New John Oates Single Has Michael Jackson Inspiration

John Oates has released a brand-new solo single titled "Stand Strong" that finds the Hall & Oates singer exploring his love for Americana music. The track, which is available for purchase now as a digital download at iTunes and Amazon.com, will appear on an upcoming Oates album called Good Road to Follow.

In a message on his official website, John reports that "Stand Strong" was "the first song written and recorded for" his upcoming project. The tune was co-written with Nashville-based producer/songwriter Teddy Morgan, who frequently has worked with actor/musician Kevin Costner and contributed some soundtrack music to his award-winning miniseries Hatfields and McCoys.

Oates explains that with the song, he and Morgan were "trying a modern version of the primitive Appalachian sound that Teddy had helped create on the soundtrack." He adds that the lyrics were put together "using themes of brotherhood and strength combined with the bond of blood and family."

John also reveals that the backing rhythm for "Stand Strong" actually was inspired by Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." As he points out, "I remembered that Michael had once told me the Hall and Oates song 'I Can't Go for That' was a major inspiration for the groove on 'Billie Jean.' I thought, 'Why not return the favor?'"

"Stand Strong" will be played on ESPN 2 this Saturday during the cable network's telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Bristol, Tennessee. The event airs starting at 2 p.m. ET.