This is Michael Jackson’s vocal from “Smooth Criminal” heard on its own, including the stacked “Annie, are you OK?” harmonies, ad-libs and breaths. The song is from Bad (1987), produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, and was released as a single in 1988.
VOCALS only (Michael Jackson):
What to listen for
- Percussive delivery. Jackson sings in short, clipped bursts that lock into the rhythm. Without the band, the vocal almost works as a drum part.
- The “Annie” chorus. The chorus is built from multiple Jackson vocal layers in harmony.
- Breaths and gasps. His audible inhales and “dah!” accents are deliberate parts of the performance.
Track facts
- Album: Bad (1987)
- Produced by: Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson
- Written by: Michael Jackson
- Video: the single is tied to the Moonwalker film segment and its famous anti-gravity lean.
FAQ
What album is Smooth Criminal on?
Bad (1987).
Who is Annie in Smooth Criminal?
The line “Annie, are you OK?” is widely linked to “Resusci Anne”, the CPR training mannequin, whose training script includes the phrase.
GRACIAS!!