New Michael Jackson song released; hear it here

WASHINGTON — Michael Jackson fans have the opportunity to hear an unheard tune for the first time since his death in June — and for free.

The title track from an upcoming Jackson documentary, “This Is It,” premiered on michaeljackson.com at midnight Monday in anticipation of the film’s Oct. 28 release.

Jackson counts the tune off in the diminutive speaking voice that belied his supernatural vocal agility. “This is it, here I stand/ I’m the light of the world, I feel grand,” he coos in the song’s opening verse, as if basking in the affection of a lover (or perhaps an audience of millions).

Jackson’s brothers provide the backing vocals, evoking the Freon-cool harmonies that populated some of the singer’s finest work. Imagine the carefree melody of “The Girl Is Mine,” unfurling at a much breezier tempo. Pianos chime, guitars strut, violins surge — all to the beat of Jackson’s snapping fingers.

There’s more where this came from, according to family members and others wrestling over Jackson’s unreleased material. In August, Jackson’s manager told Rolling Stone that the singer’s family had obtained a trove of over 100 songs, including demos, outtakes and recent collaborations with Will.I.Am, Akon and Ne-Yo.