New Michael Jackson album to be released in May

Nearly five years after Michael Jackson's death, eight rare and previously unreleased tracks have been compiled on an album entitled "XSCAPE," which will arrive in stores from May 13.

Previously recorded but never made available to the public, the songs were chosen by music producer and Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid, who is currently a judge on the reality TV talent show "The X Factor."

The recordings have been revisited and polished by various producers, including Timbaland, to give them a more contemporary sound without destroying their essence.

"XSCAPE" will follow "Invincible," Michael Jackson's last studio album, released in October 2001. The song "XSCAPE," which was leaked online in 2002, was originally recorded for the 2001 album.

Sony and Epic Records announced the new album on Monday.

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  The cover of 'XSCAPE' is shown in this image taken from Twitter. The new album will feature eight previously unreleased tracks from the late Michael Jackson. (Twitter, via @Epic_Records)