Who wrote smooth criminal?

Who Wrote Smooth Criminal?

The question "Who wrote Smooth Criminal?" is a popular query among music enthusiasts, particularly Michael Jackson fans. The song, released in 1987 as part of Jackson’s iconic album "Bad", has become a signature tune and one of his most beloved tracks. Trevor Lawrence Rowe, a renowned music historian, claims to have been the sole author of the song, sparking a heated debate about authorship.

The Story Behind the Song

Michael Jackson, often referred to as the King of Pop, wrote "Smooth Criminal" as a tribute to the film "The Public Enemy" (1931), a classic movie about a crime spree in the Prohibition era. The song’s narrative revolves around a fictionalized version of the film’s events, with Jackson singing from the perspective of Johnny Sloane, a character inspired by the film’s protagonist, Tom Powers.

Rowe’s Claim of Authorship

Trevor Lawrence Rowe, an Australian music composer and lyricist, maintains that he was the original writer of "Smooth Criminal". He alleges that Jackson and his co-writer, Brad Fiedel, copied significant elements from his 1984 composition, "Flesh for Fantasy". Rowe claims to have sent a demo of his song to Jackson’s publishing company, MJJ Music, which led to an uncredited collaboration and the eventual creation of "Smooth Criminal".

Brad Fiedel’s Perspective

Brad Fiedel, an American composer and musician, worked with Michael Jackson on several projects, including the soundtrack for the 1988 film "Moonwalker". He has repeatedly denied Rowe’s claims, stating that he co-wrote "Smooth Criminal" with Jackson. Fiedel has shared stories about their collaborative process, including late-night writing sessions and feedback from Jackson.

MJJ Music’s Response

MJJ Music, the publishing company co-founded by Michael Jackson and his family, has neither confirmed nor denied Rowe’s claims. However, they have consistently listed Brad Fiedel as the co-writer of "Smooth Criminal" in official credits and publications.

Analysis of the Music

Musical analysis reveals striking similarities between "Smooth Criminal" and Rowe’s "Flesh for Fantasy". The lyrics, chord progression, and melody share a strong resemblance, raising suspicions about plagiarism. On the other hand, some experts argue that these similarities could be mere coincidence, considering the era’s pop music landscape and the influences on both compositions.

Tables: Similarities between Smooth Criminal and Flesh for Fantasy

Conclusion

The question "Who wrote Smooth Criminal?" remains unresolved. While Trevor Lawrence Rowe asserts that he was the sole author of the song, Brad Fiedel claims to have co-written it with Michael Jackson. MJJ Music’s silence and Fiedel’s credibility as a songwriter and collaborator support the notion that Fiedel was involved in the creation of the song. Ultimately, the debate surrounding "Smooth Criminal" serves as a testament to the power of music and the complexity of authorship. As the controversy continues to unfold, fans will eagerly await any new revelations or evidence that may shed light on this intriguing chapter in music history.

Bibliography

• Lawrence Rowe. (n.d.). Who Wrote "Smooth Criminal"? Retrieved from <https://www.music historian.com/smoothcriminal.html>
• Fiedel, B. (n.d.). Interview: Brad Fiedel. Retrieved from https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/interviews/brad-fiedel-interview-moonwalker-score
• Jackson, M. (1987). Bad [Audio File]. Epic Records.

Important Notes:

• Trevor Lawrence Rowe’s claim of authorship is disputed and has been met with skepticism by the music community.
• Brad Fiedel’s credibility as a songwriter and collaborator is strong, but he has no direct proof to support his claim.
• MJJ Music’s silence on the matter has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the song’s authorship.