Who Is It (Michael Jackson song)

Last updated

"Who Is It"
Who Is It.jpg
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Dangerous
ReleasedJuly 13, 1992 (1992-07-13)
Recorded1989–1990 [1]
Length
  • 6:35 (album version)
  • 3:59 (7-inch edit)
  • 4:10 (7-inch edit w/ intro)
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Michael Jackson
Producer(s)
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"Jam"
(1992)
"Who Is It"
(1992)
"Heal the World"
(1992)
Music video
"Who Is It" on YouTube

Credits and personnel

Charts

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billie Jean</span> 1983 single by Michael Jackson

"Billie Jean" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from his sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones and co-produced by Jackson. "Billie Jean" blends post-disco, R&B, funk, and dance-pop. The lyrics describe a woman, Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her newborn son, which he denies. Jackson said the lyrics were based on groupies' claims about his older brothers when he toured with them as the Jackson 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'</span> 1983 single by Michael Jackson

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson recorded for his sixth studio album Thriller (1982). It is the opening track of the album and was released as its fourth single on May 9, 1983, by Epic Records. It was written and co-produced by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. The lyrics pertain to strangers spreading rumors to start an argument for no good reason. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" evokes the disco sound of Jackson's previous studio album, Off the Wall, released in 1979. The song is characterized by a complex rhythm arrangement and a distinctive horn arrangement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thriller (song)</span> 1983 single by Michael Jackson

"Thriller" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records in November 1983 in the UK and on January 23, 1984, in the US, as the seventh and final single from his sixth studio album, Thriller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Be There (Jackson 5 song)</span> 1970 single by The Jackson 5

"I'll Be There" is the first single released from Third Album by The Jackson 5. It was written by Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad (Michael Jackson song)</span> 1987 single by Michael Jackson

"Bad" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on September 7, 1987, as the second single from his seventh studio album, Bad. The song was written and composed by Jackson, and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. It was influenced by a true story Jackson read about a young man who tried to escape poverty by attending private school but was killed upon returning home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black or White</span> 1991 single by Michael Jackson

"Black or White" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on November 11, 1991, as the first single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous (1991). Jackson wrote, composed, and produced it with Bill Bottrell. Epic Records described it as "a rock 'n' roll dance song about racial harmony".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock with You</span> 1979 single by Michael Jackson

"Rock with You" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. It was first offered to Karen Carpenter, while she was working on her first solo album, but she turned it down. It was released in October 1979, by Epic Records as the second single from Jackson's fifth solo studio album Off the Wall (1979). It was also the third number-one hit of the 1980s, a decade in which the pop singles chart would quickly be dominated by Jackson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run to You (Whitney Houston song)</span> 1993 single by Whitney Houston

"Run to You" is a song performed by American singer and actress Whitney Houston, released on June 21, 1993, by Arista Records as the fourth single from The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992). It was written by Jud Friedman and Allan Rich, and produced by David Foster. Originally intended to be a break-up song, it was approved by the production and stars. However, a month later, the director of The Bodyguard called, saying he liked the song so much, but he'd rather have it to be a love song so the entire song was rewritten, except for the title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Way You Make Me Feel</span> 1987 single by Michael Jackson

"The Way You Make Me Feel" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on November 9, 1987, as the third single from his seventh studio album, Bad. It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones and Jackson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remember the Time</span> 1992 single by Michael Jackson

"Remember the Time" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on January 14, 1992, as the second single from Jackson's eighth studio album, Dangerous (1991). The song was written and composed by Teddy Riley, Jackson and Bernard Belle, and produced by Riley and Jackson. The song's lyrics are written about remembering having fallen in love with someone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In the Closet</span> 1992 single by Michael Jackson

"In the Closet" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released on April 9, 1992, as the third single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991). The song was intended as a duet between Jackson and Madonna, and features female vocals by "Mystery Girl", who was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Written and produced by Jackson and Teddy Riley, it became the album's third consecutive top ten pop single, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also became its second number one R&B single. In Europe, the song peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart, while reaching number one in Greece and number two in both Italy and Spain. In 2006, the song re-entered the UK chart, peaking at number 20. Its accompanying music video was directed by Herb Ritts and features supermodel Naomi Campbell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Rock My World</span> 2001 single by Michael Jackson

"You Rock My World" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson from his tenth and final studio album, Invincible (2001). It was released as the lead single from the album on August 22, 2001, by Epic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Jackson singles discography</span>

This is the singles discography of American singer Janet Jackson. Janet has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Billboard ranked her as well as the third greatest female artist of all time on Billboard Hot 100 history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Jackson singles discography</span>

American singer Michael Jackson released 67 singles as a lead artist, and 10 as a featured artist. One of the best-selling artists of all time, his album and single sales as of 2013 stood at 400 million. In the United States, Jackson amassed 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and was the first artist to have a top-ten single in the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades. In 2012, Jackson was ranked the fifth best selling singles artist in the United Kingdom with 15.3 million singles sold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heal the World</span> 1992 single by Michael Jackson

"Heal the World" is a song recorded by American singer Michael Jackson from his eighth studio album, Dangerous (1991). It was released on November 23, 1992 by Epic Records as the sixth single from the album. It was written and composed by Jackson, and produced by Jackson and Bruce Swedien. It is a song steeped with antiwar lyrics and Jackson's wish for humanity of making the world a better place. The music video for the song was directed by Joe Pytka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will You Be There</span> 1993 single by Michael Jackson

"Will You Be There" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson which was released on June 28, 1993 by Epic Records as the eighth single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous (1991). Jackson wrote and produced the song with additional production from Bruce Swedien. Originally debuted at MTV's 10th anniversary special, the song gained recognition over a year and a half later due to its appearance on the soundtrack to the 1993 film Free Willy of which it is the main theme. With the album version clocking in at seven minutes and 41 seconds, it is the longest song in Michael Jackson's solo discography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jam (Michael Jackson song)</span> 1992 single by Michael Jackson

"Jam" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released in July 1992 by Epic as the fourth single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991), where it is the opening track. It also appears as the second track on his 2009 This Is It compilation album. The single was re-released in 2006 as part of Jackson's Visionary: The Video Singles collection campaign, and it was remixed to the Cirque du Soleil's Immortal World Tour, releasing that remix on the soundtrack album. "Jam" is a new jack swing song whose bridge features a rap verse performed by Heavy D. The music video of the song featured NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan. The song was also featured on the Chicago Bulls 's 1992 NBA Championship video "Untouchabulls" and was also used in many promotional ads of the NBA in the said season. The single peaked at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song re-entered the UK Singles Chart in 2006, reaching number 22.

<i>Dangerous</i> (Michael Jackson album) 1991 studio album by Michael Jackson

Dangerous is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on November 26, 1991, more than four years after Jackson's previous album, Bad (1987). Co-produced by Jackson, Bill Bottrell, Teddy Riley, and Bruce Swedien, the album was Jackson's first since Forever, Michael (1975) without longtime collaborator Quincy Jones. Guest appearances include Heavy D, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Slash and Wreckx-n-Effect. The album incorporates R&B, pop and new jack swing, a growing genre at the time. Elements of industrial, funk, hip hop, electronic, gospel, classical and rock are also present. Twelve of the album's fourteen songs were written or co-written by Jackson, discussing topics like racism, poverty, romance, self-improvement, and the welfare of children and the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Here (SWV song)</span> 1992 single by SWV

"Right Here" is the debut single of American R&B girl group SWV, released on August 20, 1992 by RCA Records, as the lead single from their debut album, It's About Time (1992). The song was written by Brian Alexander Morgan, who also produced it. A remixed version, referred to as "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)" and based around a feature of Michael Jackson's 1982 song "Human Nature", was released in July 1993, and charted on the US Billboard charts as a double-A-side with "Downtown". This version, produced by Teddy Riley, became a number-one R&B single, selling 1,000,000 copies and earning a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It was also a number-one hit in Zimbabwe. The music video for the song was directed by Lionel C. Martin, featuring SWV riding horses and fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alan Jackson singles discography</span>

Alan Jackson is an American country music artist. The first artist signed to Arista Nashville Records, he was with them from 1989 to 2011. He has released 15 studio albums, two Christmas albums, 10 compilations, and a tribute album for the label, as well as 68 singles.

References

  1. 1 2 Lecocq, Richard; Allard, François (2018). Michael Jackson All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. London, England: Cassell. ISBN   978-1-78840-057-2.
  2. Golding, Shenequa (March 15, 2016). "Watch As Michael Jackson Leaves Oprah Winfrey Mesmerized with His Beatbox". Vibe . Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 Dangerous (Media notes). Epic Records. 1991.
  4. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . July 11, 1992. p. 19.
  5. Lacy, Chris (November 21, 2016). "Tribute: Celebrating 25 Years of Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'". Albumism. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  6. Flick, Larry (March 20, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 105, no. 12. p. 82. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  7. Willman, Chris (November 24, 1991). "Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  8. Pareles, Jon (November 24, 1991). "RECORDINGS VIEW; Michael Jackson in the Electronic Wilderness". The New York Times . p. 2. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  9. Light, Alan (January 1, 1992). "Michael Jackson – Dangerous". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 8, 2013.
  10. Bernstein, Jonathan (February 1992). "Michael Jackson – Dangerous – Epic". Spin . Vol. 7, no. 11. p. 66. ISSN   0006-2510.
  11. 1 2 "Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  12. 1 2 "Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Michael Jackson Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  14. "Official Singles Chart Top 75: 19 July 1992 – 25 July 1992". Official Charts Company . Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  16. "Michael Jackson". Official Charts Company . Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  17. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  18. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  19. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  20. 1 2 3 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  21. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  22. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". Singles Top 100. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  23. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". VG-lista. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  24. 1 2 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  25. Bruno, Antony (July 2, 2009). "Michael Jackson Music Sales Surge Could Last for Months". Billboard . Retrieved February 27, 2010.
  26. Halstead 2007, p. 358.
  27. "Michael Jackson – Who Is It (Compliation Video)". YouTube . October 3, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Michael Jackson – Who Is It" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  29. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1713." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  30. "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 0983." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Lwin, Nanda (2000). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. p. 142. ISBN   1-896594-13-1.
  32. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 33. August 15, 1992. p. 17. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  33. "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 34. August 22, 1992. p. 24. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  34. "Michael Jackson – Who Is It" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  35. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 40. October 3, 1992. p. 26. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  36. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Who Is It". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  37. "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved May 29, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Michael Jackson".
  38. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 31, 1992" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  39. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  40. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . July 25, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  41. "Michael Jackson Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  42. "Michael Jackson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  43. "Michael Jackson Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  44. "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles – Week ending MAY 22, 1993". Cash Box . Archived from the original on October 10, 2012.
  45. "Michael Jackson – Who Is It". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  46. "Jaaroverzichten 1992" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  47. "1992 Year-End Sales Charts > Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 51/52. December 19, 1992. p. 17. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  48. "Jahrescharts – 1992". Offiziellecharts.de (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015.
  49. "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1993". RPM . Vol. 58, no. 23. December 18, 1993. Retrieved October 1, 2018 via Library and Archives Canada.
  50. "Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 1993". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
Bibliography