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Michael Jackson's single "Smooth Criminal" was released in 1987, concurrently with the release of his album *Bad*.
Answer: False
While the album *Bad* was released in 1987, the single "Smooth Criminal" was issued later, on November 14, 1988.
The composition of "Smooth Criminal" is credited solely to Michael Jackson, with Quincy Jones serving as producer.
Answer: False
Michael Jackson is credited as the sole writer of "Smooth Criminal." The production was a collaboration between Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.
The original mix of "Smooth Criminal" incorporated the sounds of Michael Jackson's heartbeat and breathing, processed via Holophonics, to achieve a distinct spatial effect.
Answer: True
Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system was employed in the original mix of "Smooth Criminal" to process Michael Jackson's heartbeat and breathing sounds, creating a notable left-to-right spatial audio effect.
"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier composition by Michael Jackson titled "Al Capone," which was subsequently released on the *Bad 25* reissue.
Answer: True
The song "Smooth Criminal" developed from an earlier track named "Al Capone," written by Michael Jackson. This original version was later made available on the 2012 reissue of the album *Bad 25*.
The 7-inch single release of "Smooth Criminal" featured an instrumental version and a remix produced by Quincy Jones.
Answer: False
The 7-inch single of "Smooth Criminal" included the "single mix" and an instrumental version of the song, both approximately 4 minutes and 10 seconds in duration. A remix by Quincy Jones was not part of this specific release.
The "extended dance mix" of "Smooth Criminal" has a duration of approximately 7 minutes and 46 seconds.
Answer: True
The "extended dance mix" of "Smooth Criminal" is indeed approximately 7 minutes and 46 seconds long, offering a more elaborate arrangement of the track.
Christopher Currell was solely responsible for the synthesizer arrangements on "Smooth Criminal."
Answer: False
While Christopher Currell contributed to the Synclavier parts, the synthesizer arrangements for "Smooth Criminal" were primarily handled by John Barnes and Michael Boddicker.
The instrumental version of "Smooth Criminal" included on the 7-inch single had a duration of 7 minutes and 46 seconds.
Answer: False
The instrumental version of "Smooth Criminal" on the 7-inch single was approximately 4 minutes and 10 seconds long, consistent with the "single mix" duration. The 7 minutes and 46 seconds duration corresponds to the "extended dance mix."
The Holophonics system utilized in the production of "Smooth Criminal" was developed by Michael Jackson.
Answer: False
The Holophonics system, employed for its spatial audio effects in "Smooth Criminal," was developed by Hugo Zuccarelli, not Michael Jackson himself.
The song "Smooth Criminal" is featured on Michael Jackson's sixth studio album.
Answer: False
"Smooth Criminal" is from Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, *Bad*. His sixth studio album was *Thriller*.
The song "Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song titled "Bad" written by Michael Jackson.
Answer: False
"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song titled "Al Capone," not "Bad." "Bad" is the title track of the same album but is a distinct composition.
Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" was released from which studio album?
Answer: Bad
"Smooth Criminal" was released as a single from Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, *Bad*, which was released in 1987.
Who is credited as the producer(s) for Michael Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones
The production of "Smooth Criminal" is credited to both Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.
What unique audio technology was employed in the original mix of "Smooth Criminal" to generate a spatial effect?
Answer: Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system
Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system was utilized in the original mix of "Smooth Criminal" to create a distinctive left-to-right spatial audio effect using processed sounds of Michael Jackson's heartbeat and breathing.
The song "Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier composition by Michael Jackson titled:
Answer: Al Capone
"Smooth Criminal" originated from an earlier song written by Michael Jackson called "Al Capone," which was later released on the *Bad 25* reissue.
What was the primary purpose of employing the Holophonics system in the recording of "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: To create a distinct left-to-right spatial audio effect
The Holophonics system was utilized to create a unique spatial audio effect, allowing sounds like Michael Jackson's heartbeat and breathing to move distinctly from left to right within the stereo field.
What track was listed as the B-side on the 7-inch single release of "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: An instrumental version of "Smooth Criminal"
The 7-inch single release of "Smooth Criminal" featured an instrumental version of the song itself as the B-side.
What was the duration of the "single mix" of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: 4 minutes and 10 seconds
The "single mix" of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" has a duration of approximately 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
Which of the following musicians performed the electric guitar part on "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: David Williams
David Williams is credited with performing the electric guitar on Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
The lyrical narrative of "Smooth Criminal" is directly based on a specific, documented true crime event involving a named victim.
Answer: False
The lyrics of "Smooth Criminal" describe a narrator discovering a bloodstained carpet and an unconscious body, focusing on the search for an unidentified assailant. It is not based on a specific named victim or documented crime event.
The iconic chorus line "Annie, are you OK?" within "Smooth Criminal" originates from a well-known children's nursery rhyme.
Answer: False
The phrase "Annie, are you OK?" was inspired by Resusci Anne, a training mannequin utilized in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses, not a children's nursery rhyme.
Michael Jackson's vocal performance in "Smooth Criminal" spans a range from G3 to C6.
Answer: True
The song is composed in A minor, and Michael Jackson's vocal performance within "Smooth Criminal" demonstrates a range extending from G3 up to C6.
The song "Smooth Criminal" is composed in the musical key of C Major.
Answer: False
"Smooth Criminal" is primarily set in the key of A minor, not C Major. This minor key contributes to the song's dramatic and tense atmosphere.
What real-world item served as the inspiration for the famous chorus line "Annie, are you OK?" in "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: A training mannequin used in CPR courses
The iconic phrase "Annie, are you OK?" originates from Resusci Anne, a training mannequin commonly used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses for practice.
The visual aesthetic of the music video for "Smooth Criminal" was significantly influenced by the 1950s film *Singin' in the Rain*.
Answer: False
The visual style of the "Smooth Criminal" music video, particularly Michael Jackson's attire and the overall ambiance, paid homage to the 1930s film *The Band Wagon*, specifically its "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence, rather than *Singin' in the Rain*.
Jeffrey Daniel is cited as the sole choreographer responsible for the "Smooth Criminal" music video.
Answer: False
The choreography for the "Smooth Criminal" music video was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Michael Jackson himself, Vincent Paterson, and Jeffrey Daniel.
The signature "anti-gravity lean" dance move was initially executed live on stage utilizing specially designed shoes equipped with hooks that engaged with stage pegs.
Answer: False
While specially designed shoes and pegs were patented for live performances of the "anti-gravity lean," the initial execution of this move in the music video itself was achieved through the use of wires and a harness system.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" received the award for Best Music Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Answer: False
While critically acclaimed, the "Smooth Criminal" music video did not win Best Music Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. However, it did receive accolades such as Best Music Video at the Brit Awards and the Critic's Choice award for "Best Video."
Michael Jackson's team patented the "anti-gravity lean" technology in 1993.
Answer: True
In October 1993, Michael Jackson's team secured a patent for a method enabling the "anti-gravity lean" move to be performed live on stage, utilizing specially designed shoes that could attach to stage pegs.
Colin Chilvers directed the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
Answer: True
Colin Chilvers is credited as the director of the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" was filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Answer: True
The filming location for the "Smooth Criminal" music video was Culver City, California, utilizing the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" received the award for Best Music Video at the Brit Awards.
Answer: True
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" was recognized with the award for Best Music Video at the Brit Awards, acknowledging its artistic and technical achievements.
Which 1930s film, specifically its "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence, significantly influenced the visual style of the "Smooth Criminal" music video?
Answer: The Band Wagon
The visual aesthetic of the "Smooth Criminal" music video, including Michael Jackson's attire and the overall mood, drew inspiration from the "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence in the 1930 Fred Astaire musical film, *The Band Wagon*.
How was the signature "anti-gravity lean" dance move executed in the music video for "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: With wires and a harness system
In the music video, the illusion of the "anti-gravity lean" was achieved through the use of wires and a harness system. Later, a patent was secured for a method involving specially designed shoes for live performances.
Who directed the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: Colin Chilvers
Colin Chilvers is credited as the director of the music video for Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
In what year did Michael Jackson's team secure a patent for a method enabling the "anti-gravity lean" to be performed live on stage?
Answer: 1993
A patent for the "anti-gravity lean" technology, specifically for live stage performance, was secured by Michael Jackson's team in October 1993.
"Smooth Criminal" achieved the number one position on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Answer: False
Although highly successful, "Smooth Criminal" peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
The song "Smooth Criminal" attained the number one position on the music charts in Spain.
Answer: True
Among its international successes, "Smooth Criminal" reached the number one spot on the charts in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Michael Jackson's single "Smooth Criminal" as platinum.
Answer: False
The RIAA certified "Smooth Criminal" as double platinum in the United States, reflecting its significant sales and commercial impact.
Rolling Stone magazine characterized "Smooth Criminal" as Michael Jackson's "best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess."
Answer: True
In its assessment, Rolling Stone magazine lauded "Smooth Criminal" as Michael Jackson's "best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess," highlighting its innovative musical fusion.
Newsweek characterized "Smooth Criminal" as reflecting the lighter, more optimistic facets of Michael Jackson's life during the late 1980s.
Answer: False
Newsweek's critical assessment described "Smooth Criminal" as capturing the darker, more paranoid elements of Jackson's life in the late 1980s, labeling it an "urgent and inspired highlight."
Entertainment Weekly suggested that "Smooth Criminal" signified a regression in Michael Jackson's artistic development following the success of *Thriller*.
Answer: False
Entertainment Weekly posited that "Smooth Criminal" exemplified the artistic freedom Michael Jackson experienced post-*Thriller*, viewing the song as a successful instance of pop music functioning as a suspenseful drama.
"Smooth Criminal" achieved a peak position of number 8 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart.
Answer: True
The single "Smooth Criminal" demonstrated considerable success internationally, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" achieved the number 2 position on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
Answer: True
The single "Smooth Criminal" demonstrated significant success on R&B charts, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "Smooth Criminal" as double platinum in the United States.
Answer: True
Reflecting its substantial commercial success, "Smooth Criminal" received a double platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States.
What was the peak position achieved by Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart?
Answer: Number 7
"Smooth Criminal" reached its highest position at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart during its initial chart run.
In which of the following countries did "Smooth Criminal" achieve the number one position on the music charts?
Answer: Netherlands
"Smooth Criminal" attained the number one chart position in several countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland, and Spain.
What certification did the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) award to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" single in the United States?
Answer: Double Platinum
The RIAA certified Michael Jackson's single "Smooth Criminal" as double platinum, signifying substantial sales figures in the United States.
How did Rolling Stone magazine describe "Smooth Criminal" in its critical evaluation?
Answer: Michael Jackson's "best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess."
Rolling Stone magazine praised "Smooth Criminal" as Michael Jackson's "best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess," highlighting its successful fusion of musical styles.
Which of the following countries is NOT listed as a territory where "Smooth Criminal" reached the number one position on the music charts?
Answer: France
"Smooth Criminal" achieved number one chart positions in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain. France is not listed among these countries.
According to the provided data, what is the approximate worldwide sales figure for Michael Jackson's single "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: 7.5 million units
Worldwide sales for the single "Smooth Criminal" are reported to be approximately 7,500,000 units.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" functions as the primary narrative component within Michael Jackson's 1988 film, *Moonwalker*.
Answer: True
The "Smooth Criminal" music video is integrated into Michael Jackson's 1988 film *Moonwalker*, serving as its central and most significant narrative element.
In 2019, Kim Kardashian acquired Michael Jackson's iconic fedora from the "Smooth Criminal" video for her son, Saint West.
Answer: False
While Kim Kardashian did purchase Michael Jackson's fedora from the "Smooth Criminal" video in 2019, it was for her daughter, North West, not her son Saint West.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in October 2023.
Answer: False
The "Smooth Criminal" music video achieved the milestone of surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube on October 23, 2024, not in 2023.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" was the inaugural Michael Jackson video to achieve 1 billion views on YouTube.
Answer: False
While "Smooth Criminal" eventually surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, it was not the first of Michael Jackson's videos to do so. It was the fifth to reach this milestone.
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" achieved the milestone of 1 billion views on YouTube on October 23, 2024.
Answer: True
On October 23, 2024, the music video for "Smooth Criminal" surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, marking a significant digital achievement for the iconic track.
What was the primary role of the "Smooth Criminal" music video within Michael Jackson's 1988 film, *Moonwalker*?
Answer: It was featured as the film's centerpiece.
The "Smooth Criminal" music video was integrated into the film *Moonwalker* and served as its central narrative element, significantly contributing to the film's structure and impact.
Who purchased Michael Jackson's iconic fedora from the "Smooth Criminal" video in 2019, and for whom was it acquired?
Answer: Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian purchased Michael Jackson's fedora, worn in the "Smooth Criminal" video, in 2019 for her daughter, North West.
In October 2024, the "Smooth Criminal" music video achieved which significant milestone on YouTube?
Answer: Surpassed 1 billion views
In October 2024, the music video for "Smooth Criminal" achieved the significant milestone of surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube.
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" was released as a single in the year 2000.
Answer: False
Alien Ant Farm released their highly successful cover of "Smooth Criminal" as a single on May 22, 2001, not in 2000.
Alien Ant Farm's cover rendition of "Smooth Criminal" attained the number one position on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Answer: True
The cover version by Alien Ant Farm achieved significant chart success, notably reaching number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
The music video created by Alien Ant Farm for their cover of "Smooth Criminal" included references to Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.
Answer: True
Alien Ant Farm's music video for their "Smooth Criminal" cover incorporated several nods to Michael Jackson's original work and personal life, including a reference to his famous pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.
Michael Jackson requested that Alien Ant Farm eliminate all references to his public persona, such as the use of masks, from their music video.
Answer: False
Michael Jackson did request a reshoot of certain scenes in Alien Ant Farm's video to remove a child wearing a mask, which referenced Jackson's own public habit. However, his ultimate preference was for the version that retained the mask.
Alien Ant Farm's cover rendition of "Smooth Criminal" achieved a peak position of number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Answer: True
The cover version by Alien Ant Farm demonstrated considerable commercial success, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Croatian cello duo 2Cellos performed an original musical composition that was inspired by "Smooth Criminal."
Answer: False
The duo 2Cellos gained significant viral attention for their instrumental cover performance of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," rather than an original song inspired by it.
Tony Succar's 2015 rendition of "Smooth Criminal" incorporated a reggae musical arrangement.
Answer: False
Tony Succar's 2015 version of "Smooth Criminal" is characterized by its Latin flavor and includes Spanish lyrics, rather than a reggae arrangement.
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" was featured on their debut album, *ANThology*.
Answer: True
Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" was included on their second studio album, titled *ANThology*, which was released in 2001.
Alien Ant Farm's cover rendition of "Smooth Criminal" achieved the number 1 position on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.
Answer: True
In addition to its success on the main UK Singles Chart, Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" also reached number 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" is primarily classified under the nu metal genre.
Answer: True
Alien Ant Farm's rendition of "Smooth Criminal" is often categorized within genres such as nu metal, alternative metal, and hard rock, reflecting its energetic and heavy sound.
Alien Ant Farm's cover rendition of "Smooth Criminal" achieved the number 3 position on the UK Singles Chart.
Answer: True
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" proved highly popular in the United Kingdom, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
On what date did Alien Ant Farm release their cover version of "Smooth Criminal" as a single?
Answer: May 22, 2001
Alien Ant Farm released their cover of "Smooth Criminal" as a single on May 22, 2001.
Which of the following represents a key chart success for Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: Number 1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart
Alien Ant Farm's cover achieved significant chart success, notably reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
What references to Michael Jackson's work and personal life were incorporated into the music video for Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, and the original video's style
The music video for Alien Ant Farm's cover included references to Michael Jackson's original "Smooth Criminal" video, the moonwalk dance, and his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.
What was Michael Jackson's final preference concerning the Alien Ant Farm music video reshoot, specifically regarding the inclusion of masks?
Answer: He preferred the version that included the mask.
Although Michael Jackson requested the removal of a child wearing a mask in Alien Ant Farm's video, his ultimate preference was for the version that retained the mask element.
What was the peak position achieved by Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart?
Answer: Number 23
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" reached number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Which Croatian musical duo achieved viral fame for their instrumental performance of "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: 2Cellos
The Croatian cello duo 2Cellos gained widespread recognition and viral fame for their instrumental cover performance of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
What characteristic defined Tony Succar's 2015 rendition of "Smooth Criminal"?
Answer: It had a Latin flavor and included Spanish lyrics.
Tony Succar's 2015 version of "Smooth Criminal" is distinguished by its Latin musical influences and features lead vocals by Jean Rodriguez, including sections sung in Spanish.
What certification did Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" receive in the United Kingdom?
Answer: Platinum
Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal" was certified Platinum in the United Kingdom.
Alien Ant Farm's 1999 album *Greatest Hits* contained a hidden track, an early rendition of "Smooth Criminal," titled:
Answer: Slick Thief
Alien Ant Farm's 1999 album *Greatest Hits* included a hidden track titled "Slick Thief," which was an early rendition of their "Smooth Criminal" cover.
Marc Klasfeld is credited with directing which music video?
Answer: Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal"
Marc Klasfeld directed the music video for Alien Ant Farm's cover version of "Smooth Criminal."