It was 1988. Michael breaks yet another record as the first(and currently only) artist to generate seven top 30 singles off one album! "Smooth Criminal" landed at number 7. Partially attributed to his "Lean".
In '93, Mr. Jackson applied for a patent. To safe keep him as the inventor of the boots that enabled him to do "The Lean". This gravity-defying stunt is not unique to Michael Jackson. It goes way back to the late-1800s. However, when it comes to performing the stunt with only platform shoes, he is definitely the first! Many gasped at the sight of Michael leaning at a 45-degree angle with no apparent support on the film.
Initially, the music video was supposed to have a more western themed style. But later was abandoned for a more 1930's nightclub feel. Both "Club 1945" and "Al Capone" were inspired by a demo of "Smooth Criminal" in 1985. These two early versions plus the western take are believed to be hiding somewhere inside Jackson's vault.
The scenes from "Smooth Criminal" are inspired by Fred Astaire. Particularly his 1952 musical "The Girl Hunt Ballad". The final number to "The Band Wagon". I believe Michael wanted to pay tribute to Fred as he died in 1987.
With "Smooth Criminal's" hyperventilating pace and antique rhythm, It's no wonder his fedora took on a new infatuation! Many school children desperately tried to mimic "The Lean" to no avail.
Mixes
1. Smooth Criminal-Single Mix (4:13)2. Smooth Criminal-Extended Dance Mix (7:50)
3. Smooth Criminal(Dance Mix-Radio Edit) (5:25)
4. Smooth Criminal-Annie Mix (5:39)
5. Smooth Criminal-Dance Mix Dub Version (4:48)
6. Smooth Criminal-Acappella Mix (4:14)
7. Smooth Criminal-Extended Version (6:01)
8. Smooth Criminal instrumental (4:08)
9. Moonwalker Version(Sega) (2:58)
Smooth Criminal-The Short Film
After the shear Funk of "Thriller", the media was buzzing upon hearing leaked information that Michael Jackson was starring in another spooktacular! This time boogieing in a lounge with ghosts! In a way, they were right! However, the hype stops right there as Halloween was not on his smooth agenda. The press has always been infamous for over-hyping things just a bit.Michael walks down a dark street alley and enters an abandoned clubhouse. Many murders have been attributed to this nightclub(including Annie who was struck down in her apartment just upstairs) Eventually The Great Depression forced it's doors to permanently close.
Mysteriously one by one, each member of that club was murdered by what Michael calls "A Smooth Criminal". It is believed each night the spirits of the club replay the scene over and over again. Hoping if someone will see what really happened that fateful night 50 years ago. Luckily, Michael happens to take a visit and play along with the scene.
Michael walks through a warp into Club 30's. After tossing a quarter into the jukebox, the whole joint comes to life with fervor! Astonished to learn he knows the whole story, the spirits become one with the dance as Jackson leads them into a procession.
The ghosts that have been haunting this facility are now free to ascend to the heavens while Mr. Jackson resumes his role as the protagonist on the movie Moonwalker.
Lyrics
As He Came Into The Window
It Was The 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
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK
Are You OK, Annie
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK
Are You OK, Annie
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK, Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You Ok, Are You Ok, Annie?
(Annie Are You OK?)
(Will You Tell Us That You're OK?)
(There's A Sign In The Window)
(That He Struck You - A Crescendo Annie)
(He Came Into Your Apartment)
(He Left The Bloodstains On The Carpet)
(Then You Ran Into The Bedroom)
(You Were Struck Down)
(It Was Your Doom)
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
You've Been Hit By
You've Been Hit By -v A Smooth Criminal
So They Came Into The Outway
It Was Sunday - What A Black Day
Mouth To Mouth Resus - Citation
Sounding Heartbeats - Intimidations
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK?
Are You OK Annie?
Annie Are You OK?
So, Annie Are You OK
Are You OK Annie?
(Annie Are You OK?)
(Will You Tell Us That You're OK?)
(There's A Sign In The Window)
(That He Struck You - A Crescendo Annie)
(He Came Into Your Apartment)
(He Left The Bloodstains On The Carpet)
(Then You Ran Into The Bedroom)
(You Were Struck Down)
(It Was Your Doom)
(Annie Are You OK?)
(So, Annie Are You OK?)
(Are You OK Annie?)
(You've Been Hit By)
(You've Been Struck By -
A Smooth Criminal)
Okay, I Want Everybody To Clear The Area Right Now!
Aaow!
(Annie Are You OK?)
I Don't Know!
(Will You Tell Us, That You're OK?)
I Don't Know!
(There's A Sign In The Window)
I Don't Know!
(That He Struck You - A Crescendo Annie)
I Don't Know!
(He Came Into Your Apartment)
I Don't Know!
(Left Bloodstains On The Carpet)
I Don't Know Why Baby!
(Then You Ran Into The Bedroom)
I Don't Know!
(You Were Struck Down)
(It Was Your Doom - Annie!)
(Annie Are You OK?)
Dad Gone It - Baby!
(Will You Tell Us, That You're OK?)
Dad Gone It - Baby!
(There's A Sign In The Window)
Dad Gone It - Baby!
(That He Struck You - A Crescendo Annie)
Hoo! Hoo!
(He Came Into Your Apartment)
Dad Gone It!
(Left Bloodstains On The Carpet)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
(Then You Ran Into The Bedroom)
Dad Gone It!
(You Were Struck Down)
(It Was Your Doom-Annie!)
Aaow!!!
Next: Leave Me Alone!
