"Smooth Criminal: Michael Jackson's Perfect Fusion of Music, Choreography and Innovation"
"Smooth Criminal" is one of Michael Jackson's most iconic songs. It was released as the seventh single from the album Bad in 1987, one of the "King of Pop's" masterpieces. The song stands out for its fast pace, Jackson's unmistakable voice, innovative choreography, and intriguing narrative.
Here are the highlights of "Smooth Criminal":
Concept and Lyrics
The song tells the story of a mysterious and violent attack, where a woman named Annie is the victim. The lyrics feature a narrator describing a crime scene, repeatedly asking, "Annie, are you OK? Will you tell us that you're OK?" The tone of the song is tense and dramatic, with an up-tempo rhythm that reflects the urgency of the situation.
Jackson takes on the role of a witness describing how Annie was attacked in her apartment by a "smooth criminal," a sophisticated and cunning criminal.
Music and Production
Musically, "Smooth Criminal" is known for its fast pace and funk, dance and pop elements. It has a pulsing tempo, electric synthesizers and a notably prominent bass line. Jackson's iconic "hiccup" or vocal gasp (a kind of "huh" that accents parts of the song) is a key part of the vocal style he employs in this song. Production was handled by Michael Jackson himself and Quincy Jones.
Music Video
The video for "Smooth Criminal" is equally iconic. It was released as part of the film Moonwalker in 1988, a film where Jackson combines various musical sequences into a story format. In the video, Jackson appears dressed in a white suit and fedora, which has become an iconic image of his career.
The choreography is extraordinary. One of the most memorable scenes in the video is the famous “anti-gravity lean,” where Michael and his dancers lean forward at a seemingly impossible angle without falling. This move was so innovative that Jackson even patented the system that allowed it in his live shows.
Stage Innovation
In live performances, “Smooth Criminal” included several innovative visual and choreographic elements. In addition to the anti-gravity lean, Jackson’s performances often included precise dance moves and his “robot” style that also appeared in other songs such as “Thriller.” The combination of music, dance, and visual effects made it one of the most memorable moments in Jackson’s concerts.
Cultural Impact
“Smooth Criminal” has left a deep mark on pop culture. From parodies to homages, the song and video have been referenced and reinterpreted numerous times. The phrase “Annie, are you OK?” is now a common cultural reference. Additionally, the song was covered by the rock group Alien Ant Farm in 2001, which helped introduce it to new generations.
Trivia About the Name "Annie"
Interestingly, the name "Annie" in the song comes from the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) mannequins used in first aid classes. These mannequins are often called "Annie," and during classes, instructors teach students to ask "Annie, are you OK?" as part of the training protocol.
"Smooth Criminal" remains one of Michael Jackson's signature songs, a perfect showcase of his musical and stage genius.
