Music News

Michael Jackson announces album plan

Apr 19, 2006, 15:28 GMT

Michael Jackson has started recording his first album for five years - in a bid to re-launch his flagging career.

The eccentric star - who recently signed a record deal with Two Seas Records, the label of Bahrain Prince Abdulla Hamad Alkhalifa - is currently in the studio working on new material.

Jackson, who was acquitted of child sex abuse charges last year, hopes the LP will finally let him put the turmoil of the last few years behind him.

In a statement, the 'Billie Jean' singer - who has been residing in the Middle Eastern country since his acquittal last year - said: 'I am incredibly excited about my new venture and enjoying being back in the studio.'

The album will be the artist's first since 2001's 'Invincible' and is set for release next year.

Jackson has hired the man responsible for the Crazy Frog phenomenon to mastermind his comeback.

Guy Holmes, chairman of Gut Records, has been hired by the singer to be his manager and will also be the new CEO of Two Seas Records.

Holmes has presided over music releases by a host of top artists, including Tears For Fears and Tom Jones, bit his biggest success was the ringtone-inspired Crazy Frog hit single, 'Axel F', last year.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International