Carousel
Written by Mr. & Mrs. Berman. With Rod Temperton. Carousel was supposed to be the next thing you'd hear after Jackson faded in the background with Billie Jean. But was rejected on account of not fitting in with the albums goal. You can listen to it right here!
Someone in the Dark
Co-written by Oscar-nominated musician Michael Sombello and Freeman. This is taken from the E.T. Storybook. Similar to "Carousel's" plight, "Someone In The Dark" didn't quite catch the essence of where "Thriller" was going. The song itself was great!
It's heart-wrenching Ballad soothing tapestry all the more makes me wonder why Spielberg never included the track on his E.T. Soundtrack album. An initial single release was planned but was eventually shelved. Yet a few promo singles can still be found floating around on Ebay.
Niteline
Written by Glen Ballard and co-produced by Michael Jackson for his fifth solo studio album but was rejected due to album constraints at the time.
Despite his song not being included, Glen would not give up trying. His efforts eventually got him on The Bad and Dangerous album sessions. "Man In The Mirror" would be his most rewarding work yet. Becoming another MJ signature song.
Trouble
Written by Terry Britten, Bill Livsey and Sue Shifrin for the album but could not be squeezed in the 9 track limit.
Originally coined "She's Trouble", it eventually wound up on an album by Youth of Today. Yet an unleaked Bootleg edition does exist.
Got the Hots
Written and co-produced by Michael Jackson. Only available on the Japanese Edition of Thriller 25(Don't cry, they didn't get "For All Time" like the rest of us did.
Hot Street
Let me guess, this was down-played in favor of Thriller? But regardless, "Got The Hots" is another on of "Thriller's" hidden treasures.
Quincy and Temperton didn't feel it strong enough to make a listing upon the album. But Michael was in love with this Temperton-penned classic. As a matter of fact, Jackson wished more tracks would've made the final cut.
Love Never Felt So Good
Written by Paul Anka, Kathy Wakefield, and Michael Jackson for "Thriller" but was dropped at the last minute. Eventually it wound up on Johnny Matis's 1984 album "A Special Part Of Me".
For All Time
A great Romantic Balled. Up to par with "Human Nature" in my opinion! As a matter of fact "Human Nature", "Carousel", and "For All Time" battled for #7.
Written by Steve Porcaro(Todo) & Michael Sherwood and was revised by Michael Jackson in 1990 and 2007.
Groove of Midnight
Originally penned by Rod Temperton but Never finalized recording in the studios. Instead it was given to Siedah Garrett for her 1988 album "Kiss" which you could listen listen to as a snippet over Here. Here's a sneak-peak at a rehearsal...
Other Outtakes
- Much Too Soon-An early demo to "Gone Too Soon". May have not been finalized until that point(The Dangerous Era).
- The Toy-Written by Emjay for a movie by the same name. Never made either of the cuts.
- Starlight-A session tape by Rod Temperton which eventually evolved into what we now know as Thriller.
- Attitude
- Who Do You Know
- Rolling The Dice-Another number by Rod Temperton which never saw the light of day.
- Stand-Another lost "Thriller" archive. Not related to The Jackson Five's cover of "Sly and The Family Stone hit "Stand".
The lost track of which I just showed you is but childsplay compared to what he has stored in his archives. We will never hear them unless Mr. Jackson releases or at least leaks them. But I'm sure he'll come out with a complete outtake compilation before he dies. Or better yet "Michael Jackson The Complete Demos, Outtakes, and Collaborations.
