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
Behind the Mask (Michael Jackson song) broke down when the management of Yellow Magic Orchestra disagreed and it prevented the song from being released on Jackson's sixth studio album, "Thriller". It remained unreleased for 28 years. However, as a part of Sony Music's 10 album recording deal with the Estate of Michael Jackson, the song was announced to be released on the posthumous album of Jackson's, titled "Michael". It was also as a radio single not only in France, but also the United States, Canada, and Japan. The song received mainly positive reviews from music critics. Jody Rosen from "Rolling Stone" called the song "a fiercely