Critical reception
Several music critics compared "Who Is It" to Jackson's 1983 single "Billie Jean". Chris Lacy from Albumism described the song as a "haunting masterpiece" that "finds Jackson teeming with rage and regret when his lover leaves him unexpectedly." [7] Larry Flick from Billboard called it a "stellar jam",adding that "minor-key synths and rigid rhythms underscore a white-knuckled vocal and a hook reminiscent of 'Billie Jean'." [8] Chris Willman of the Los Angeles Times claimed that it "recaptures some of the slinky,insinuating feel of 'Billie Jean'." [9] Jon Pareles,a writer for The New York Times ,said the song is an "imitation" of "Billie Jean". [10] Alan Light of Rolling Stone noted that unlike his previous efforts,it is about betrayal. [11] Jonathan Bernstein,a writer for Spin ,wrote that "Who Is It" was "close skin to 'Billie Jean'." [12]
Commercial reception
"Who Is It" was commercially successful worldwide,generally peaking within the top 30 positions on national music charts. The song peaked at number 14 on the United States' Billboard Hot 100 chart,while peaking at number six on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,as well as topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. [13] [14] [15] Internationally,"Who Is It" reached the top 20 in several countries. The song debuted on the United Kingdom music chart at number 12 on July 25,1992, [16] and the following week reached its peak position,number 10. [17] It remained within the top 100 positions for seven consecutive weeks from July to September 1992. [18] In France,the track peaked at number eight on August 29. [19] "Who Is It" reached its lowest peak position at number 34 in Australia. [20]
In Austria,the track debuted at its peak position,number five;the song remained within the top 30 chart positions from August to October. [21] "Who Is It" debuted in Switzerland on August 2,at number 40,and peaked at number 14 two weeks later. [22] The song debuted at number 94 in the Netherlands,and the following week moved up 60 positions,eventually peaking at number 13. [23] In Sweden,the track entered the country's music chart at its peak position,number 24 and,after four weeks,fell out of the top 50. [24] In Norway,the track debuted at its peak position,number 10 on the 30th week of 1992;the song charted at its peak position for two weeks before falling off the chart. [25] The song also peaked at number 16 in New Zealand. [26] After Jackson's death in June 2009,his music experienced a surge in popularity. [27] "Who Is It" re-entered the Switzerland music charts for the first time in over 17 years,hitting number 49 on July 12,2009. [22]
