Sound Off

It’s a demo and it sounds like a demo. And that rough-hewn charm may be what makes the “new’’ single “This Is It,’’ the latest strand in the web of posthumous Michael Jackson products so interesting. (After its unveiling this week, it came to light that Jackson originally co-wrote the song with Paul Anka more than 25 years ago under a different title; the vocal track definitely captures a younger Jackson.) The song, plucked from the vaults for release because of its title, will run over the end credits in the upcoming film of the same name (out Oct. 28). “This Is It’’ lacks the shiny studio polish listeners associate with the pop titan, and yet it’s more enjoyable than most of the songs on his last album, 2001’s “Invincible.’’ It achieves that end in two ways. First, it retains the entertainer’s charm, raw excitement, and way with a melody as he sings delightedly about falling in love. Second, the finger snaps, languid guitar licks, and warm, almost doo-wop vocals provided by his brothers give the song a breezy, retro charm. That sensibility syncs up nicely with the industry’s recent embrace of the joys of classic pop soul. The song certainly isn’t perfect. The hook could be stronger, and the tacked-on strings are more of a hindrance than a help. It’s unlikely that there’s another classic lurking in the vault of unreleased songs, but this track offers hope that this isn’t it when it comes to quality, potential Jackson singles. And given the sales boom since his death in June - resulting in five American Music Award nominations this week - you know there will be more.