In the Closet

Single infobox
Name = In the Closet


Artist = Michael Jackson
from Album = Dangerous
Released = May 1992
Format = CD single
Recorded = 1990/91
Genre = Pop/New jack swing/Soul
Length = 6:31
Label = Epic Records
Writer = Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Producer = Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Reviews =
Last single = "Remember the Time"
(1992)
This single = "In the Closet"
(1992)
Next single = "Who Is It"
(1992)
Misc = Extra chronology
Artist = Michael Jackson's ""
Background = khaki
Last single = "Remember the Time"
(2006)
This single = "In the Closet"
(2006)
Next single = "Jam"
(2006)Extra tracklisting
Album = Dangerous
Type = studio
prev_track = "Why You Wanna Trip on Me"
prev_no = 2
this_track = "In the Closet"
track_no = 3
next_track = "She Drives Me Wild"
next_no = 4

"In the Closet" is a song by American rock, R&B and pop singer Michael Jackson from his 1991 album "Dangerous". The song became that album's second number one R&B single and its third top ten pop single, hitting number six on the "Billboard" Hot 100.

ong information

The song, written by Jackson and Teddy Riley, is about keeping a relationship between secret lovers. It was also Jackson's effort to silence critics who questioned his sexuality [which is ironic, since 'In the closet' is a common term for homosexuals who do not publicise their sexuality] . In an attempt to squelch the rumors, the video, directed by Herb Ritts, features Jackson performing sensual and physically complicated dance technqiques with model Naomi Campbell. The song's female vocal was originally labeled "Mystery Girl" but was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Campbell sings the lyrics for the music video.

The song, with its heavy industrial-sounding percussion and uptempo arrangement, is typical of producer Teddy Riley's new jack swing style. The unique, Eastern-influenced backing vocals, crescendoing middle eight imbue the song with an erotic edge usually missing from Jackson's music. His vocals are whispered and subdued for most of the song, embellished with gasps and shudders. It is generally considered one of his most provocative singles with lyrics that include "If its aching you have to rub it". Only in the chorus is his typically soulful falsetto given free rein.

Collaboration with Madonna

"In the Closet" was originally conceived of as a duet between Jackson and Madonna. According to a 1992 interview with British journalist Jonathan Ross, Madonna claimed she worked on some lyrical ideas for the song but when she presented them to Michael, he decided they were too provocative and she decided not to continue with the project.

Remixes

In keeping with the trend in the early 1990s, several remixes were commissioned by Jackson and released on a maxi CD. The most prolific of these remixes was "The Promise" remix by UK DJ Frankie Knuckles, which made its way into the club circuit.

Track listings

Original release

UK single

# "In the Closet" (7" edit) – 4:49
# "In the Closet" (Club Mix) – 7:53
# "In the Closet" (The Underground Mix) – 5:32
# "In the Closet" (Touch Me Dub) – 7:53
# "In the Closet" (KI's 12") – 6:55
# "In the Closet" (The Promise) – 7:18

U.S. single

# "In the Closet" (Club Edit) – 4:07
# "In the Closet" (The Underground Mix) – 5:34
# "In the Closet" (The Promise) – 7:20
# "In the Closet" (The Vow) – 4:49
# "Remember the Time" (New Jack Jazz [21] ) – 5:06

"Visionary" single

;CD side
# "In the Closet" (7" edit)
# "In the Closet" (Club Mix)

;DVD side
# "In the Closet" (Music video)

*Album version – 6:31
*7" edit – 4:47
*Radio edit – 4:29
*Video Mix – 6:05

Tommy Musto mixes

*The Underground Mix - 5:39
*The Underground Dub

Frankie Knuckles mixes

*The Mission - 9:27
*The Mission Radio Edit - 4:28
*The Mix of Life - 7:41
*The Vow - 4:53
*The Promise - 7:26
*The Reprise - 2:44

Other mixes

*Club Mix – 8:05
*Club Edit
*Touch Me Dub
*KI's 12" - 7:16
*Freestyle Mix - 6:34
*The Newark Mix - 7:07

Charts

Credits

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley
* Produced by Teddy Riley and Michael Jackson
* Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley, Jean-Marie Horvat and Dave Way
* Duet: Michael Jackson and Mystery Girl
* Solo and background vocals: Michael Jackson
* Rhythm arrangement by Teddy Riley
* Synthesizer arrangement by Teddy Riley
* Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
* Keyboards and synthesizers: Teddy Riley
* Sequencing and programming: Wayne Cobham

Trivia

A beat from this song is used for Knuckles Theme in Sonic the Hedgehog 3Fact|date=August 2008