The King of Pop's Percussive Masterpiece
Smooth Criminal is one of Michael Jackson's most defining tracks from the 1987 album Bad. Unlike a standard pop song that relies on sustained melody, this track is all about rhythm, staccato phrasing, and aggression. The vocal line mimics the driving bassline, requiring the singer to act almost like a percussion instrument.
To sing this well, you need exceptional breath control and the ability to maintain a gritty, urgent tone without damaging your vocal cords. It’s a workout for your diaphragm and your diction. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Slur the Words
Precision is key. Our analysis shows users lose points by slurring "As he came into the window." Each syllable must be distinct and sharp. Think of spitting the words out gently.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:15)
The song starts in A Minor. The verses are sung in a lower, almost whispered chest voice that builds in intensity. The key here is "compressed breath." You want to sound breathless and panicked, but you actually need a steady stream of air to support the rapid-fire lyrics.
The Trap: Many singers run out of breath before the line ends. Practice taking quick "sips" of air at the punctuation marks in the lyrics rather than big gasps.
Phase 2: The Hook (1:15 - 2:00)
The repetitive "Annie are you ok?" section is hypnotic. The difficulty lies in the dynamics. You shouldn't sing every "Annie" at the same volume. Start slightly softer and build the aggression.
- Rhythmic Precision: You must lock in with the snare drum. If you drag, the energy dies.
- Tone: Use a "twangy" placement (nasal resonance) to get that piercing MJ sound without straining your throat.
- The Glottal Stop: MJ uses a "hiccup" sound (a sudden stop of airflow) to add emotion. Use this sparingly to accent the beat.
Phase 3: The Belting & Ad-libs (2:40 - End)
As the song progresses, MJ moves higher into his range, hitting sustained C5s in the mix. The iconic "Dad gone it!" and other ad-libs require high energy.
To hit these high notes safely, lean into your body support (engage your abs) and keep the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face). Do not yell from your throat; the grit comes from compression, not volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody hits a C5 in chest/mix voice. However, the background harmonies and ad-libs often reach higher into the fifth octave.
Use vocal fry and compression carefully. It's about constricting the airflow slightly to create turbulence, not grinding your vocal cords together. Singing Coach AI can monitor your strain levels.
Slow the track down in the app to 75% speed. Master the articulation of "Then you ran into the bedroom / You were struck down" slowly, then gradually speed it up.
