’s Good : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

She’s Got It Baby : In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “She’s Got It Baby” (different than She Got It). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

She’s Out Of My Life (demo) : Recorded in 1978. Released posthumously on October 26, 2009 (This Is It).

She’s Out Of My Life (Alternate take 1) : Recorded in 1978. Full take leaked in 2020 but remains unreleased.

She’s Out Of My Life (Alternate take 2) : Recorded in 1978. Full take leaked in 2020 but remains unreleased.

She’s Out Of My Life (Alternate take 3) : Recorded in 1978. Full take leaked in 2020 but remains unreleased.

She’s Out of My Life : Recorded from December 1978 to June 1979. Released on August 10, 1979 (Off The Wall).

She’s Not A Girl : Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

She’s Trouble aka Trouble (demo 1) : Recorded in 1982. It leaked in 2008. Released posthumously on November 18, 2022 (Thriller 40).

She’s Trouble aka Trouble (demo 2) : Recorded in 1982 & leaked in 2008. Remains unreleased.

She Was Loving Me aka Chicago

Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Da : Recorded in November 1971 – February 1972. Released on August 4, 1972 (Ben).

Shout : Recorded in 2001. Released on December 5, 2001 (Cry).

Show You The Way To Go : Recorded with The Jacksons from June to October 1976. Released on November 27, 1976 (The Jacksons).

Shut Up And Dance : One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Siegfried & Roy aka Mind Is The Magic : Written and recorded with Bryan Loren in 1989 for Siegfried & Roy’s ‘Beyond Belief Show’ in Las Vegas. Released in 1995 (Dreams & Illusions).

Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours. Stevie Wonder’s cover recorded with The Jackson 5 in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Silent Night : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970 for the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

Silver Bells : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970 for the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

Sister Sue : Written and Recorded in 1991. Remains unreleased.

Silent spring : Damien Shields : “is an instrumental”. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Since I Lost My Baby : Recorded in May-1969 with The Jackson 5. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Since You’ve Been Gone : Four Tops’ cover recorded with The Jackson 5 in early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Sister Sue : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

Sixteen Candles : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

Skywriter : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972–1973. Released on March 29, 1973 (Skywriter).

Slapstick (early version of Hot Street) : Written by Rod Temperton. Recorded in 1982 & leaked in 2008. Remains unreleased.

Slave To The Rhythm : Demo recorded in 1991. A remix leaked in 2010. A virtual duet with Justin Bieber featuring new vocals from MJ leaked in 2013. Original demo + new remix by Timbaland released posthumously in 2014 (Xscape).

Slipped Away : Song written by MJ & Marlon in 1980 for the Triumph album. Remains unreleased.

Smile : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

Smooth Criminal

So In Love : Jermaine Jackson’s song featuring The Jackson 5 recorded in 1973. Released on May 6, 1973 (Come Into My Life).

So Shy : Bill Wolfer ‘s song featuring MJ & The Waters Sisters. Recorded in 1982. Released in 1982 (Wolf).

Soldier’s Entrance : Worked on by MJ in 1999 with a view to having it featured on the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

Some Gils Want Me For Their Lover : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1967-1968. Released in March 1971 as the B-side if You Don’t Have To Be Over 21 To Fall In Love.

Somebody’s Watching Me : The song was recorded late 1983 by American singer Rockwell, released by the Motown label in January 1984, as the lead single from his debut studio album of the same name. The song features guest vocals by brothers Michael Jackson (in the chorus) and Jermaine Jackson (additional backing vocals.

Someday at Christmas : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

Someone In The Dark : Recorded in September 1982. MCA Records was not to release E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial until after Christmas 1982. (This was to avoid the audiobook competing with Jackson’s new album, Thriller.) The song “Someone in the Dark” was not to be released as a single. MCA Records breached both conditions, releasing the storybook in November 1982 and giving 7-inch promo copies of “Someone in the Dark” to radio stations. After Epic lodged a $2 million lawsuit, MCA Records was forced to withdraw the album and prohibited from releasing “Someone in the Dark” as a single. Epic executives had felt that MCA was misleading members of the public into believing that the then-recently released single “The Girl Is Mine” was featured on the storybook album. The plaintiffs further requested that MCA Records be banned from working with Jackson in the future and that any other media owned by MCA featuring the singer be prohibited from release. As a result of the legal restrictions that prohibited the public release of “Someone in the Dark” as a single, the promo copies which were made have since become one of the singer’s rarest and most sought-after records; some have been sold for over $1,600. The song’s opening version was later included as a bonus track on the 2001 special edition of Thriller, as well as the box set Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection in 2004.

Someone Put Your Hand Out (demo) Recorded in 1985 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. A 37 seconds snippet leaked in 2008. Full demo leaked in 2020 in LQ. HQ demo leaked on January 28, 2023 but remains unreleased.

Someone Put Your Hand Out : Recorded in 1989-1991.The song was supposed to be on Dangerous but did not make the final tracklisting. August 17, 1991 : Michael, Bruce Swedien & Brad Buxer work on the song “Someone Put Your Hand Out”. Released in May 1992 (Pepsi exclusive promo cassette single).

Someone’s Standing In My Love Light : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Somewhere in Time : Written by Michael Jackson in 1980. Song registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1984. Remains unreleased.

Son of Thriller : Unreleased remix by Michael Jackson and Bryan Loren. It’s unknown what project it was intended for. The recording was first acknowledged by fans during Loren’s Music First Association seminar in 2016. “Son of Thriller” can be assumed to have been a side project, rather than something conceived for Dangerous. Jackson and Loren made it in 1989 and its full runtime is 3:06 minutes long. The remix would include excerpts from some of the artist’s biggest hits at the time: “Thriller”, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “Billie Jean”.

Instrumental track recorded during the “Dangerous” sessions. One of 20-25 songs worked on with Bryan Loren for the Dangerous album. In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song  “Son Of Thriller” completed (dated August 29, 1989/studio mix master tape). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

Song Groove/Abortion Papers (demo) : Recorded in 1985 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. Released in 2012 (Bad 25).

Song For Epic : Recorded in 1986 during the Hayvenhurst sessions.

-January 30, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

February 03 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

February 06, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

Bill Bottrell on X (December 6, 2024) : “Epic wanted M to do a trio with Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen. Pretty lame idea, but M was a good soldier and told them I’ll try something. M went away for a few days and John B and I wrote a hook and no lyric and made a quick demo. M got to tell Epic he tried and all was done.” Remains unreleased.

Soul Jerk : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in June 1996 (The Jackson 5 pre-history The Lost Steeltown Recordings).

Space Dance : Michael’s voice and beatboxing was recorded for the soundtrack of the videogame Space Channel 5 in 2000. It remains unreleased.

Speechless : Recorded from July 1998 to July 2001. Released on October 30, 2001 (Invincible).

Speed Demon (demo) : Recorded in 1986 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. A snipped leaked in 2018. Full demo (low quality) leaked on June 18, 2020.

May 19, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the songs “Fly Away” and “Speed Demon”.

May 20, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 22, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 26, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 27, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

June 18, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

A better version of the demo leaked in January 2023 but remains unreleased.

Speed Demon : Recorded in 1987. Released on August 31, 1987 (Bad).

Spice Of Life : Written by Rod Temperton and Derek Bramble in 1982. Was in the running for Thriller, but wasn’t included on the final album and went down the wayside. Later given to Manhattan Transfer. Remains unreleased.

Splash! We Can Get Wet Babe : Recorded in 1988. Remains unreleased.

Stand : Recorded in May 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on December 12, 1969 (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5).

Stand Tall : Written by Michael Jackson in 1982. Song registered with the United States Copyright Office in December 1985. Remains unreleased.

Standing In The Shadows Of Love : Recorded on May 17th, 1969 with the Jackson 5. Released on December 12, 1969 (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5).

Starlight : Temperton’s first version of Thriller was titled “Starlight”, with the chorus lyric: “Give me some starlight / Starlight sun”. Recored in 1982 and released posthumously on Novemver 18, 2022 (Thriller 40).

State Of Independance : January 17, 1982 : Michael joins a star-studded lineup to record the backing vocals for Donna Summer’s song “State of Independence.” It os produced by Quincy Jones and features other artists like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, and James Ingram.

State Of Shock (demo with Freddie Mercury) : Recorded in August 1983 at Hayvenhurst & leaked on July 7, 2002. Remains unreleased.

State Of Shock : Duet with Mick Jagger recorded in May 1984 at the A&R Recording in NYC. Released on July 2, 1984 (Victory).

Stranger In Moscow (demo) : Recorded in September 1993 in Moscow. Remains unreleased.

Stranger in Moscow : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

Stay : Written by MJ and Bryan Loren in 1989. Remains unreleased.

Still The King : Song recorded with will.i.am in 2007. Remains unreleased.

Stop The War : Written circa 1999 by MJ and Carole Bayer Sager. Failed to make the Invincible album. The song is an early version of “We’ve Had Enough”, a song featured on the 2004 box set album The Ultimate Collection. Song about the Kosovo War. Remains unreleased.

Stormy Monday : Recorded in 1967 with The Jackson. Released in 1997 (Beginning Years 1967-1968).

Strenght Of One Man : Recorded with The Jacksons from June to October 1976. Released on November 27, 1976 (The Jacksons).

Streetwalker aka Florida Groove

Style Of Life : Recorded with The Jacksons from June to October 1976. Released on November 27, 1976 (The Jacksons).

Sugar Daddy : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in April – October 1971. Released as a single on November 23, 1971 and as album version on December 9, 1971 (Greatest Hits).

Sunset Driver (demo 1) : It was first written and recorded from November 1978 to April 1979 for Off the Wall, although didn’t make the cut. In 2001, “Sunset Driver” was supposed to be on “Off the Wall: Special Edition”, unfortunately, it didn’t make the final selection of the album. Remains unreleased.

Sunset Driver (demo 2) : It was finally recorded in August 1982 with extra overdubs for Thriller but the song was scrapped again. Released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set).

Sunset Driver (demo 3) : According to the official michaeljackson.com website, as well as Bill Bottrell’s notes, the song was also later reworked and considered for inclusion on the Bad album.

May 30, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Sunset Driver”.

May 31, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Sunset Driver”.

Superfly Sister : Recorded in 1989-1990 with Bryan Loren. Released on May 20, 1997 (Blood On The Dance Floor).

Superstition : performed in concerts in 1973.

Susie : Written and recorded by Michael Jackson circa 1978. The song was re recorded in 1994-1995 as Little Susie during the “History” sessions. 1978 demo remains unreleased.

Sweet Music : Written by James Whitney. Recorded in 1976-1979. Remains unreleased.

Tabloid Junkie : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

Take Me Back : Recorded in October–December 1974. Released on January 16, 1975 (Forever Michael).

Take My Heart : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1968. Found on a metal acetate with Take My Heart on Side 1 and Jackson Man on Side 2 by Adey Piere in Indiana in 2000. Remains unreleased.

TEARS OF STONE : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True) : Duet between Jermaine & MJ recorded late 1983. The song was released in April 1984 on Jermaine’s Dynamite album.

Teenage Symphony : Recorded November 1972 – April 1973, during G.I.T.: Get It Together and Dancing Machine sessions. Released on February 11, 1986 (Looking Back to Yesterday).

Thank Heaven : Written in 1998. Damien Shields : “MJ spoken intro (dedicating the song to “my son Michael Jackson Jr”) but the song itself is sung by a woman + choir. Sounds like a lullaby/nursery rhyme. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Thank You For Life : Written circa 1976. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1984. Remains unreleased.

That : Registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1998. Remains unreleased.

That Girl : Recorded with The Jacksons in 1978-1980. Remains unreleased.

That Kind of Lover : Written circa 2001 by MJ & Ray Ruffin. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

That’s How Love Goes : Jermaine Jackson’s song featuring The Jackson 5 recorded on January 6th, 1972. Released on June 14, 1972 (Jermaine).

That’s How Love Is (Original Complete Version) : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on November 10, 2009 (I Want You Back, Unreleased Masters).

That’s What Christmas Means To Me : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970 for the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

That’s What Love Is Made Of : Recorded December 1969 & January 1970 – December 1971, during the Jackson 5’s Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 and ABC sessions. Released on February 11, 1986 (Looking Back to Yesterday).

That’s What You Get (For Being Polite) : Recorded in 1978 and released on December 17, 1978 (Destiny).

The Boogie Man : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972–1973. Released on March 29, 1973 (Skywriter).

THE BEST THING : Auctioned off in 2016, along with Family Thing, Ask DD, and a few others. It is supposedly only an instrumental, but nothing seems to known about it other than that. Remains unreleased.

The Children’s Hour : Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

The Choice : Song written by Bryan Loren for Michael Jackson and intended for the Dangerous album. The track was recorded during sessions for the Dangerous album between 1989-1990. The title was included on the insert of a DAT featuring an early configuration of the album (dated April 19, 1990), which was found during the Brad Sundberg laptop theft. However, no information was given on the track. The song is complete but for whatever reason it was cut form Dangerous album the song have a very funky beat vibes with alot of percussion.

The Choir Song : Demo recorded in 1986 at Hayvenhurst. Remains unreleased.

March 13, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “The Choir Song”.

March 14, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “The Choir Song”.

The Christmas Song : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

The Dude : The song was recorded late 1980 and released in March 1981 on Quincy Jones’s album. James Ingram is the lead vocalist. MJ does background vocals.

The Eternal Light : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972-1975. Released on October 26, 1976 (Joyful Jukebox Music).

The Fields of Athenry : Written by Pete St. John. Recorded in 2006 with the Caheraggin Village Choir. Remains unreleased.

The Future : Written by Michael Jackson, will.i.am. Worked in 2006/07. On the 13th of August 2007, will.i.am told reporters at a Black Eyed Peas press conference in South Korea that another track he recorded with Jackson is titled “The Future”. Song about environmental issues. A dance track. Remains unreleased.

The Girl Is Mine

The Gloved One : Written by Sisqo circa 2001. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

The Lady In My Life (demo with unreleased lyrics) : Recorded in 1982 & leaked in 2008. Remains unreleased.

The Lady In My Life : Recorded from April 14 – November 8, 1982. Released on November 30, 1982.

The Little Drummer Boy : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

The Lost Children : Recorded from July 1998 to July 2001. Released on October 30, 2001 (Invincible).

The Love I Saw In You Was Just a Mirage : Recorded in April–July 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on September 8, 1970 (Third Album).

The Love You Save : Recorded in March 1970. Released on May 8, 1970 (ABC).

The Life Of The Party : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1974. Released on September 15, 1974 (Dancing Machine).

The Man : recorded in May 1981 with Paul McCartney and released in October 1983 on Paul’s solo album “Pipes of Peace”.

The Mirrors Of My Mind : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1974. Released on September 15, 1974 (Dancing Machine).

The Nightmare of Edgar Alan Poe : Written circa 2000 by MJ & Walter Afanasieff. Had been scheduled to feature in the shelved independently financed film The Nightmare of Edgar Alan Poe, which MJ was slated to appear in. Alternatively titled “Edgar Alan Poe”. Remains unreleased.

The Pain : Written by Shawn Stockman, Jay Harvey Mason, Rodney Jerkins. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

There Must Be More To Life Than This (demo with Freddie Mercury) : The song was written solely by Mercury and first recorded by Queen in 1981 for their album Hot Space. However, it didn’t make the cut in the end. Two years prior, he first met Jackson backstage at Queen’s The Game Tour. They stayed in contact since then, and in August 1983, the two started recording songs together at Jackson’s house in Encino, California. They recorded all of their collaborations in one day, one of which was a re-recording of “There Must Be More to Life Than This”. Unfortunately, due to scheduling issues, the duets never saw any further development. The track almost landed on Queen’s 1984 album The Works, but ultimately ended up on Mercury’s solo record a year later, Mr. Bad Guy without Jackson featured.

After Jackson’s passing in 2009, Freddie’s bandmates, Brian May and Roger Taylor, began talks with the Michael Jackson Estate to release all the collaborations, as the interest in Jackson’s unreleased material began to rise. After troubled negotiations, they eventually settled only on “There Must Be More to Life Than This”.[1]

In 2012, a new mix of the song, often referred to as the “Golden Duet”, found its way online after being featured in a Mercury-based documentary, The Great Pretender. Earlier in the film, a snippet of the 1983 demo was also featured. These sparked speculations online that the band was in contact with the Estate to finally release the song. Queen has mentioned they made their mix, but that it was rejected by the estate in favor of one made by a British record producer, William Orbit, which re-uses instrumentation from the Hot Space sessions recording, and the members still described as “very much sounding like the band”. It is unknown if their version was the one featured in The Great Pretender.

On July 7, 2002, a one-take recording of Jackson singing the song over piano (played by Mercury) was leaked online. Freddie can also be heard directing Jackson to ad-lib.

A remixed version was released in 2014 (Queen Forever Deluxe Edition). Original demo remains unreleased.

There Was a Time : perfomed in concerts in 1970

The Sky Is The Limit : Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

The Surprise Song : Song recorded with The Jacksons at their Hayvenhurst Home studio in May 1983 and included in an all original 7″ Fan Club Pack. Never released on CD.

The Toy aka Best Of Joy

The Wall : Recorded with The Jackson 5.in June 1970 – February 1971. Released on April 12, 1971 (Maybe Tomorrow).

The Way You Love Me  : Recorded in 2000. Second mix recorded and released on November 16, 2004 (The Ultimate Collection Box Set) + new remix released posthumously on December 10, 2010 (Michael).

In November 2008, Rod Temperton has a meeting with MJ at his hotel suite during which MJ plays Rod several songs. Some of the songs already had lyrics, which MJ wanted to improve. Others were instrumentals without any lyrics at all. The songs MJ plays for Rod are Best of Joy, Hollywood Tonight, The Loser, The Way Your Love Me, Beautiful Girl, Dark Lady, DIE, and Can’t Stop Loving You.

The Way You Make Me Feel (demo version aka Hot Fever) : Demo recorded at Hayvenhurst in 1985-1986. Remains unreleased.

October 3, 1985 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever” (later known as “The Way You Make Me Feel”.

January 08, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever”.

The Way You Make Me Feel (album version) : The song was re recorded in 1987 during the Westlake sessions with the title “The Way you Make Me Feel” and released on August 31, 1987 (Bad).

The Way You Make Me Feel (short film soundtrack version) : Mixed done in the spring of1987 for the short film. Remains unreleased.

The Way You Make Me Feel (1988 Grammy Awards version) : Recorded in February 1988 with Greg Philingames during Bad Tour rehearsals in Pensacola. This version was used during the Grammy Awards 1988 performance, 1996’s concert in Brunei, 2001’s concerts in New York and 2009’s This Is It rehearsals. Remains unreleased.

The Young Folks : Recorded late 1969/early 1970 with the Jackson 5. Released on May 8, 1970 (ABC).

They Don’t Care About Us (demo) :  Recorded in 1989. Song listed by MJ on a handwritten note during the Dangerous album sessions in 1989-1991. Remains unreleased. 

August 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 25, 1989 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and Michael Boddicker work on the song “They Don”t Care About Us” at Weslake Studio C.

Demo from 1989 remains unreleased.

They Don’t Care About Us : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

They Don’t Care About Us (Prison version) : Mix done in January 1996 for the Prison version of the short film. Remains unreleased.

They Don’t Care About Us (Brazil version) : Mix done in January 1996 for the Brazil version of the short film. Remains unreleased.

Things I Do for You : Recorded in 1978 and released on December 17, 1978 (Destiny).

Think Happy : Recorded with The Jacksons from June to October 1976. Released on November 27, 1976 (The Jacksons).

Think Twice : Brad Buxer composition for MJ. Damien Shields : “I just found a note for “Think Twice” in an old binder folder. My notes say it’s an instrumental with synthesised electric guitars on it. No vocals.” Remains unreleased.

THINKING ABOUT YOU : Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

This Had To Be : The song was recorded late 1980 and released in April 1981 on The Brothers Johnson’s album Light Up the Night. MJ co-wrote the song.

This Is It aka I Never Heard : Demo recorded in 1980 with Paul Anka. New remix released posthumously on October 12, 2009 (This Is It). Snippet from the original demo leaked but full original demo remains unreleased.

This Is Our Time : Written by MJ, Lauryn Hill and David Foster in 1999. Failed to make the Invincible album. Despite rumors to the contrary, the song was not recorded as a duet with Hill. Remains unreleased.

This Place Hotel aka Heartbreak Hotel : Recorded in 1980 with The Jacksons and featuring LaToya Jackson. Released on October 18, 1980 (Triumph).

This Time Around : Recorded from February 1994 to March 1995. Released on June 20, 1995 (History).

Threatened : Recorded from March 1999 to July 2001. Released on October 30, 2001 (Invincible).

Thriller : Recorded from April 14 – November 8, 1982. Released on November 30, 1982 (Thriller).

Thriller (short film soundtrack version) : mix done in 1983 for the short film. Remains unreleased.

Thriller’s Vincent Price Voice-Over Session” Temperton Jones 0:24. Recorded in 1982. Released on February 8, 2008 (Thriller 25).

Through Sick And Thin : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972-1975. Released on October 26, 1976 (Joyful Jukebox Music).

Throwin’ Your Life Away (demo) : Recorded in 1986 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. The song started production in December 15, 1986 and continued until January 4, 1987. It was produced by Bill Bottrell. It was intended for the Bad album but it unfortunately failed to make the final cut.

In February 25, 1988, while MJ was touring. Quincy Jones continued producing the song while the two were still working together.

The track was reworked in 2009, with the CD appearing in court documents of Jeffré Phillips’ lawsuit. One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009.

It was picked up to be reworked again in 2010 for Jackson’s first posthumous studio album, Michael, and retitled to “(Stop) Throwing Your Life Away”. The remix was made by Neff-U, and the full runtime is 3:40. However, due to him not having access to the multitrack, it unfortunately didn’t make the final cut.

Damien Shields on X : “these are the copyright registration papers, filed on September 26, 1988 by Karen Langford. Attached to this registration was a black TDK cassette tape of the song with “Dolby B 09/08/88 Michael Jackson 1) “Throwin’ Your Life Away” Ruff Mix of MJ 424” written in blue marker. Neff-U used a digital copy of this version when he did the 2010 remix. Like I said, he didn’t have access to the multi-track, but he tried to work with what he had. The results were underwhelming and the song ultimately wasn’t in contention for the Michael album. The original 1988 Throwing Your Life Away is much stronger. Neff-U did the 2010 remix, but he didn’t have access to a multi-track. He added new strings and guitar on top of the 88 original. Those new layers drowned MJ’s vocal out, so the remix is far less powerful, in my opinion.”

A snippet leaked in 2018. The full demo (low quality) leaked in June 2020. The full demo and 2010 remix leaked in august 2025 but remain unreleased.

Bill Bottrell on X (December 6, 2024) : “Throwing” got a lot of work put into it.
One night M did lead vocals. I thought the key was too high, he couldn’t find the right voice for it. He never brought it up again. Like I said, we moved fast at Hayvenhurst. Put some love into a track, and if it doesn’t work, on to the next thing”.

Time Explosion : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1974-1975. Released on May 15, 1975 (Moving Violation).

Time Waits For No One : Recorded in 1980 with The Jacksons. Released on October 18, 1980 (Triumph).

Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu (Spanish version of I Just Can’t Stop Loving You) : Recorded & released in 1987.

Toda Para Ti aka What More Can I Give

To Know : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1971-1972. Released on May 23, 1972 (Lookin’ Through the Windows).

To Make My Father Proud : Recorded January – October 1973. Released on May 8, 1984 (Farewell My Summer Love).

To Satisfy You : Recorded in 1989-1990 with Bryan Loren. A version featuring background vocals by MJ was released in 1992 on Bryan Loren’s album « Music From The New World ». In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “To Satisfy You” (complete Loren & Jackson). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

Solo demo sung by MJ remains unreleased.

To Sir, with Love : Recorded in May-August 1969 with the Jackson 5. Remains unreleased.

To The World : Written by MJ in 2000. Remains unreleased.

Tomboy : Recorded in 1985 during the Hayvenhurst sessions with John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger.

-November 08, 1985 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tomboy”.

-January 22, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tomboy”.

Contains a melody identical to the “I bet you remember” line in Remember the Time. Features Roger Troutman as guest musician. Damien Shields: “Tomboy, I don’t know. I heard a version at the US Copyright Office, but the version I heard was instrumental. It had a VERY “Captain EO” vibe to it, and a melody line in the music strikingly similar to (basically the same as) the “I bet you remember” line in Remember The Time.“No lyrics/vocals” on the version I heard. The version I heard was sent to the copyright office on October 28, 1985, on the same cassette as Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana, Hot Fever (which is an instrumental of The Way You Make Me Feel) and What You Do To Me”. The instrumental version of this song was renamed to “Stop That” on Zapp Album. Michael gave the Multitrack of the song to Roger Tourtman we can heard Roger Voice on it too. Remains unreleased.

Too Late To Turn Back Now : One of the songs listed by MJ on a handwritten note of songs he wanted to finish in June 2009. Remains unreleased.

Too Young : Recorded in March 1972 – January 1973. Released on April 13, 1973 (Music And Me).

Torture : Duet with Jermaine recorded from November 1983 to May 1984. Released on July 2, 1984 (Victory).

Touch : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972–1973. Released on March 29, 1973 (Skywriter).

Touch The One You Love : Recorded January – October 1973. Released on May 8, 1984 (Farewell My Summer Love).

Track Of My Tears : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in 1989 (The Jackson 5 – Beginning Years 1967-1968).

Tragedy of a Cheer-leader : Written by MJ. Cited by MJ in his 1993 deposition. Remains unreleased.

Trash Can Song : May 21, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the songs “Florida Groove” and “Trash Can Song”. Remains unreleased.

Triple Threat Cable : Written and recorded in 1999 for an album that was shelved. Remains unreleased.

True Love Can Be Beautiful : Recorded late 1969/early 1970. Released on May 8, 1970 (ABC).

Truth Or Youth : Song listed by MJ on a handwritten note during the Dangerous album sessions in 1989-1991. The song was produced by Bryan Loren and recorded between 1990 and 1991. The full runtime is 5:02

In 2024, a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes were found in a storage unit deep in the San Fernando Valley. Musgrove’s journey to the tapes began when an associate contacted Greg Musgrove about a storage unit he’d recently bought in Van Nuys. The unit once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer. On the tapes are 12 unreleased tracks, music Jackson worked on prior to the Dangerous album, around 1989 to 1991 including the song “Truth On Youth” completed (duet rap with LL Cool J). He and the attorney he brought on approached the Jackson Estate with their findings earlier this year. The estate, who Musgrove says did their own research into the tapes, declined to purchase the tapes for an unknown reason, but did provide him with an official letter stating that the estate does not claim ownership. They make it clear in the letter, however, that he and anyone else who might purchase these tapes down the line do not own the copyright on the recordings or the compositions, the estate does. Essentially, these tapes can never be released publicly. Remains unreleased.

Tubeway : Written circa 1999. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

Turning Me Off :

-January 29, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tutning Me Off”.

-February 24, 1986 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Turning Me Off”.

-March 09 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Turning Me Off”.

-October 30, 1986 : Scratch vocal recorded at Hayvenhurst.

July 20 + 21 + July 31 + August 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + November 06, 1989 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Turnin Me Off” at Weslake Studio C.

Described as “one of Michael’s edgier experiments” and “very groove-oriented” by Matt Forger. Reworked in 1989. Failed to make the Dangerous album
Track is vocally complete and ready for release. 

The song leaked on YouTube on November 19, 2025 but remains unreleased.

Twenty-Five Miles : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in the early 1970’s. Released in October 1987 (The Original Soul of Michael Jackson). The original recording of the song was released posthumously on September 1, 20092 (Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection).

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Me : Song recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1970 for the Christmas album. Remains unreleased.

U KNOW :Recorded at the Hit Factory, in 1994. Considered lost. Remains unreleased.

Unbreakable : Recorded from March 1999 to July 2001. Released on October 30, 2001 (Invincible).

Under The Boardwalk : Recorded in 1967 with the Jackson 5. Released in 1989 (The Jackson 5 – Beginning Years 1967-1968).

Under Your Skin : Written by Michael Jackson in 1979. Song registered with the United States Copyright Office in November 1984. Remains unreleased.

Unknown : On May 22, 2009, fans heard Michael recording a new song from a building in the back of his Holmby Hills home. Michael tells them he is working on the lyrics and has not chosen the title yet. Remains unreleased.

Up Again : Recorded in March 1972 – January 1973. Released on April 13, 1973 (Music And Me).

Up On The House Top : Recorded in 1970 with The Jackson 5. Released on October 15, 1970 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album).

Up On The Roof : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1969-1974. Released posthumously on August 28, 2012 (Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls).

Uppermost : Recorded with The Jackson 5 in 1972–1973. Released on March 29, 1973 (Skywriter).

Uptight (Everything’s Alright) : Stevie Wonder’s cover recorded with The Jackson 5 in the early 70’s. Remains unreleased.

Verdict : Song listed by MJ on a handwritten list during the Dangerous album sessions in 1989-1991. Verdict is a song written by Michael Jackson and Bryan Loren in 1989 giving Michael a chance to work in a new genre of music (New Jack Swing which sparked the “Dangerous” album under the name “Decade”) and given to Janet for her Rhythm Nation album for making the song Work (Demo). Remains unreleased.

Vibrationist : Written circa 1999 by MJ and Teddy Riley. Failed to make the Invincible album. Remains unreleased.

Victory (demo) : One of three songs MJ worked on with Queen’s Freddie Mercury in August 1983 at Hayvenhurst. The foundation of the track was laid with Mercury’s manager Peter Freestone banging on the toilet door in perfect time for 5 minutes as there were no instruments or musicians around at Hayvenhurst. Freddie’s bandmates, Brian May and Roger Taylor intended to put it on their 2014 compilation album Queen Forever. However, they couldn’t do it due to disagreements with the Michael Jackson Estate. Remains unreleased.

Vile and Miserable : One of the songs Jackson worked on with will.i.am in 2006. Alternatively titled “Miserable Soul”. Snippet leaked online in early November 2015. Remains unreleased.