Michael Jackson's Beat It: A Multitrack Revolution in Music Production
Michael Jackson - Beat It (Multitrack)
Michael Jackson's Beat It is one of the most iconic songs in pop history. Released in 1983 as the third single from his album Thriller, it became a worldwide hit and a cultural phenomenon. But what makes this song so special and memorable? How did Michael Jackson and his team create such a masterpiece? And what impact did it have on music and society?
Michael Jackson - Beat It (Multitrack)
In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind Beat It, focusing on its multitrack recording process. We will learn how multitrack recording works, how it was used to create Beat It, and how it contributed to the song's success and legacy. We will also look at some of the challenges and innovations that went into making this song, such as the guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, the mixing and mastering techniques, and the cultural and social significance of the song.
If you are a fan of Michael Jackson, or if you are interested in learning more about multitrack recording and its applications, this article is for you. Let's dive in!
Introduction
What is a multitrack recording?
A multitrack recording is a method of recording sound that allows for separate recording of multiple sound sources or sound channels. This means that each instrument or vocal can be recorded individually on a separate track, and then mixed together later to create the final sound.
Multitrack recording has many advantages over single-track or stereo recording. For example, it allows for more control over the balance, volume, panning, equalization, effects, and editing of each track. It also enables more creativity and experimentation with different arrangements, overdubs, harmonies, and sound layers. Multitrack recording can also improve the quality and clarity of the sound by reducing noise and distortion.
Multitrack recording was first developed in the 1950s by Les Paul, an American guitarist and inventor. He used a modified tape recorder that could record four tracks on one tape. Later, multitrack recording technology evolved to use magnetic tape with eight, 16, 24, or more tracks. Today, digital multitrack recording is widely used in studios and home studios, using computers, software, audio interfaces, and digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Why is Beat It a classic example of multitrack recording?
Beat It is a classic example of multitrack recording because it showcases how multitrack recording can be used to create a complex, rich, and powerful sound that combines different musical elements and genres. Beat It is a fusion of rock, pop, funk, R&B, and dance music, featuring various instruments such as drums, bass, keyboards, synthesizers, electric guitars, horns, percussion, and vocals.
To create this song, Michael Jackson and his producer Quincy Jones used a 24-track tape recorder at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. They recorded each instrument and vocal separately on different tracks, and then mixed them together using an automated mixing console. They also used various effects such as reverb, delay, compression, distortion, flanging, chorus, phasing, and EQ to enhance the sound.
The result was a stunning sonic masterpiece that captured the attention and imagination of millions of listeners around the world. Beat It became one of Michael Jackson's signature songs and one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The making of Beat It
The songwriting and production process
Beat It was written by Michael Jackson himself in 1982. He said that he wanted to write a song that appealed to both black and white audiences. He also said that he was inspired by his own experience of growing up in a rough neighborhood where gangs were prevalent. He wanted to send a message of peace and non-violence through his music.
He composed the song on his synthesizer at his home studio in Encino. He then presented a demo tape to Quincy Jones, who liked it but suggested some changes. For example, he changed the original title from "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" to "Beat It", because he thought it sounded more catchy and aggressive. He also added some horns to the intro and outro sections to give them more punch.
Quincy Jones assembled a team of talented musicians to record the song with Michael Jackson. Some of them were members of Toto, a popular rock band at the time. They included Steve Lukather on guitar and bass, Jeff Porcaro on drums, Steve Porcaro on synthesizer programming, and David Paich on keyboards. They also hired Michael Boddicker to play additional synthesizers, Paulinho da Costa to play percussion, and Jerry Hey to arrange the horns.
The recording sessions took place in November 1982 at Westlake Recording Studios. Michael Jackson recorded his lead vocals in one take, and then overdubbed his own backing vocals several times to create a choir effect. He also added some vocal ad-libs such as "hoo", "hee-hee", "ow", "come on", "show 'em what you're made of", etc. He also performed some beatboxing sounds with his mouth to imitate drum sounds.
The guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen
One of the most distinctive features of Beat It is the guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist of Van Halen, a famous hard rock band. Eddie Van Halen was invited by Quincy Jones to play on the song as a favor, without any payment or credit. He agreed to do it because he was a fan of Michael Jackson's music.
Eddie Van Halen arrived at Westlake Recording Studios without knowing what song he was going to play on. He met Michael Jackson for the first time, who thanked him for coming and told him to do whatever he wanted. He then listened to the song once, and improvised his solo on the spot. He played with such intensity and speed that he broke two strings on his guitar during his performance.
His solo lasted for about 20 seconds, and it added a new dimension of energy and excitement to the song. It also bridged the gap between rock and pop music, and inspired many other guitarists to emulate his style.
The mixing and mastering techniques
The mixing and mastering of Beat It were done by Bruce Swedien, a renowned engineer who worked closely with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson on many projects. He used an SSL 4000 G Series console to mix the 24 tracks down to two stereo tracks. He also used various outboard gear such as compressors, limiters, equalizers, and reverbs to fine-tune the sound.
One of his techniques was to use parallel compression on Michael Jackson's vocals. This means that he duplicated his vocal track and compressed one copy heavily while leaving the other copy uncompressed. He then blended them together to create a vocal sound that was both loud and dynamic.
Another technique he used was to add artificial ambience to some tracks to create a sense of space and depth. For example, he added some reverb to Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo to make it sound bigger and more epic.
He also paid attention to details such as panning, balance, and stereo imaging to create a clear and wide soundstage.
The impact of Beat It
The cultural and social significance of the song
Beat It had a huge impact on culture and society in many ways. Firstly, it helped break down racial barriers in music and media. It was one of the first songs to feature both black and white musicians collaborating together on an equal footing. It also crossed over different genres such as rock, pop, funk, R&B, and dance music, appealing to diverse audiences.
Secondly