DHAKA: A new Michael Jackson album, featuring eight new tracks from the late artist’s archive, will be released on 13 May.

Titled Xscape, the track listing was chosen by Epic Records chairman LA Reid, who trawled through four decades of Jackson’s demos and off-cuts.

The tracks were then updated by the likes of Timbaland, who works with Justin Timberlake, and Stargate, who have produced Rihanna and Beyonce.

Reid called the process of reworking the songs ‘contemporizing’.

‘Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with,’ said Reid, reports the BBC.

‘We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world.’

A deluxe edition of the album will also feature the eight tracks in their original form alongside the remixed versions.

BDST: 1527 HRS, APR 01, 2014