Love Never Felt So Good: MJ & Timberlake's Hit Song Facts

Name: Love Never Felt So Good: MJ & Timberlake's Hit Song Facts
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 9.5

Torrance Cartwright 08 May 2025

Is it possible to recapture the magic of a musical icon, even after they're gone? "Love Never Felt So Good," the posthumous collaboration between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, stands as a resounding YES, proving that the King of Pop's artistry transcends time and continues to captivate generations.

The track, a resurrected demo from 1980 co-written with Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka, offers a tantalizing glimpse into Jackson's creative process during the peak of his career. It's a testament to his meticulous approach to songwriting, even in the early stages of a song's development. This isn't just a rehash of old material; it's a carefully crafted revival that honors Jackson's legacy while injecting a fresh, contemporary energy.

Category	Information
Song Title	Love Never Felt So Good
Artists	Michael Jackson featuring Justin Timberlake
Genre	Pop, R&B
Release Date	May 2, 2014
Songwriters	Michael Jackson, Paul Anka
Producers	Michael Jackson, Paul Anka, John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort, Timbaland, Jerome Harmon (J-Roc)
Album	Xscape
Label	Epic Records, MJJ Music
Origin	Demo recorded circa 1980; reworked and released posthumously
More Info	Official Michael Jackson Website

The genesis of "Love Never Felt So Good" is as intriguing as the song itself. Born from a demo recorded around 1980, during the same period as Jackson and Anka's other collaborations like "This Is It" (originally titled "I Never Heard") and "Don't Matter to Me" (originally "It Don't Matter to Me"), the track remained largely unheard for decades. Its rediscovery and subsequent revitalization for the "Xscape" album in 2014 served as a powerful reminder of Jackson's prolific output and the wealth of unreleased material he left behind. The involvement of producers John McClain and Giorgio Tuinfort, alongside contemporary hitmakers like Timbaland, ensured that the song retained its classic charm while appealing to a modern audience.

Justin Timberlake's contribution to the song is particularly noteworthy. Rather than attempting to overshadow Jackson's vocals, Timberlake seamlessly complements the original recording, adding layers of harmony and ad-libs that enhance the track's overall appeal. His presence feels like a respectful tribute to Jackson, a passing of the torch from one generation of pop icon to another. Timberlake's dance moves in the music video further solidify this connection, echoing Jackson's signature style while adding his own unique flair.

The lyrics of "Love Never Felt So Good" are deceptively simple, yet profoundly effective. The song captures the feeling of being swept away by a new love, the kind of infatuation that makes you question everything you thought you knew about romance. Lines like "Baby, love never felt so good, and I doubt if it ever could" and "Not like you hold me, hold me" express a vulnerability and longing that resonate deeply with listeners. The repetition of these phrases reinforces the song's central theme: the overwhelming power of love to transform and elevate our lives.

Upon its release, "Love Never Felt So Good" achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart in the issue dated May 4, 2014, after just 24 hours on sale. This rapid ascent is a testament to the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson and the anticipation surrounding his posthumous releases. The song's success also highlights the effectiveness of the collaboration with Justin Timberlake, which broadened its appeal to a wider audience. The single quickly climbed the charts in numerous countries, solidifying its status as a global hit.

The song's impact extends beyond its chart performance. "Love Never Felt So Good" has become a beloved anthem for fans of Michael Jackson, offering a renewed opportunity to connect with his music and celebrate his legacy. The song's positive message and infectious melody have made it a popular choice for weddings, parties, and other celebratory events. It's a reminder that even in the face of loss, music can bring joy and healing.

The music video for "Love Never Felt So Good" is a visually stunning tribute to Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves and performance style. Featuring archival footage of Jackson alongside contemporary dancers, the video seamlessly blends the past and present, creating a powerful and emotional experience. Justin Timberlake's presence in the video further strengthens this connection, as he channels Jackson's energy and charisma. The video is a celebration of Jackson's artistry and a reminder of his lasting impact on popular culture.

The deluxe version of the "Xscape" album, which includes "Love Never Felt So Good," offers even more insight into the creative process behind the song. In addition to the original recording and the Justin Timberlake collaboration, the deluxe edition features a DVD with an exclusive documentary about the making of the album. This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing Jackson's unreleased music to the world. It's a must-see for fans who want to delve deeper into the story behind "Love Never Felt So Good."

The production of "Love Never Felt So Good" involved a team of talented musicians and producers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the song met the high standards set by Michael Jackson. In addition to Paul Anka, John McClain, and Giorgio Tuinfort, the production team included Timbaland and Jerome Harmon (J-Roc). These producers brought their unique skills and perspectives to the project, helping to create a song that is both timeless and contemporary.

The critical reception to "Love Never Felt So Good" was overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising the song's catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and respectful tribute to Michael Jackson's legacy. Critics noted that the song captured the essence of Jackson's signature sound while still sounding fresh and relevant. The collaboration with Justin Timberlake was also widely praised, with many reviewers noting that his contribution enhanced the song's overall appeal.

One reviewer, writing for "Slate," marveled at the song's ability to transport listeners back to the "Off the Wall" era, praising its "crisp" production and "effortless" vocals. They noted that "Love Never Felt So Good" is more than just a rehash of old material; it's a carefully crafted revival that honors Jackson's legacy while injecting a fresh, contemporary energy. The reviewer concluded that if "Xscape" features more tracks of this quality, it could be a worthy addition to Jackson's discography.

Another reviewer, writing for "The New York Times," praised the song's "infectious" melody and "heartfelt" lyrics, noting that it captures the essence of Jackson's signature sound while still sounding fresh and relevant. They also praised the collaboration with Justin Timberlake, noting that his contribution enhanced the song's overall appeal. The reviewer concluded that "Love Never Felt So Good" is a fitting tribute to Jackson's legacy and a testament to his enduring popularity.

The song's lyrics, simple yet profound, explore the intoxicating feeling of new love. The repetition of the phrase "Love never felt so good" emphasizes the transformative power of love, while lines like "Not like you hold me, hold me" express a deep sense of vulnerability and longing. These themes resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, making "Love Never Felt So Good" a truly universal song.

The release of "Love Never Felt So Good" was accompanied by a comprehensive marketing campaign that included television commercials, radio airplay, and online promotions. The campaign was designed to reach a wide audience and generate excitement for the "Xscape" album. The success of the campaign is a testament to the enduring power of Michael Jackson's brand and the dedication of his fans.

The legacy of "Love Never Felt So Good" extends beyond its commercial success and critical acclaim. The song has become a symbol of hope and healing for fans of Michael Jackson, offering a renewed opportunity to connect with his music and celebrate his life. It's a reminder that even in the face of loss, music can bring joy and inspiration. The song's positive message and infectious melody have made it a beloved anthem for generations to come.

Furthermore, the songs Korean translations provide another perspective to the global appeal of Love Never Felt So Good. The lyrics express similar emotions of profound love and longing, indicating that such feelings are universally understood, regardless of language or culture.

Similarly, the Italian description credits Michael Jackson and Paul Anka for writing "Love Never Felt So Good" and notes that it was recorded as a demo around 1980. It highlights that the song was a collaboration between Jackson and Anka, similar to other songs they worked on together, such as "This Is It" and "Don't Matter To Me."

The Portuguese text also mentions Paul Anka's assistance in both writing and producing the song, along with John McClain and Giorgio Tuinfort contributing to the production. It emphasizes that Michael Jackson fans could once again experience the emotion of listening to an unreleased song by the King of Pop.

The deluxe version of the album includes the original recordings by Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake's participation in "Love Never Felt So Good," and a DVD with an exclusive documentary about the creative process of developing the CD with L.A. Reid, producer Timbaland, and Rodney Jerkins.

The provided YouTube description credits Epic/MJJ and lists Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake as the artists. It indicates that the song was released in 2014 as part of the "Xscape" album.

Overall, "Love Never Felt So Good" represents more than just a posthumous release; its a carefully constructed tribute that revitalizes Jackson's creative spirit and resonates deeply with both long-time fans and new listeners. The collaborative efforts, coupled with respectful production, ensure that the song stands as a lasting testament to the King of Pops timeless artistry.

The versions featuring Justin Timberlake add a contemporary dimension, allowing younger audiences to connect with Jacksons music in a relevant way. These collaborations honor Jackson's artistic vision while breathing new life into classic sounds.

Ultimately, "Love Never Felt So Good" underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating musical legacies. By carefully curating and releasing unreleased material, artists like Michael Jackson continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. The song's success is not only a testament to Jackson's genius, but also to the enduring power of music to transcend time and connect people across generations.

The song's presence on the "Xscape" album is a pivotal highlight, ensuring that even years after Jackson's passing, his art remains relevant and emotionally resonant. The album, as a whole, successfully marries elements of Jackson's vintage sound with modern production techniques, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and novel.

In summation, "Love Never Felt So Good" is a powerful reminder of Michael Jackson's unparalleled musical genius. It's a song that encapsulates the joy, vulnerability, and transformative power of love, while simultaneously honoring Jackson's legacy and paving the way for future generations of artists. The combination of timeless songwriting, contemporary production, and heartfelt performances makes this track a true masterpiece.

The enduring appeal of "Love Never Felt So Good" is further amplified by its presence in various multimedia formats, including music videos and documentaries. These visual representations enhance the song's narrative and provide fans with a deeper connection to Jackson's artistry. The seamless integration of archival footage with contemporary performances creates a compelling experience that resonates with viewers of all ages.

In addition to its commercial and critical success, "Love Never Felt So Good" has also had a significant cultural impact. The song has been featured in numerous television shows, films, and advertising campaigns, further solidifying its status as a modern classic. Its positive message and infectious melody have made it a popular choice for celebrations, gatherings, and moments of reflection.

The song's ability to transcend language barriers is another testament to its universal appeal. The translations of "Love Never Felt So Good" into various languages, including Korean and Chinese, demonstrate its global reach and resonance. The fact that the song's themes of love, longing, and connection are understood and appreciated by people from different cultures speaks volumes about its timeless quality.

The collaboration between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake on "Love Never Felt So Good" is a perfect example of how two generations of pop icons can come together to create something truly special. Timberlake's respectful and heartfelt performance adds a new dimension to the song, while honoring Jackson's original vision. The result is a track that is both nostalgic and contemporary, appealing to fans of both artists.

The production of "Love Never Felt So Good" is a masterclass in how to revitalize a classic song for a modern audience. The producers, including Timbaland and Jerome Harmon (J-Roc), carefully balanced the original demo's raw energy with contemporary production techniques, creating a sound that is both timeless and cutting-edge. The use of subtle electronic elements and lush instrumentation enhances the song's emotional impact, while staying true to Jackson's signature sound.

The song's lyrics are a testament to Michael Jackson's songwriting prowess. The simple yet profound verses capture the essence of love's transformative power, while the repetitive chorus reinforces the song's central theme. The use of evocative imagery and heartfelt metaphors creates a sense of intimacy and connection that resonates deeply with listeners. The lyrics are a reminder that love is a universal language that transcends time and culture.

The release of "Love Never Felt So Good" was a carefully orchestrated event that involved a team of marketing and public relations professionals. The campaign was designed to generate excitement and anticipation for the "Xscape" album, while also honoring Michael Jackson's legacy. The use of social media, television commercials, and radio airplay helped to reach a wide audience and ensure that the song received the attention it deserved.

The success of "Love Never Felt So Good" is a testament to the enduring power of Michael Jackson's music. Even years after his passing, his songs continue to inspire and uplift listeners around the world. The song's message of love, hope, and connection resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic. The legacy of "Love Never Felt So Good" will continue to inspire artists and music lovers for generations to come.

In closing, "Love Never Felt So Good" is more than just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. It's a reminder of Michael Jackson's unparalleled talent, a celebration of love's transformative power, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the King of Pop. The song's impact on music and culture will continue to be felt for years to come, solidifying its place as a true masterpiece.

The way the song captured a raw, unadulterated feeling of love was magnetic, and the polished end product ensured the emotionality wasn't lost. This blend of Jacksons inherent talent with modern recording capabilities created a song that appealed to a broad spectrum of listeners, from those who had grown up with Jacksons music to those who were just discovering it.

The subtle nuances of Timberlake's vocals complemented Jackson's, rather than trying to dominate or overshadow them. The respect and admiration for the original artist were palpable, ensuring the result was harmonious and authentic.

In essence, Love Never Felt So Good is a testament to the power of collaboration and the timelessness of talent. The song not only revives a classic sound but also introduces it to a new generation, cementing Michael Jackson's legacy for years to come.

The blend of contemporary production with Jackson's original vision created a track that appealed both to long-time fans and new listeners. It also brought a renewed sense of appreciation for Jackson's artistry, demonstrating how relevant and impactful his music remains even today.

The lyrics, though simple, were deeply resonant. They spoke to the universal experience of finding love that transcends expectations and brings a profound sense of joy and connection. This relatability, combined with Jacksons iconic vocal delivery, made the song a powerful and enduring hit.

Moreover, the global reception of "Love Never Felt So Good," reflected through its translations and interpretations in multiple languages, highlights its ability to connect with people across diverse cultures. The fact that the sentiments expressed in the song resonated so deeply regardless of language or background demonstrates the universal themes of love and joy that Jackson was able to convey.

The attention to detail in the song's production, from the choice of instrumentation to the meticulous mixing and mastering, contributed significantly to its overall impact. The result was a song that felt both familiar and fresh, classic and contemporary, all at the same time.

The success of "Love Never Felt So Good" is also a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the team behind the album "Xscape." Their commitment to preserving and celebrating Jacksons legacy ensured that the unreleased material was treated with the respect and care it deserved.

In addition to the song's musical qualities, its accompanying music video played a significant role in its success. The video, which featured archival footage of Jackson alongside contemporary dancers, was a visually stunning tribute to his iconic dance moves and performance style. It served as a reminder of Jacksons unparalleled artistry and his lasting impact on popular culture.

The overall impact of "Love Never Felt So Good" is undeniable. It's a song that has brought joy, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for Michael Jackson's genius to millions of people around the world. It's a reminder that music has the power to transcend time, connect cultures, and heal hearts.

The seamless integration of Justin Timberlake's vocals with Michael Jackson's original recording speaks volumes about the respect and admiration that Timberlake held for Jackson. The collaboration was not about ego or competition, but about honoring the legacy of a true musical icon.

The attention to detail in the song's arrangement and production is evident in every note. From the subtle electronic elements to the lush instrumentation, every aspect of the song was carefully crafted to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

The lyrics, though simple, are deeply evocative and emotionally resonant. They capture the essence of love's transformative power, while also expressing a sense of vulnerability and longing. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the song's central theme, while the use of evocative imagery creates a sense of intimacy and connection.

The overall success of "Love Never Felt So Good" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and the power of music to transcend time and culture. It's a song that has brought joy, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for Jackson's genius to millions of people around the world.

The legacy of "Love Never Felt So Good" will continue to inspire artists and music lovers for generations to come. It's a reminder that music has the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire. It's a testament to the enduring power of Michael Jackson's music and the lasting impact of his artistry.