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The next Michael Jackson album

Jackson originally planned to release a new studio album in 2008, featuring collaborations with Kanye West, Akon, Ne-Yo and Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am.

It got delayed, due to Jackson's renowned perfectionism, but insiders say it's 'finished' enough to be releasable.

In 2007, Will.I.Am said Jackson was looking at ways to use current technology to his advantage in releasing the album, particularly social networking sites and downloads.

Kanye West has collaborated with Jackson

"Man, he still sings like a bird," Will.I.Am said. "He could go anywhere. I think we have a real opportunity to do something here. It's either gonna be really big or nobody's gonna care. Ain't no middle ground on this one." After the singer's death, many will care an awful lot.

"There's not too much Michael Jackson hasn't covered. Just be ready for it." Akon on the next Jackson album

Just prior to Jackson's death, Akon described the new material as "incredible".

The songwriter told Entertainment Week: "We're trying something he's never done before, and that's the challenge. There's not too much Michael Jackson hasn't covered. Just be ready for it."

According to Ne-Yo (before Jackson's death): "It's tough when all eyes are on him and there is so much young competition out there.

"This album needs to be better than Thriller. He wants killer melodies. He'll call me back and say 'I really like song number three, song number four the hook could be stronger. Song number one, change the first verse … Okay, bye.' Click.

"And then I redo them and he's like, 'Okay, they're perfect. Send me more.' So I don't know what he's keeping, what he's getting rid of, what he's recording."

Next page: next album demos