Behind the Mask (Michael Jackson song) Behind the Mask (Michael Jackson song) "Behind the Mask" is a song written and originally recorded by Japanese electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978 and 1979 in Japan. In 1982, a cover version was recorded by American singer Michael Jackson for his album "Thriller", but managerial disputes prevented its release. His version has been recorded by Greg Phillinganes (1985) and Eric Clapton (1986). On February 21, 2010, the song was released by Epic Records as the third single from the posthumous album "Michael". The singer Shanice provides background vocals on the song. Quincy Jones heard Yellow Magic Orchestra's version
Dangerous (Michael Jackson album) including 8 million in the United States alone. According to "Chicago Tribune" journalist Kelley L. Carter, it is the most successful new jack swing album of all time. It produced four singles that reached the top ten on the "Billboard" Hot 100, including the number one "Black or White". After completing the Bad tour in January 1989, which spanned 123 concerts attended by 4.4 million people, Jackson developed projects for two greatest hits albums, "Decade 1979–1989" and "Decade 1980–1990." The albums would comprise songs from his studio albums "Off the Wall" (1979), "Thriller" (1982), and "Bad", plus four new songs.