When was Michael Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal" released as a single, and which album was it from?

"Smooth Criminal" was released as the seventh single from Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, *Bad*, on November 14, 1988. The album *Bad* itself was released in 1987.

Who wrote and produced the song "Smooth Criminal"?

Michael Jackson is credited as the sole writer of "Smooth Criminal." The song was produced by both Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

What is the lyrical narrative of "Smooth Criminal"?

The lyrics of "Smooth Criminal" describe a narrator who discovers a bloodstained carpet and an unconscious body in an apartment. The song focuses on the search for the attacker, referred to as "smooth" because they leave no evidence of their identity.

What real-world item inspired the famous chorus line "Annie, are you OK?" in "Smooth Criminal"?

The iconic chorus line "Annie, are you OK?" was inspired by Resusci Anne, a training mannequin used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses. The phrase is commonly used by trainees practicing resuscitation techniques on the dummy.

What are the musical key and vocal range utilized in Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"?

"Smooth Criminal" is composed in the key of A minor. Michael Jackson's vocal performance in the song spans from G3 to C6.

What unique audio technology was employed in the original mix of "Smooth Criminal"?

The original mix of "Smooth Criminal" featured the sounds of Michael Jackson's rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing, which were processed using Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system to create a distinct left-to-right spatial effect.

What specific film and scene influenced the visual style of the "Smooth Criminal" music video?

The music video's aesthetic, including Michael Jackson's white suit and fedora, paid homage to the 1930s style seen in the Fred Astaire musical comedy film *The Band Wagon*, particularly its "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence.

Who collaborated with Michael Jackson on the choreography for the "Smooth Criminal" music video?

Vincent Paterson and Jeffrey Daniel collaborated with Michael Jackson on the choreography for the "Smooth Criminal" music video.

Where was the music video for "Smooth Criminal" filmed?

The music video was filmed between February and April 1987 at Culver City, California, and utilized the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Describe the "anti-gravity lean" dance move from the "Smooth Criminal" video and how it was achieved.

The "anti-gravity lean" is a signature move where dancers lean forward at a 45-degree angle while keeping their backs straight and feet flat on the floor. In the video, this illusion was created using cables and a harness. Later, Jackson patented a method using specially designed shoes that could hook into stage pegs to perform the move live.

What were the peak chart positions of "Smooth Criminal" on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Black Singles charts in the US?

"Smooth Criminal" reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

In which countries did "Smooth Criminal" achieve the number one position on the music charts?

The song "Smooth Criminal" reached the number one spot on the charts in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain.

What certifications did "Smooth Criminal" receive from the RIAA in the United States?

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "Smooth Criminal" as double platinum.

How did Rolling Stone magazine describe "Smooth Criminal" in their evaluation of Michael Jackson's songs?

Rolling Stone praised "Smooth Criminal" as Michael Jackson's "best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess," noting it as a significant turning point in his musical style towards darker themes.

What was Newsweek's critical assessment of "Smooth Criminal" in relation to Michael Jackson's personal life?

Newsweek characterized "Smooth Criminal" as a sleek and exhilarating song that captured the darker, more paranoid aspects of Jackson's life in the late 1980s, calling it an "urgent and inspired highlight."

According to Entertainment Weekly, what did "Smooth Criminal" represent for Michael Jackson's artistic expression?

Entertainment Weekly suggested that "Smooth Criminal" best exemplified the artistic freedom Michael Jackson felt after the success of *Thriller*, describing the song as an example of pop music functioning as a suspenseful drama.

What accolades did the music video for "Smooth Criminal" receive?

The music video for "Smooth Criminal" won Best Music Video at the Brit Awards, the Critic's Choice award for "Best Video," and the People's Choice Award for "Favorite Music Video."

What role does the "Smooth Criminal" music video play within Michael Jackson's 1988 film, *Moonwalker*?

The music video for "Smooth Criminal" is featured as the central element or centerpiece of the 1988 film *Moonwalker*.

Who purchased Michael Jackson's iconic fedora from the "Smooth Criminal" video in 2019, and for whom?

Kim Kardashian purchased Michael Jackson's fedora, worn in the "Smooth Criminal" video and still bearing his makeup, for her daughter, North West.

What earlier song, released on the *Bad 25* reissue, served as the basis for "Smooth Criminal"?

"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song titled "Al Capone," which was written by Michael Jackson and later released on the 2012 reissue of the album *Bad 25*.

What were the track listings for the 7-inch single release of "Smooth Criminal"?

The 7-inch single of "Smooth Criminal" included the "single mix" (4:10) and an instrumental version (4:10) of the song.

Name at least three different mixes of "Smooth Criminal" available on the 12-inch maxi or CD-maxi single formats.

The 12-inch maxi and CD-maxi single formats offered several mixes, including the "extended dance mix" (7:46), the "extended dance mix radio edit" (5:20), the "Annie" mix (5:35), the "dance mix – dub version" (4:45), and an "a cappella" version (4:12).

Which musicians played key instrumental parts on "Smooth Criminal"?

David Williams played the electric guitar, while Kim Hutchcroft and Larry Williams performed on saxophone. Gary Grant played the trumpet, and Jerry Hey arranged the horns and played trumpet as well.

Who was responsible for the Synclavier and synthesizer parts in "Smooth Criminal"?

Christopher Currell, Denny Jaeger, and Michael Rubini contributed to the Synclavier parts, while John Barnes and Michael Boddicker handled the synthesizer arrangements for "Smooth Criminal."

What was the peak position of "Smooth Criminal" on the Australian ARIA chart?

"Smooth Criminal" reached number 29 on the Australian ARIA chart during its initial release period.

What peak position did "Smooth Criminal" achieve on the UK Singles Chart?

"Smooth Criminal" reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

What were the peak positions for "Smooth Criminal" on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales charts?

"Smooth Criminal" peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 13 on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

What year-end chart positions did "Smooth Criminal" achieve in the Netherlands in 1988?

In 1988, "Smooth Criminal" ranked 50th on the Dutch Top 40 and 43rd on the Dutch Single Top 100.

What year-end chart positions did "Smooth Criminal" achieve on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Black Singles charts in 1989?

In 1989, "Smooth Criminal" ranked 93rd on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 58th on the Hot Black Singles chart.

What certifications did "Smooth Criminal" receive in the United Kingdom and the United States?

In the UK, "Smooth Criminal" is certified 2x Platinum for digital sales, and in the US, it holds a 2x Platinum certification from the RIAA.

What certifications did "Smooth Criminal" achieve in Germany and Italy?

"Smooth Criminal" earned a Gold certification in Germany and a Gold certification in Italy.

What certifications did "Smooth Criminal" receive in Japan and Mexico?

In Japan, "Smooth Criminal" was certified Gold for full-length ringtone, and it also received a Gold certification in Mexico.

Approximately how many units has "Smooth Criminal" sold worldwide?

Worldwide sales for "Smooth Criminal" are approximately 7,500,000 units.

When was the cover version of "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm released as a single?

Alien Ant Farm released their cover version of "Smooth Criminal" on May 22, 2001.

What genres are associated with Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal," and how successful was it commercially?

Alien Ant Farm's cover is described with genres like "funky metallic," nu metal, alternative metal, and hard rock. It achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and in Australia, and charting within the top 10 in numerous other European countries.

What references to Michael Jackson's work and personal life were included in the music video for Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal"?

The music video for Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" referenced Michael Jackson's original "Smooth Criminal" video, the Moonwalk dance move, and his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.

Why did Alien Ant Farm reshoot parts of their "Smooth Criminal" music video at Michael Jackson's request, and what was his final preference?

Alien Ant Farm reshot scenes to remove a child wearing a surgical mask, which was a reference to Jackson's habit of wearing masks publicly. However, Michael Jackson ultimately preferred the version of the video that included the mask.

What were the peak chart positions for Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Alternative Airplay charts?

Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the number 1 position on the Alternative Airplay chart.

How did Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" perform on the UK music charts?

The cover version by Alien Ant Farm reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved the number 1 position on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.

What certifications did Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" receive in Australia and the United Kingdom?

Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" was certified 2x Platinum in Australia and Platinum in the United Kingdom.

What certifications did Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" receive in Germany and Belgium?

Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" earned a Gold certification in Germany and a Gold certification in Belgium.

Which Croatian musical duo gained viral attention for their performance of "Smooth Criminal"?

The Croatian cello duo 2Cellos performed "Smooth Criminal" in a viral YouTube video.

What is notable about Tony Succar's 2015 version of "Smooth Criminal"?

Tony Succar's version of "Smooth Criminal" featured a Latin flavor, included lead vocals by Jean Rodriguez, and incorporated a section sung in Spanish.

What significant milestone did the "Smooth Criminal" music video achieve on YouTube in October 2024?

In October 2024, the "Smooth Criminal" music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, making it the fifth of Michael Jackson's music videos to reach this milestone.

What was the original song title that "Smooth Criminal" evolved from?

"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song titled "Al Capone," written by Michael Jackson.

What was the purpose of using the Holophonics system in the recording of "Smooth Criminal"?

The Holophonics system was used to create a specific spatial audio effect, allowing the sounds of Michael Jackson's heartbeat and breathing to travel from left to right within the mix.

Who directed the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"?

Colin Chilvers directed the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."

What innovation did Michael Jackson's team patent in 1993 related to performing the "anti-gravity lean"?

In October 1993, Michael Jackson's team patented a method for performing the "anti-gravity lean" live on stage, utilizing specially designed shoes that could hook into pegs.

How did Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm initially feel about the widespread popularity of their "Smooth Criminal" cover?

Dryden Mitchell initially expressed resentment towards the cover's popularity, feeling it overshadowed the band's other work, but later acknowledged its status as a "fun party song."

On which album was Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" originally released?

Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" was released on their second studio album, titled *Anthology*.

What was the duration of the "single mix" of "Smooth Criminal"?

The "single mix" of "Smooth Criminal" has a duration of 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

Smooth Criminal Wiki: The Rhythm of the Night: Deconstructing Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal'

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Song Overview

Release & Album

Released on November 14, 1988, "Smooth Criminal" served as the seventh single from Michael Jackson's highly successful seventh studio album, Bad (1987). It was meticulously crafted by Jackson himself and produced in collaboration with Quincy Jones.

Creation & Theme

The song's narrative delves into the aftermath of an attack, focusing on the elusive nature of the perpetrator, described as "smooth" due to the lack of evidence left behind. This lyrical theme marked a shift towards darker, more complex subject matter in Jackson's work.

Musical Attributes

Classified under dance-pop, pop, R&B, and synth-funk genres, the track features a distinctive, driving beat and intricate production. Its length is approximately 4 minutes and 18 seconds, showcasing a concise yet impactful musical structure.

Compositional Elements

Genesis of the Song

The song evolved from an earlier composition titled "Al Capone," inspired by the notorious gangster. This earlier version, released on the 2012 reissue Bad 25, provides insight into the developmental process of "Smooth Criminal."

Lyrical Inspiration

The iconic chorus refrain, "Annie, are you OK?", was directly inspired by Resusci Anne, the standard manikin used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. The repetitive questioning mimics the process of checking for responsiveness during resuscitation efforts.

Sonic Innovation

The original mix of "Smooth Criminal" notably incorporates the sound of Jackson's rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing. These elements were strategically placed using Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system, creating a dynamic, immersive audio experience that travels across the stereo field.

Technical Details

The track is composed in the key of A minor, with Michael Jackson's vocal performance spanning from G₃ to C₆. This wide vocal range demonstrates his exceptional control and expressive capability.

The Visual Masterpiece

Concept and Aesthetics

Directed by Colin Chilvers, the music video for "Smooth Criminal" premiered internationally on MTV in October 1988. It is a central piece of the 1988 film Moonwalker. The video's 1930s setting and Jackson's signature white suit and fedora were a deliberate homage to Fred Astaire's musical comedy film, The Band Wagon, particularly its "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence.

The Gravity-Defying Lean

The video is renowned for the seemingly impossible "anti-gravity lean." Dancers lean forward 45 degrees with straight backs and flat feet, holding the pose before returning upright. This illusion, achieved through cables and harnesses in the video and later patented for live performances with specially designed shoes, requires significant core strength.

Accolades and Impact

The video garnered significant critical acclaim, winning Best Music Video at the 1989 Brit Awards and receiving "Best Video" and "Favorite Music Video" awards from other prestigious bodies. Its visual style and iconic dance moves have been referenced in various media, including the video game adaptation of Moonwalker.

Modern Recognition

In a testament to its enduring appeal, the "Smooth Criminal" music video achieved over 1 billion views on YouTube in October 2024, becoming the fifth of Jackson's videos to reach this milestone, underscoring its continued cultural relevance.

Chart Performance

Initial Release (1988-1989)

Upon its initial release, "Smooth Criminal" achieved considerable success across global charts, solidifying its status as a major hit from the Bad album.

The song reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. Internationally, it topped charts in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain, and reached the top 10 in numerous other countries.

1988–1989 Weekly Chart Performance
Chart (1988–1989)	Peak Position
Australia (ARIA)	29
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)	17
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	1
Denmark (IFPI)	5
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)	5
Finland (Suomen virallinen singlelista)	1
France (SNEP)	4
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 10)	1
Ireland (IRMA)	4
Italy (Musica e dischi)	10
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	1
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	1
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	29
Spain (AFYVE)	1
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	5
UK Singles (OCC)	8
US Billboard Hot 100	7
US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard)	10
US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)	13
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)	2
US CHR/Pop (Radio & Records)	8
West Germany (GfK)	9

Re-releases and Resurgence

The song experienced renewed chart success through various re-releases and posthumous popularity, demonstrating its lasting appeal across different eras.

Following its inclusion in the Visionary: The Video Singles box set in 2006, "Smooth Criminal" re-entered charts globally. Further chart activity occurred in 2009 after Jackson's passing, and in 2016 and 2024, indicating sustained interest.

2006 Weekly Chart Performance
Chart (2006)	Peak Position
France (SNEP)	61
Ireland (IRMA)	14
Italy (FIMI)	6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	20
Spain (PROMUSICAE)	1
UK Singles (OCC)	19

2009 Weekly Chart Performance
Chart (2009)	Peak Position
Australia (ARIA)	16
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)	30
Canada (Hot Canadian Digital Singles)	22
Denmark (Tracklisten)	28
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles)	20
France Download Chart (SNEP)	10
Italy (FIMI)	17
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	22
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	37
Spain (PROMUSICAE)	33
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)	12
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	12
UK Singles (OCC)	13
US Hot Digital Songs (Billboard)	12

2016 Weekly Chart Performance
Chart (2016)	Peak Position
Poland (Airplay Top 100)	76

2024 Weekly Chart Performance
Chart (2024)	Peak Position
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)	79

2024 Monthly Chart Performance
Chart (2024)	Peak Position
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)	97

Enduring Influence: Covers

Alien Ant Farm's Hit

In 2001, the American rock band Alien Ant Farm released a "funky metallic" cover of "Smooth Criminal" from their album Anthology. This rendition became a significant international hit, topping the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and reaching number one in Australia for eight weeks.

The band's cover achieved widespread popularity, charting within the top 10 in numerous European countries and reaching number three in the United Kingdom. Despite its success, lead singer Dryden Mitchell expressed initial ambivalence towards the song's overwhelming popularity, though he later embraced its status as a "fun party song." The music video for their version, directed by Marc Klasfeld, paid homage to Jackson's original video and personal life, including references to his famous "Moonwalk" and his chimpanzee, Bubbles.

Alien Ant Farm - "Smooth Criminal" Chart Performance (2001)
Chart	Peak Position
Australia (ARIA)	1
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)	6
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	3
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)	4
Canada (BDS)	15
Denmark (Tracklisten)	3
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)	6
Finland (The Official Finnish Charts)	2
France (SNEP)	27
Germany (GfK)	5
Ireland (IRMA)	2
Italy (FIMI)	11
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	4
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	4
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	4
Norway (VG-lista)	7
Scotland (OCC)	3
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)	5
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	4
UK Singles (OCC)	3
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)	1
US Billboard Hot 100	23
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)	1
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)	18
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)	12

Other Notable Renditions

The song's universal appeal has led to numerous other interpretations. The Croatian cello duo 2CELLOS gained significant attention for their viral YouTube performance, showcasing the song's adaptability across different instrumental styles. Tony Succar's Latin-flavored version, featuring Jean Rodríguez, also garnered acclaim for its innovative arrangement and inclusion of Spanish lyrics.

Key Personnel

Vocalist & Songwriter

Michael Jackson was the sole songwriter and primary vocalist for "Smooth Criminal." His creative vision extended to co-producing the track with Quincy Jones.

Production & Arrangement

Quincy Jones served as the executive producer, contributing significantly to the album's overall sound. Key instrumentalists and technicians included:

Bill Bottrell: Drum machine
Bruce Swedien: Police announcement
David Williams: Electric guitar
Kim Hutchcroft: Saxophone
Larry Williams: Saxophone
Gary Grant: Trumpet
Jerry Hey: Trumpet and horn arrangement
Kevin Maloney: Muted piano
Christopher Currell: Synclavier
Denny Jaeger: Synclavier
Michael Rubini: Synclavier
John Barnes: Synthesizer
Michael Boddicker: Synthesizer
Dr. Eric Chevlen: Heartbeat recording

Teacher's Corner

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References

"Nederlandse Top 40 â Michael Jackson" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.

https://www.billboard.com/artist/michael-jackson/chart-history/european-hot-100

"Alien Ant Farm: Smooth Criminal" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.

"Nederlandse Top 40 â week 44, 2001" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.

"Alien Ant Farm â Smooth Criminal". VG-lista.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Smooth Criminal Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music analysis or endorsement. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official music documentation, historical archives, or seeking advice from music historians or industry professionals. Always refer to official sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Rhythm of the Night

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Song Overview ℹ️

📅 Release & Album

✍️ Creation & Theme

🎵 Musical Attributes

Compositional Elements 🎼

💡 Genesis of the Song

🗣️ Lyrical Inspiration

🔊 Sonic Innovation

🔑 Technical Details

The Visual Masterpiece 🎬

🎥 Concept and Aesthetics

🕺 The Gravity-Defying Lean

🏆 Accolades and Impact

🌟 Modern Recognition

Chart Performance 📊

📈 Initial Release (1988-1989)

🔄 Re-releases and Resurgence

Enduring Influence: Covers 🎚️

🎸 Alien Ant Farm's Hit

🎻 Other Notable Renditions

Key Personnel 🧑‍🎤

🎤 Vocalist & Songwriter

🎹 Production & Arrangement

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Song Overview

Release & Album

Creation & Theme

Musical Attributes

Compositional Elements

Genesis of the Song

Lyrical Inspiration

Sonic Innovation

Technical Details

The Visual Masterpiece

Concept and Aesthetics

The Gravity-Defying Lean

Accolades and Impact

Modern Recognition

Chart Performance

Initial Release (1988-1989)

Re-releases and Resurgence

Enduring Influence: Covers

Alien Ant Farm's Hit

Other Notable Renditions

Key Personnel

Vocalist & Songwriter

Production & Arrangement

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice