Have you ever wondered what Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal is about? Who is Annie, and why is she not okay? How did Michael Jackson do the anti-gravity lean? In this article, we will explore the secrets behind Michael Jackson’s smooth criminal lyrics and video and reveal how he created a masterpiece that still fascinates and inspires millions of fans.
Smooth Criminal debuted on November 14, 1988, as the seventh single from Michael Jackson’s seventh studio album, Bad. The song was written and co-produced by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. The song’s inspiration came from various sources, such as Fred Astaire’s dance number Girl Hunt Ballet from the film The Band Wagon, gangster films like The Untouchables and The Godfather, and Michael Jackson’s own fascination with film noir and detective stories.
The song was part of Michael Jackson’s musical evolution, as he experimented with different genres and sounds. He was influenced by rock, funk, jazz, and classical music, as well as by artists like Prince, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. He also incorporated elements of rap and hip-hop into his songs, such as his “hehe” sound and his spoken word interludes.
The song was also part of Michael Jackson’s artistic vision, as he wanted to create a musical anthology film that showcased his music and talent. The film was called Moonwalker, and it consisted of various segments that were linked by a loose storyline involving Michael Jackson and his fans being pursued by a drug lord named Mr. Big. The Smooth Criminal segment was the longest and most elaborate segment in the film. It was a 42-minute mini-movie that featured Michael Jackson as a gangster who rescues three children from Mr. Big’s henchmen. The segment included an extended version of the song and video, as well as additional scenes and dialogue. The segment also featured some special effects and transformations, such as Michael Jackson turning into a robot and a spaceship.
Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal Lyrics and Their Meaning
Smooth Criminal is one of Michael Jackson’s most innovative and complex songs, as it incorporates elements of pop, rock, funk, and jazz. The song also showcases Michael Jackson’s vocal range and abilities, as he sings in different octaves and registers, from low to high. The song has a fast tempo and a rhythmic structure that changes throughout. The song also features some unusual instruments, such as a bass harmonica and a shakuhachi flute.
As he came into the window
Was a sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom
The song tells the story of a woman named Annie who is attacked by a smooth criminal, a cunning and deceptive person who commits a crime without leaving any traces or clues behind. The song is from a third-person observer who asks Annie repeatedly if she is okay and describes the scene of the crime and the investigation that follows. The song also features some of Michael Jackson’s signature sounds, such as his “hehe” laugh and “ow” scream.
Pre-Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
Will you tell us that you’re okay?
There’s a sound at the window
Then he struck you — a crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
One of the most intriguing questions fans have about Smooth Criminal is, who is Annie, and why is she not okay? Annie is a fictional character who represents the victim of a violent crime. She is not okay because she was attacked and left with bloodstains on the carpet. Some fans have speculated that Annie could be based on a real person or an event that Michael Jackson witnessed or experienced, but there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.
The name Annie could be a reference to one of these possible explanations:
- Resusci Anne: A mannequin used for CPR training. Resusci Anne is also known as “Annie” or “the Annie doll”. Some CPR instructors use the phrase “Annie are you okay?” to teach students how to check for signs of life.
- A.N.N.I.E.: An acronym for Artificial Neural Network Interactive Entity. This is a computer program that was developed by IBM in 1988 to simulate human conversation. The program was designed to learn from its interactions with users and respond accordingly.
- A random name: A name that Michael Jackson chose because it sounded good or fit the rhythm of the song.
The meaning and interpretation of Smooth Criminal are not clear-cut, as the song leaves many questions unanswered and open to speculation. Some fans have suggested that the song could be a metaphor for Michael Jackson’s own life and career, as he faced many challenges and controversies in the public eye. Some fans have also argued that the song could be a commentary on the social issues and injustices that Michael Jackson cared about, such as violence, crime, and corruption.
Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal Songwriting Process
Smooth Criminal was written by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. Michael Jackson was a prolific and talented songwriter who wrote or co-wrote most of his songs. He had a unique and intuitive songwriting process that involved various techniques and methods.
One of his techniques was to record his ideas and melodies on a tape recorder or a voicemail. He would sing or hum the different parts of the song, such as the bass line, the drums, the guitar, the horns and the vocals. He would also use his voice to imitate different sounds and instruments, such as his “hehe” sound or his “ow” scream. He would then use these recordings as a guide for his producers and musicians to create the final version of the song. For example, here is a recording of Michael Jackson singing the bass line of Smooth Criminal:
Another technique that Michael Jackson used was to write lyrics based on sounds or syllables rather than words or meanings. He would use words that sounded good or fit the rhythm of the song, regardless of their actual meaning or relevance. He would also use words from different languages or invent his own words. For example, in Smooth Criminal, he uses words like “cha”, “shoo-cha-choo-cha” and “dag gone it”.
Michael Jackson also collaborated with other artists and producers who helped him refine and polish his songs. For Smooth Criminal, he worked with Quincy Jones, his main producer for his albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Quincy Jones helped Michael Jackson arrange and produce the song, as well as select the musicians and singers who performed on it. Quincy Jones also suggested some changes and additions to the song, such as a bass harmonica and a shakuhachi flute.
Musical and Vocal Techniques
Michael Jackson was a musical and vocal genius who mastered various techniques and skills, making him stand out from other artists. He had an incredible vocal range that spanned four octaves, from baritone to soprano. He could sing in different styles and genres, from pop to rock to soul to classical. He could also sing in different languages, such as English, Spanish, French, and Swahili.
One of Michael Jackson’s vocal techniques was to use his voice as an instrument. He would use his voice to create different sounds and effects that enhanced his songs and performances. For example, in Smooth Criminal, he uses his voice to create sounds like a gunshot, a siren, a whistle, and a scream. He also uses his voice to imitate different instruments, such as a guitar, a horn, and a drum.
Another vocal technique that Michael Jackson used was to modulate his voice according to the mood and tone of the song. He would change his voice from soft to loud, from low to high, from smooth to rough. He would also use different vocal expressions and emotions, such as whispering, shouting, laughing, crying, and moaning. For example, in Smooth Criminal, he uses his voice to convey tension, excitement, anger, and fear.
One of Michael Jackson’s signature vocal sounds was his “hehe” sound.
This sound was a short laugh or giggle that he used in many of his songs and performances. The sound had different meanings and functions depending on the context. Sometimes it was used as a filler or a transition between phrases or verses. Sometimes it was used as a way of expressing joy or amusement. Sometimes it was used as a way of taunting or challenging his opponents or critics.
Michael Jackson also used innovative music production techniques that made his songs sound unique and original. He used state-of-the-art technology and equipment that allowed him to create new sounds and effects. He also experimented with different musical elements, such as tempo, rhythm, harmony, and melody. He also mixed different genres and influences, such as rock, funk, jazz, and classical.
Smooth Criminal The Iconic Music Video
Smooth Criminal is not only a song but also a short film that is part of the feature film Moonwalker. The short film features Michael Jackson as a gangster who rescues three children from Mr. Big’s henchmen. The short film includes an extended version of the song and video, as well as additional scenes and dialogue.
The short film is one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic and influential videos. It showcases his artistic vision and creativity, as well as his musical and dance skills. The short film features some of the most memorable and impressive moments in Michael Jackson’s career, such as the anti-gravity lean, the white suit and fedora, the coin toss, and the transformation into a robot and a spaceship.
The short film also features some of the most stunning and sophisticated special effects and cinematography of its time. The short film was directed by Colin Chilvers, who was an Oscar-winning visual effects artist. The short film used various techniques and methods, such as wire work, blue screen, animatronics, and stop-motion animation. The short film also used clever camera angles and lighting to create a breathtaking visual experience.
The short film was a huge success and received many awards and accolades. The short film was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Short Form. The short film also won three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography. The short film also influenced many other artists and filmmakers, such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Quentin Tarantino.
Michael Jackson’s Legacy in Pop Music
Smooth Criminal is one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic and influential songs. It is a song that showcases his musical genius and artistic vision. It is also a song that reflects his personal life and career, as he faced many challenges and controversies in the public eye.
The song had a huge impact on Michael Jackson’s career, as it helped him cement his status as the King of Pop and a global superstar. The song also helped him break records and achieve milestones, such as selling over 35 million copies of the Bad album worldwide, winning multiple awards and honors, and performing in front of millions of fans around the world.
The song also had a huge influence on future artists and music, as it inspired generations of musicians and performers to follow in his footsteps. The song also influenced various genres and styles of music, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and EDM. The song also influenced various aspects of music culture, such as fashion, dance, and video.
The song has continued relevance and popularity in the music scene today, as it is still widely played and enjoyed by millions of fans globally. The song is also frequently covered and sampled by other artists, such as Alien Ant Farm, Glee Cast, Fall Out Boy, and 2Cellos. The song is also featured in various media and platforms, such as movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials.
Conclusion
Smooth Criminal is one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic and influential songs. It is a song that combines catchy melodies, thrilling vocals, and mysterious lyrics. It is also a song that showcases Michael Jackson’s artistic vision and creativity, as he created a masterpiece that still fascinates and inspires millions of fans around the world.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and learned something new about Smooth Criminal. And if you want to learn more about Michael Jackson’s music and legacy, check out our other articles.
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