Self-professed “comic book/Japanimation/sci-fi geek” Ne-Yo has said that one of the chief inspirations for his upcoming superhero concept album Libra Scale was the untimely passing of Michael Jackson. The influence of the King of Pop may show up in Ne-Yo’s ambitious videos, but it’s also plainly evident in the vocals and the groove on new single “One In A Million”. That’s not a criticism — the R&B superstar sounds glorious. But those bongos and handclaps will take you back to the days of Thriller, we guarantee. Check it below:

One in a Million – Ne-Yo by user9705567

Produced by Chuck Harmony, from Ne-Yo’s in-house Compound Entertainment, the new track is apparently part of a new “singles combo” (along with the uplifting “One Life”) from Libra Scale, which is now due October 18. As the pic above shows, Ne-Yo recently shot a video for “One In A Million” with director Wayne Isham, who shot his clips for “Beautiful Monster” and “Champagne Life”).

We know the storyline — gentleman becomes superhero at the expense of love. Now all we need is the album.