MICHAEL JACKSON OFFERS
RADIO A GOOD "CRY"

Asking that radio programmers take it for the heartfelt offering of comfort and tribute they intend it to be, Epic Records today sent a new recording from Michael Jackson's forthcoming Invincible album to every radio station in New York City and Washington, DC.

The song, "Cry," which will be made available nationwide tomorrow (9/21), was written by R. Kelly over a year ago and was already slated to be included on Jackson's album prior to the Sept. 11 attacks. Epic says the decision was made to send the ballad to radio now rather than waiting for the album's release because the lyrics are "so comforting and so powerful."

The label further says the track is not meant to replace Jackson's current single, "You Rock My World," which is currently Top 20 at Mainstream and Rhythm, with big momentum. "Cry" also should not be confused with the benefit single, "What More Can I Give," which Jackson is recording with Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter and others for future release.

The lyrics to "Cry" broadly depict feelings of helplessness in a chaotic world, but also offer the hope that humanity pulling together can make a difference. The song's first verse is a chilling reflection of tragedy's aftermath:

Somebody shakes when the wind blows
Somebody's missing a friend, hold on
Somebody's lacking a hero
And they have not a clue
When it's all gonna end

The cathartic chorus, however, is reassuringly life-affirming:

You can change the world (I can't do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (Gonna take somebody's help)
You're the chosen one (I'm gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight