"XO" is a strategy.

He is wanting his next record to do better. It is going to take time to write and record that album, so for now he is releasing a cover. A good cover that gets people's attentions, reminds them of his talent and hits with a wide demographic.

I am sure his new management sat down with him and worked out a game plan for his next couple years. This is getting more talk than his breakup, which is kind of the whole point. Remind people he is a musician, good even with other people's material.

Being proud that something you put your there did well is alright. I think if nothing else it will inspire him to make an album that he is proud of and is commercially successful.