Jacko wants comeback LP to beat 'Thriller'

Michael Jackson has told songwriters working on his comeback LP that it must be better than Thriller.

Hip-hop star Ne-Yo, who has written for Beyoncé and Rihanna, told The Mirror: "Michael's new album has to be amazing. I've already submitted some songs but we have no idea when it's coming out. He keeps putting it off.

"Michael is very nervous as he knows he's the underdog and people want him to fail. It's tough when all eyes are on him and there is so much young competition out there.

"This album needs to be better than Thriller. He wants killer melodies."

Ne-Yo went on to describe meeting Jackson for the first time, saying: "My hands were shaking like never before. But the great thing is that I get to work with my idol and he is really cool."

> Ne-Yo praises perfectionist Jackson