Jackson single falls to web pirates

Jackson's single is from his first album in six years

Michael Jackson's unreleased new single You Rock My World has become the object of busy illegal file-swapping on the internet.

The track - the first from his much-anticipated new album Invincible - was copied and downloaded onto websites after being played unofficially on US radio last week.

The single was officially put to air on radio and TV networks worldwide on Friday 24 August, altough no date has been given for it going on sale.

People swapping illegally copied music files over the internet are using new programs such as Morpheus, since Napster was forced to close down earlier this year.

Jackson: His Thriller album sold 42 million copies

New York's WKTU played You Rock My World a total of 12 times before they were issued with a court order to stop.

The single has received a good response from the music press.

It was produced and written by Jackson and Rodney Jerkins.

Comedian Chris Tucker shares vocals in the opening monologue of the song.

Jackson's new album Invincible is his first in six years and is scheduled for release internationally on 29 October, except for Canadia and the US which get it a day later.

It has taken three years and a reported £20m ($28m) to make but critics are already questioning if he can recapture his glory days.

Reports have said Jackson recorded more than 50 tracks for the album, before settling on the final 16.

The Peter Pan of pop produced the biggest-selling album ever with Thriller in 1982, which has sold about 42 million copies.