When Was Smooth Criminal Released?
The iconic song "Smooth Criminal" by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Released in 1988, "Smooth Criminal" was the seventh single from Jackson’s album "Bad". In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of this song and explore the significant events that led to its release.
Background Information
"Smooth Criminal" was written and composed by Michael Jackson, and co-produced by Jackson and Rod Temperton. The song’s music and lyrics were heavily influenced by the works of Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, two of Jackson’s favorite rock ‘n’ roll artists.
Release Date
The song was released on October 25, 1988, as the seventh single from Jackson’s album "Bad". The single was released to promote the album, which was already a commercial success.
Promotion and Reception
The song was heavily promoted through various channels, including television, radio, and live performances. The song’s music video, which featured Jackson as a smooth-talking criminal, received significant airplay on MTV and other music channels. The song also received heavy rotation on the radio, and its popularity was fueled by the massive success of Jackson’s "Bad" tour.
Chart Performance
"Smooth Criminal" was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 3, 1988. The song remained at the top of the chart for one week before being replaced by "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" by Celine Dion.
Impact and Legacy
"Smooth Criminal" has had a significant impact on popular culture. The song’s choreography, which featured Jackson’s signature dance moves, has been emulated by many artists. The song’s lyrics, which are about a criminal who gets away with his crimes, have also been referenced and parodied in various forms of media.
Awards and Recognition
"Smooth Criminal" has won several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, Short Form. The song has also been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Trivia
- The song’s iconic music video, which featured Jackson as a smooth-talking criminal, was inspired by the film "Harvey" (1950).
- The song’s lyrics were influenced by the works of Chuck Berry and Fats Domino.
- The song’s choreography, which featured Jackson’s signature dance moves, was performed by a team of 30 dancers.
- The song’s music video was directed by Vincent Paterson, who also worked with Jackson on the music videos for "Bad" and "The Way You Make Me Feel".
Comparison with Other Songs
| Song | Release Date | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|
| "Bad" | August 7, 1987 | #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart |
| "The Way You Make Me Feel" | September 9, 1987 | #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart |
| "Man in the Mirror" | January 16, 1988 | #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart |
As we can see from the table above, "Smooth Criminal" was part of a successful series of singles released by Michael Jackson during the late 1980s. While "Bad" and "The Way You Make Me Feel" were also massive hits, "Smooth Criminal" stands out for its unique blend of rock and pop influences, as well as its iconic music video and choreography.
Conclusion
"Smooth Criminal" is a timeless classic that has had a significant impact on popular culture. The song’s release date was October 25, 1988, and it was part of Michael Jackson’s successful album "Bad". The song’s promotion and reception were fueled by its unique blend of rock and pop influences, as well as its iconic music video and choreography.
