Michael Jackson SMOOTH CRIMINAL Original Studio Multitracks (Listening Session & Analysis)

Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/
My Website: chrisliepe.com
I'm just floored by the level of detail I never knew was in this song. For example, there are four bass sounds and twenty percussion tracks!
In the studio mix, a lot of the rhythmic vocal genius of MJ is so well-blended with the masterful musical arrangement that you can't hear the full detail. Well... In this listening session, we give the instrumental a good listen through AND we go back and hear all the beatboxing and percussive masterpieces previously hidden in this classic!

[@chrisliepe]

MJ's copyright owners will allow this video to remain on youtube but there must be consistent use of frequent stops. No one part of the the song in part or in whole can be played without frequent interruptions. This is partially why I stop and comment and sing during and after key sections that I play. If I just play the files, the video will be taken down. Presenting the files in this format with this kind of flow cements the FAIR USE intent which is why it can remain up on KZbin. Along these lines, I can not reveal where or link to the source files or I'll get a takedown notice as well. Giving away content that is not mine to give also falls outside of FAIR USE intent. Thanks for understanding and for enjoying the video! I'm excited for you to hear all the wonderful nuances!

[@mrgoodcat2123]

The greatest MJ song ever

[@Sttephy30]

Can you please breakdown the track "Lovely One" by The Jacksons.

[@KingOfGamesss]

Hey Chris, awesome video thank you for uploading. Have you seen this Smooth Criminal AMV? You really have to check this out seriously I've watched it a hundred times myself kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3XHlHRmfrWrjsk

[@jpvoodoo5522]

You might have misunderstood what I was asking. I was not asking about MJs music specifically. or the legalities of why you had to present it as you did. it's a technical question, not a legal one. I was asking generally whether record companies ever make track recordings available for sale that have not been mixed. Suppose I wanted to isolate the guitar track from stairway to heaven so I could practice playing it without the bass and drums.mixed in Do I call up Led Zepplin's record company? How do these you-tube producers acquire solo tracks for analysis. Is there a secret producers club? Or how do artists get a copy of the vocal track to do remixes? Is there a secret club? Do you contact the record label? Are they available for sale like sheet music is? Are they eq'ing out the tracks somehow?

[@KingOfGamesss]

@@jpvoodoo5522 Why does your comment have a Side-Scroll bar?

[@trismurray]

IF ONLY we lived in a world where the mainstream media celebrated his awe inspiring talent and craft instead of seeking to destroy his name constantly.

[@chrisliepe]

agreed

[@tristanmurraydrums9706]

@@chrisliepe love your passion man, I feel the same about music. Loved the Minerva breakdown too.

[@samwell2386]

Facts

[@SotPSotPSotP]

well just because someone is a great artist doesnt mean he wasnt a pedophile i think you people are just blind

[@globalcitizenn]

@@SotPSotPSotPThe evidence says he was innocent. I recommend the podcast “Michael Jackson - the case for innocence”.

[@Rodrasroom]

I think what makes MJ the top is because he used his entire body for music. Nothing is wasted. He’s using his feet, his voice is literally a beat machine in itself with the pitches, tones, gulps, screams. He’s like 12 people in the room lol.

[@madhatter8508]

He's like a one man band you'd see on the street. He definitely had an energy about him that you can't portray without moving and grooving like he did.

[@madhatter8508]

@@IsaacInfernape2000 Underrated opinion: You've been drinking straight kerosene and it's going to your brain

[@JohnPaulBuce]

@IsaacInfernape2000 (Raman) siivagunner (big i) video game rips youtube super mario world athletic theme but its witch doctor

[@bAvt_xyz]

Genius - no question. But I'd also give some credit to the producer GOAT, Quincy Jones.

[@Rodrasroom]

@@bAvt_xyz no doubt! Quincy Jones is a genius of the same caliber what an eclectic engineer!

[@strumdynastygaming7217]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="763">12:43</a> You can TOTALLY hear roots of the song "Who is it" in there! That's so awesome!

[@thorfinn1335]

Oh yes ! well spotted

[@MattGalter]

My EXACT thought

[@164bror5]

oh it’s actually true

[@lejaune711]

i was just thinking it

[@anouchka_d]

Oh wow that's incredible 😅♥️

[@lundsweden]

The thing that strikes me about MJ is that he was a musical savant. Sure he came from a musical family and drew on musical culture, but there's something unique about his talent, it's off the charts talented!

[@Rodrasroom]

Michael Jackson was such a supreme beatboxer. Super versatile voice and his foot is one hell of a metronome. Phew! That’s why he’s the king eh?

[@AUDACITY4Uphotographer]

You’re so right. His foot always kept perfect time.

[@ParalyticAngel]

Imagine what Michael has did all besides his singing (all his shouts, his beatboxing, his snaps and stomps), and think about todays artist using auto tune for just their voices.^^ What a gigantic difference between them.^^ Therefore Michael will still be listened even in thousands of years from now on. We must keep his recordings for all the times, and I believe even Aliens will one day know Michael Jackson.^^ I bet his understanding of music will fit to all the species in the whole universe. RIP Michael, you are still so present in my heart 😢😢😢

[@tiffanyc4683]

I couldn’t have said it better 🥲 if music could be put in museums, Michaels songs would be the Starry Nights and Mona Lisas of music.

[@Scamdemic]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="604">10:04</a> - Man...That got me a little emotional. I was lucky enough to see Michael live when I was a kid. Leeds, roundhay park, UK. I still can't believe we lost him man. Such a perfectionist genius.

[@MattGalter]

I'm like crying throughout 🤫 lol So, in Mike's words (though, actually written by R. Kelly), U are not alone

[@kissmiss1936]

Lucky You

[@luanapontes4926]

Sortudo viu 👏😩

[@michaelwrenn1630]

It is IMPOSSIBLE not to move to a MJ song. The sheer rhythmic vocals and masterful mixing is, to me, unparalleled.

[@fender1000100]

Absolutely he is the master of rhythm.

[@paulholleman2918]

And to think that Quincy Jones didn't like the track and thought it wasn't album material... To me this is Michael's best song he has ever written. It is so good that you could let an orchestra play it and it sounds like a classic masterpiece from the 18th century. Michael Jackson is insanely underated as a writer/composer of music.

[@globalcitizenn]

I love the London symphony orchestra version

[@rhuiden4086]

QJ also hated "Billie Jean" and did not want it included on Thriller, MJ had to put his foot down to let QJ know who was boss.

[@Priapus212]

@@rhuiden4086 that's a myth that has been debunked numerous times. Quincy didn't like how long the intro was but Michael insisted it was 30 seconds because it made him want to dance.

[@rhuiden4086]

@@Priapus212 its not myth its fact. QJ hated billie jean and thought the subject matter in the song was inappropriate. I also heard QJ say with his mouth in an interview insinuating that he believed the beats from Billie jean were stolen from Oats and Halls hit, completely untrue as Oats and Hall said in a recent interview on youtube that they didnt think it was stolen but the beats were inspired by their song "i cant go for that".

[@richardkovacs2006]

@@rhuiden4086 Not true. He hated thr long intro saying 'You can shave on an intro so long". What convinced him to keep it was MJ saying "That's what makes me wanna dance". You talk rubbish this time. It's a fan-made fake myth. Q himself said many times (one interview is on the Thriller 25 album...) they all knew Billie Jean was to be the cornerstone of the album, which is why they had to pick different songs, it gave such an edge. That's why Q made Rod Temperton re-write Starlight into and Edgar Allen Poe-influenced story. That's why Carousel wasn't fit. And so on.

[@IamJean-Miguel]

Majestic fact: Smooth Criminal was born / recorded through Michaels Heart Beat to get the tempo … Meaning they attacted some sort of patch on his chest just “ feel “ the entire Art at whole. Mr. jackson was a prophet in the world of Music, indeed.

[@KorZen10]

MJ: *breathes* Chris: Oh my god, did you hear that??

[@DeanGoulding]

Same tho

[@japo137]

:D Yeath but it is Michael, so he is right :D

[@lamiadingle2011]

😂😂😂😂

[@RennieDJ]

Alot of true MJ fans in the comments! I go back to 1987.. got to see him in 1988 Aintree, Liverpool, England aged 9! at the time this concert was the largest attendance ever in the UK. I love the story QJ tells about Smooth Criminal video recording. "MJ was playing this track SO LOUD on set" MJ foooookin loved this record! This is his groove, his jam!! The beat still stands up today for so many reasons. But MJ's vocal and beat boxing and groovy grunts and BG vocals are just stunning! the vocal breakdown on this video is wonderful to watch! you really really understand the genius of MJ! PEACE

[@BIGwillTHEGAME]

This man was a human instrument

[@julianperry4767]

Many singers/performers are usually REALLY good at one or two things and then 'good enough' at the rest of the talents to get by. It's rare that you get a once in a lifetime performer like MJ who so excels in each. and. every. single. category. From the beatboxing, highs, lows, mids, inventiveness, dancing, performing, he got a 10 out of 10 in each checkbox. Michael was so good that you almost didn't notice all the genius because you don't 'pick up' on anything unless it's wrong. It had such a natural flow and direction. Master musician. Sounded flawless.

[@luizalmeida5398]

Recorded on tape and quantized like that, it's ridiculously incredible, look at how the wave frequencies match so perfectly. It seems like it's all made digitally

[@novacorps2468]

Michael's vocals are like a locomotive the way it hits like a rhythmic charge. It's a freight train barreling down the rails. It's awe inspiring.

[@BETHEBEST21]

MJ = Walking Percussionist.

[@naiel18]

Walking instrument.. Or music personified

[@ZenoGoreng]

*Moonwalking percussionist 😉

[@AtomizedSound]

MJ was and is a lot of things. He was/is truly the king of pop with his style and vision he brought

[@jasper24601]

Aren’t most actual percussionists walking percussionists?

[@naiel18]

@@jasper24601 yeah that's why I said walking instrument

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I've heard a bunch of Michael Jackson isolated tracks and they're stunning every single time. The guy was just insanely talented.

[@theepowherhouse]

Those strings literally brought tears to my eyes. This arrangement is beyond anything I could have ever imagined was created for this song. Today the beats and instruments are just repeated over and over again throughout the entire song. It's boring. THIS is a completely different level of artistry. Just WOW!

[@arnaudemmanuel6793]

very well said ! Totally Agree wit u

[@V.D.22]

today they make music for money. Back then, artists like MJ, Freddie Mercury, and many others would sing even if they were broke.

[@Siegefya]

These days, you can find stuff like that in EDM and more experimental genres that aren't as popular as main stream music.

[@fender1000100]

​@@V.D.2230:16 They all make music for money. But agreed the level of attention to detail and artistry is gone. Its too produced and mechanical today. And something has been lost. It all sounds generic without personality today. I hear a modern song. And I've forgotten it as soon as it stops playing. In the 80s you heard a great song. You couldn't get it out of your head. That's the difference now.

[@portiagreen325]

Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and everyone else who was in MJs production team…. YALL ARE FREAKIN MUSICAL GENIUSES. That is God-given musical gifts. The computers of this age can’t even produce something this perfect.

[@PearlsOfPassion]

Incredible! The sound at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1324">22:04</a>... I always thought that was a record scratch or some studio trick, but to find out that HE made that sound with his voice just blows me away. What a talent he was!

[@chrisliddiard725]

There wasn't an instrument to make that sound, so he made it himself. I suppose if they had the tech to recreated that sound or series of sounds, they might have done. Even now i wonder how that rythmic pattern would have sounded translate into reproduced sound, and then transposed as a counter point to those rhythms we heard.. its no less than a counter rhythm.

[@mssha1980]

@@chrisliddiard725 I think the magic is that’s its spontaneous

[@othyeighty]

If you listen the song from a 80's version of the album you can listen clearly that beatboxing compared to the 2000' remastered CDs

[@Snyper1405]

Anyone who knows Michael jacksons work knows he's a very skillful beatboxer. He's been doing this for most of his adult solo career. He's the whole package 👑🎯🔥💞💖✨️✍️🏽😇

[@ken-op2wj]

as a longtime Michael Jackson fan and as a singer, these videos of the raw multitracks are so important and special to me and not only to me but to other millions of fans around the world. thank you for how you, in a way, speak for Michael musically and tell viewers what was going down when these tracks were recorded. i also appreciate, from a singers perspective, how you incorporate your own little “voice lessons” and tips in these videos, very inspiring. i really really appreciate what you’re doing, thank you again!!

[@AtomizedSound]

110%

[@HaharuRecords]

chammone

[@99_problems_band]

List en my mus ic..

[@RennieDJ]

couldnt agree more! what a recording, love how ive learnt something else GREAT video too!! love this video.

[@arnaudemmanuel6793]

👍👍👍 very well said, I think same

[@nadeem2882]

Had Goosebumps at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="724">12:04</a>.. What magic. Long Live MJ❤

[@zanderto]

Love your reaction <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1324">22:04</a> hahaha 😂 and I feel like you at that moment. Thank you for showing the world's best produced song and the artist's energy behind the mic. 🤩

[@noname-nobody1247]

In his book he said he wrote the words and came up with the music in like 15 minutes and said he ran called the musicians over and gave them all their parts on what to play. Genius I miss this dude. Thanks 😊.

[@rhuiden4086]

Its incredible isn't it. The musicians were MJ's instruments. He guided them on what to play and how to play it. MJ was a true producer of magical music.

[@fujisamasensei7314]

He was a genius...all of us miss Him..:((

[@kissmiss1936]

This It's when you have rhythm, note it down and run otherwise natural rhythm is like a dream .

[@Menschenleser]

You made me cry! I felt so overwhelmed hearing his pure vocals. It sounds so crystal clear and you can feel the passion in every single note. It's so sad that I'll never hear his voice again.

[@mayateola4732]

I had tears in my eyes too

[@user-gy7jt7zj6g]

It's like a tour. A tour inside this legendary vision of Michael. It's truly incredible. I'm still amazed by his creativity. Michael, you are forever an inspiration, loved, admired, and unforgettable ❤

[@alexisbyrd5571]

Micheal was amazing. His talent didn't just stop at singing. The Smooth Criminal music video was amazing. The dance moves, fashion, makeup. Everything. He was truly an entertainer. He seems unhuman. Almost other worldly.

[@RennieDJ]

Smooth Criminal is my favourite video - Number 1 The part where you get the extra lyric on the stairs i always buzzed off that The amazing breakdown, recorded on set, all improvised then into the fooookin Dance! such a cool style, so many types of dance reinterpreted by MJ in one new style the god dam clothes!! the whole thing is just sick!! what a video Peace

[@rhuiden4086]

He not only wrote but also composed Smooth Criminal and instructed the musicians how to play the rhythm and melody of the song. He reveals this in his book Moonwalker.

[@RennieDJ]

@@rhuiden4086 been decades since I read Moonwalker. Really should pick it up again.

[@Emceezesings]

Can I get in contact with you ?

[@RennieDJ]

@@Emceezesings with who? :) which person on the thread

[@Bow503]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1226">20:26</a> he really sang it in a chest voice so insane so hard .. that you don't hear in the mix kind of .. i never realised till this point that he also sang in chest voice ...... i am blown out of my mind

[@Chuckson56]

Michael Jackson songs never get old. Billie Jean sounds just as modern and awesome now as it did in 1982 and Man In The Mirror is just the ultimate song of all time for me.

[@antirickroll6895]

His song is timeless ❤

[@veverettm]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1680">28:00</a> I got sad. You litterally can hear the breath flow from his body. Such an incredible artist. His genius is just undeniable ❤️.

[@travisdemaria9027]

This guy was honestly a musical genius. I’ve always wanted music experts to break down his recording process because it’s easy to see it’s very special compared to most mainstream music. So connected to the craft , that’s why his pop music is unique from anything else. Music today seems so cold and soulless I find. MJ was a different level I don’t care what anybody says.

[@klamin_original]

Don't forget to praise the writers and producers then. Michael Jackson was just one part of the whole thing, although the most important. But without his writers and producers what would he have sung?

[@travisdemaria9027]

@@klamin_original he would have sung the songs he wrote lmao . Go listen to the original demos of his music before producers even heard of them. They are 99% finished. Michael Jackson was inducted into the songwriters hall of fame for a reason. Dude was a phenomenal songwriter. Obviously he had a team around him that helped as well. But MJ was the driving force behind his songs. Most of the songs were his vision, his sound, his lyrics.

[@klamin_original]

@@travisdemaria9027 I didn't mean that he didn't compose the songs in his head, I knew he did that and that he made clear instructions to instrumentalists and producers. But he couldn't play instruments well enough so he couldn't have realized his visions without other professionals and as we know really talented people as well.

[@Sttephy30]

@@klamin_original Michael would've sung the songs he WROTE. Smooth Criminal is lyrically written and composed by Michael Jackson. No body else. In fact, he wrote the whole BAD album, except for 2 songs. So, I don't know what you're talking about. And nearly every major writer in the business have instrument players. Not every can play every single instrument like Prince and Stevie Wonder could.

[@rhuiden4086]

I didn't realize how much production work MJ did until i heard home demos of the hit songs he had written and composed. It just goes to show that being able to play a variety of instruments doesnt make someone a hit producer. Only a composer can create harmonies and melodies. MJ knew how to compose harmonies and melodies on an unreal level. MJ was the composer and the musicians were his instruments

[@nop__ng4697]

There’s just something really special about Michael! His looks, his voice, his way of singing, his dance moves, he’s fashion I can go on forever!

[@tyroneevelyn]

The most polarising man in the music business

[@albiveizi2306]

thats because he was THE MAN

[@jasoncrump1886]

I'm mainly a metal head guitarist but always loved MJs music . This is really cool to hear. Appreciate ya doing this .

[@gianniclaud]

I got teary-eyed hearing and FEELING some of his vocals, and to see it just wrap altogether… it’s the kind of symphony we’re all so lucky to be able to experience in our lifetime. What a gift from God MJ was…

[@ghosttaki8547]

Michael Jackson is the reason I am obsessed with singing high notes even though it has been hard

[@naiel18]

Haha... Me too. provided I am a high tenor

[@ghosttaki8547]

@@naiel18 tbh I don't remember what I was when I was a kid🤣

[@naiel18]

@@ghosttaki8547 not as a kid.. I am telling about mine voice after it changed during teenage

[@Awesoman]

Folks have told me I should try singing tenor; "tenor" fifteen miles away from them. 🤣

[@99_problems_band]

List en my mus ic..

[@jamescrutchfield65]

I'm not crying. Something is in my eyes.

[@kachebeeabdullah4297]

MJ was no joke! He pushed Quincy Jones to the limit. Thank G-d MJ was a mad man. Why? We get Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad!

[@felipedepaula06]

I'm speechless. It is a blessing to be able to hear these tracks and feel almost like we were there at the recording. Wow. Just wow.

[@benniebignuts5548]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1352">22:32</a> 'I can barely talk, sorry' This passion for what he's doing is what makes Chris so watchable. Your videos are fanstastic because your love of sound is evident. Awesome, fuckin love it

[@cristianenriquevillarroelg4394]

Yes! I think we relate to him while enjoying music.

[@angusfire61]

I agree. This is my first time watching a video on the channel but sure won’t be my last. The passion was undeniable here

[@Megaseawolf]

Rest in Peace King. The talent is just brutal 🔥

[@orangelimesky]

People today only know him as a dancer but back when he was alive we knew him for his brilliant musical composition skills and arrangements. He was a genius that had his own original sound and it was powerful and cool at the same time. He'd obsess over the sound of every single instrument in his songs for hours. He literally lived his songs by dancing to them. He WAS his music.

[@hidonvousspeak7178]

This man was giving all on everything he was doing. Best Dancers, best singer, you know, he was producer too, also the one making his videos script and bringing the ideas behind the camera. All in one, when I'm listening this , I realize we lost a talent. Thinking about this Doctor that give him that high dose of medication during his last WORLD TOUR, and I'm wondering why?? 😭He is gone with his unique talent, mind, knowledge for ever... [I was a boy in the 90s watching his movies and listening to his music,dreaming one day to see ,him but unfortunately. He will be remember for ever!]

[@matse2627]

my mouth is so dry cause I couldn't get my jaw back up the whole vid. this was this first song as a kid I really fell in love with

[@kyleplatz3751]

You gotta do Stranger in Moscow. Perhaps MJ's most lyrically and emotionally compelling, not to mention personal track. My favorite. Also, the beat is really his heartbeat and beatboxing combined.

[@rolfedrengen]

It's a really interesting track that stands out for many reaons. A thing that puzzles me to this day is the bad intonation. I mean, he/they perfected every track in any way, and here's a vocal track with false notes..?

[@vegetable4247]

He's dancing with his voice 1000 thanks for your share Super work!

[@allwhitebaba]

MJ's voice is so pure and angelic, it makes me wanna cry.

[@mikanyyssis]

This video was too short of a dissection. I could watch this for two hours straight and get awed by how amazing this is!!

[@polonavarro6177]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1118">18:38</a>. Got me goosebumps.!!! That voice!!

[@polypedagog]

I've watched it 3 times already, that's perfect, so many details! For now it's clearer, why MJJ's songs make such an impression. And along with dancing it's kinda magic = neurophysiological effect! Thank you for all these videos with his music, that's fantastic 💯

[@antirickroll6895]

I can't help to watched it 2 times 😂. I know this arrangement is out of the world

[@thirdmanzither9605]

It’s fascinating that the string parts are played almost delicately in spite of the extremely intense rhythm tracks. This is a masterclass in not only MJ’s genius but Quincy’s production genius, etc etc

[@Junkwave_]

Michael Jackson did absolutely nothing but sing the drivel others wrote. Stop it.

[@Junkwave_]

The producers are the geniuses, Michael had a great voice, but his talent lies only in his voice.

[@richardkovacs2006]

@@Junkwave_ dude, educate yourself. Mjs home demos are on yt, you must be an idiot to believe listening to those, that MJ was just a singer... In fact MJ and his 3 member team he worked with at Hayvenhurst did 99% of the Bad album... Check out interviews on MJ cast, where his former team members talk about how. Q actually took, literally took MJs private studio work and just put his name on it.

[@KariKauree]

@@Junkwave_ What are you talking about? Surely you know that he wrote tons of songs?

[@SeldomPooper]

@@Junkwave_ Boo hoo. Another immature prince or beatles fan. Keep telling that to yourself. :D

[@CmdrSkullcrush]

Without detailed breakdowns like this I feel the hard work, sweat and tears of many musicians goes under-appreciated, because people only perceive the end product and while they may enjoy it, they never experience the countless layers within, constituting the raw and pure talent and astonishing genius of an artist like Michael Jackson most certainly was. Thank you Chris for this analysis and thank you to the copyright owners for the license!

[@flyleelee5351]

I don't think Michael thought about half of this ..it's just innate soul, talent, genius and greatness.

[@Junkwave_]

Please explain what Michael did other than sing words other people wrote?

[@DanK123]

Absolutely correct. Almost everybody takes a song for granted, not having any clue about the complexity in production. Spot on. This stuff is GENIUS. Truly genius.

[@DanK123]

@@Junkwave_ troll

[@AbrahamsAnt]

@@Junkwave_ He wrote a lot of his best/most popular songs, was involved in every aspect of the production of his albums, he co-choreographed his dance performances and came up with most of the original ideas. He was the best and probably most influential dancer of the 20. Century. (Nijinsky might be close second..) He was so good technically as a dancer that he made the classically trained, professional dancers that were on stage with him look like clumsy teens first time on a dance floor on prom night. His movements - in his best performances - were so perfectly executed that it almost looked unreal and animated. He had a natural elegance and accuracy that no other dancer ever had. In addition to all that: he was as good as a singer as he was as a dancer. Unbelievably versatile and could get every emotion across. He could sing everything. Perfectly. The ONLY songs that I wouldn’t recommend anybody who participates in these competitions on TV to EVER sing are MJ songs. There is just NO WAY you can make it sound remotely decent, when everyone has heard Michael Jackson sing the song before. I could carry on, but I think that’s enough for the moment. I on the other hand always wonder why this southern hillbilly icon who really just sang other peoples stuff and imitated black artists (with a little Dean Martin mixed in) throughout his career is called “King of Rock’n’Roll”. That’s a mystery to me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@CCJD]

I hate the greedy copyright bs! MJ was a legend! He was and miss understood! He had it all! What a technical man!😊 Free all MJ MUSIC SO PEOPLE CAN LEARN!

[@m0m065]

Subscribed! Woah, that low synth melody that you isolate at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="771">12:51</a> is IDENTICAL to the strings at the beginning of “Who Is It”, and I feel like we just discovered an MJ Easter egg hidden in a multitrack! Amazing work!

[@maheshsuradkar]

As a *who is it legit* fan i agree with you.. its an easter egg.... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CaptainsChannel58]

100% the same! crazy

[@anouchka_d]

It's so great ❤❤

[@44krazzy]

Its fking crazy what MJ was doing with the sounds in late 80's.. so ahead of time. Smooth Criminal is a bloody world in itself..its like travelling into Michael heart and realizing its a infinite ocean of dance, beats, vocal soul...its mindblowing fk

[@wmsdth]

your reaction at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1326">22:06</a> describes it all! this was AMAZING. yes Michael Jackson was truly a whole instrument himself. His ability to use his voice is unmatched. A true genius. Thank you for these 33 amazing minutes!!!ù

[@carlosbarrera6865]

Musical genius, long live the king!!!

[@lordlatt535]

I never thought my eyes would ever see an actual session with Michael Jackson vocals. This is amazing. 😍😍😍

[@flyingisland7583]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1936">32:16</a> hearing MJ’s noises between phrases makes my day. Thanks

[@dancingwheels8494]

“He’s dancing with his voice.” 💙!

[@GPWWORLDWIDE]

That man was and will always be the UNDISPUTED GOAT

[@JimDaneker]

Oh my word this is INVALUABLE!! I'm actually working on an arrangement of this song for a huge 80s production called Arcade Orchestra - and hearing all these little parts in detail is incredibly helpful. Nice to hear confirmation I'm getting it all right for the most part! Some of those little intricate details get lost in the mix, but they are crucial - so thank you so much for doing this!

[@davidfreeman8574]

Phenomenal. Your breakdown and Michael’s song both. Amazing!!

[@jim_bocho]

Smooth Criminal, together with Dirty Diana, has always been my favourite from MJ. Having the opportunity to have such a detailed look into the track is so cool!

[@EsQuizzyMusic]

Chris I can’t tell you how much I feel privileged for being allowed to see and hear and be inspired by these tracks and your enthusiasm! Please do not say sorry for not being allowed to play longer sections at once. I totally appreciate this. =)

[@SeanofAllTrades]

I met Bruce Swedien in college. He did a talk at my school - he said that they sometimes had a 2nd mic in the room to capture Michael's "movement" sounds. Basically, he would dance while he was singing and they'd use the 2nd mic to get these percussive movement sounds. I'm not sure if that's what the 2nd mic here is used for, but it's possible that was the intent.

[@kristuti1]

What else did he say?

[@betsareoff]

This is pure gold. Thx for doing these videos. They illustrate just how brilliant Michael Jackson was as an arranger and vocalist. The best.

[@mick0905]

If it wasn't for your videos I'd never have appreciated just how good Michael Jackson really was. I knew he was good but didnt realise just how good.

[@mrbouncelol]

If you grew up listening to Michael like most of us then when you listen back as an older and more critical singer you realise how much distortion he was actually using, a lot of the time. It's actually ridiculous that he had the stamina to sing with the harshness and switch back to clean singing until he passed, and probably would have kept going for years.

[@Iutub0ne_Censore]

sadly, i think not enough stamina...i think was really NOT easy to be, and to do MJ for decades. pls excuse my eng

[@roxrr4778]

He was a genius..he is the only singer that i felt so bad when he died..i dont think im gonna see another one like him in my lifetime

[@Tony_EZero_Proxy]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="347">5:47</a> - this phrase... "then you add this stuff in". It was so smooth and clear, my hands in goosebumps.

[@EmceeLamaj]

Years later, to be able to dissect an MJ arrangement is beyond incredible! I helps me as a producer hear the music differently. I hadn't grown up playing instruments, but beatboxing. Hearing different sounds the longer you listen to a song makes you fall in love with a song all over again. From the percussion, to the strings, to Michael using his heel stomps, snaps, breathing techniques, and emotion, IS BEAUTIFU'NOMENAL!!

[@DonLee1980]

MJ is a music genious, and his vocal performance as well as his musical sense is highly underrated. Most don't even know that he wrote most of his biggest hits

[@nonibaggyo7636]

I have always loved Michael....and he is still making my heart melt with these kinds of videos. He will always live.❤❤❤❤

[@AmericanNope]

You remind me that some of MJs music will be listened to for centuries. When you dig deep you realize this was a symphony not just a song.

[@Echo-Head]

For the original 1987 release of this album they experimented with binaural effects on several tracks (which was removed from later versions), Smooth Criminal being one of them, so that might explain the double vocal tracks you were wondering about.

[@thepeterhallin]

Yes, exactly. It has probably to do with Bruce Swediens "Acusonic" recording process, where he tended to record sources with more than one microphone.

[@sambroxguitar]

Yes, Bruce Swedien recorded everything with two mics. Jackson’s vocals were recorded on two SM7s on Thriller and Bad

[@thepeterhallin]

@@sambroxguitar Right, but, don't you mean SM7s? That's what I've heard.

[@sambroxguitar]

@@thepeterhallin ahhh sorry, you’re right! I remembered incorrectly! I’ve edited the original comment. Thanks

[@Snyper1405]

In the "original" (1987) recording which was sold as a (single) there was the ~double bass drum kick~ intro before Michael starts to sing, that was later removed and it's the version that's been released for decades, not to mention other obvious sounds that differ from the original (The album version) is very different from the music video/short film, but it's still a masterpiece nevertheless. 👊🏾✨️💖🎭💯🎶

[@sherixxn1420]

Omg you dont understand how terrific this video is for me, thank you so much. I listen to MJ songs and I play them over and over again and try to focus on different aspects each time and always notice something new. He never fails to engage me actively in his musicianship whilst also enjoying the fruits of his musical endeavours. Seeing your sheer joy and excitement in uncovering each layer and how they all work together and picking up in certain parts that I've focused on before. Ah man MJ is just such a musician's musician and you can always learn so much from those who worked with him as well as the man and his music itself. I especially enjoyed the way you spoke about the versatility of his voice. His ability to manipulate his voice and still sound so full bodied and clear has always been so fascinating to me as I sing myself. The unique tongue placements and his way of emphasising certain words...he was a maestro in so many areas. Truly a gem of a musician. Thank you so much for this video and your analysis, I really enjoyed every aspect!

[@miguel4063]

Wow! This is so incredible! It's like going backstage and experiencing his raw talents live beside him. Thank you so much for this fresh view of this material. I love MJ and respect him even more after this. Hands down the best vocalist and entertainer that has ever lived.

[@MrSupadave13]

MJ was and still is the best vocalist to ever grace the microphone. Thank you for these breakdowns.

[@jettsom]

This is truly incredible. This is like entering MJ soul. His whole body and voice are 100% into it.

[@dambajam]

I totally believe you

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

Okay, I had to go back and listen to several parts of this numerous times. He sounds incredible on the recording, but you get a real sense of how damn mind blowing his performance is when it's soloed. On the production side, I *love* percussive vocals with really well captured consonants that go right up to the edge of popping the mic capsule but stay clean. I love doing that in my own tracks. But the thing that just completely blows me away is that he would perform all this stuff live *while pulling off dance moves unlike anyone else.* My god, his cardio, his breath control, his stamina were out of this world.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

You get minor pops sometimes and they show up in some of the biggest recordings ever (go listen closely to Kiss From a Rose, for example) -- but in those cases, as here, they don't detract from the performance. Interesting!

[@DenSvartaStjarnan]

He did use lip sync live, at least later in his career.

[@DIGGY_DUBAI]

Chris you are an amazing teacher. As a Grammy Winning Arranger I had the pleasure of playing on the History album, "Hold On Me" which wind up being a promo. And as you described his percussive moves so did I, and I was just like you I was like wow all this from this man just from his body and voice so inspiring!!!!

[@Junkwave_]

You sound like a vegan.

[@globalcitizenn]

Was “Hold on me” an unreleased song?

[@4EPHYXA]

Omg! Nkrdbl! Tears of happiness in my eyes!!! Thx

[@deceiver444]

The musicianship level is off the charts here. So is absolutely everything else. Songwriting, arrangements, sound engineering and off course Michael's unreal vocal delivery. Thanx so so much for sharing this.

[@Bow503]

THIS I S SO ICONINC WOOW this deserves even more time ... PEOPLE THIS IS TREASURE master classs

[@simonjonsson6926]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1710">28:30</a> Started laughing hysterically at all the wooouuw! Just kept imagining there was a wasp or something in the studio.

[@beanbaguk]

I'm listening in awe. MJ was truly the King of Pop and incredible to listen to. I was fortunate enough to see him twice in concert. This breakdown is incredible.

[@RockyVegaTV]

My all time favorite song and music video. It's an absolute masterpiece. Never knew it was THIS complex but, honestly I'm not surprised. Michael was truly a gift to humanity in so many ways. 💛

[@kowloonbroadcast]

The final part of strings arrangement overview definitely shows that “Who Is it” very likely has originated from “Smooth Criminal”, but the strings (almost the exact same part) are emphasized as one of the main parts of the song there. Now that’s the insight right there! Chris, thanks for the whole MJ series once again, you’re the man!

[@jarradhurley4866]

Michael Jackson was a living instrument. His dance songs really became a revolving and rolling wave of rhythm propelled by his vocals that built up into a auditory orgasm. I pity those who dont see the greatness of Michael Jackson.

[@jackomatic]

your enthusiams is very contagious!

[@chrisliepe]

Thank you so much jack!

[@muratgurelmusic]

A truly incredible artist, then and now

[@eazlacfam]

This is one of the most mind-blowing videos I’ve seen in a while. I’m a absolutely stunned. Thanks for reviving the magic of MJ along and demonstrating the genius of the production.

[@jamesbookert]

this is literally the best thing I have ever seen

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for watching!

[@mcpheejesus5945]

Anybody & everybody who had anything to do with this song is a plumb genius. Bravo MJ, Quincy Jones, all musicians, background vocalists, handclappers, mixers, just everyone! Why do I cry each time I hear Mike's raw vocals? Close your eyes, listen, and relish the wondrous moments as you listen carefully to Mike's voice, folks. Lord knows, I miss him dearly. Thanks for sharing this & for your brilliant analysis, Chris! <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1655">27:35</a>, <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1745">29:05</a>, and <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1747">29:07</a>!

[@sj-st7et]

when I listened to the song on the radio, i never really gave much thought to it, but now that you explain it so well, i really get the feel for how much michael jackson puts into his songs. I really thought it was maybe 8 tracks total, but this is just insane.

[@boombagoose]

A musical genius he really was. Like all geniuses, the world could never keep up with the madness that is in their minds and they end up being lonely and living in their own twisted world. Then they all leave this world early…it’s sad.

[@geovannyloaisiga8765]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="697">11:37</a> amazing synth

[@scarsinapansy]

Michael is a genius! All this sounds make me sooo happy especially because this is one of my fave songs and the reason is bcuz of how he plays so much with his voice going from high to low, from whispering to screaming. Is amazing!