In the Closet


"In the Closet" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on April 9, 1992 as the third single from his eighth album, Dangerous. The song was 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. The song re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 20 in 2006.

Song information

The song, written and composed by Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley, is about keeping a relationship secret between lovers. "In the closet" is an English idiom used when one is not open about an aspect of their life, particularly in regard to sexual orientation. Despite the song's suggestive name its lyrics do not allude to hidden sexual orientation but rather a concealed relationship; "Don't hide our love / Woman to man." The New York Times stated, "Only Jackson would use that title for a heterosexual love song..." The song's female vocal was originally labeled "Mystery Girl" but was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.

Critical reception

wrote that this song is fine and there's a lot to be said for professional craftsmanship at its peak and he highlighted it. Robert Christgau praised and described: "he's hawking the most credible sex-and-romance of his career. "In the Closet" implores his mystery woman to keep their—get this--"lust" behind closed doors. Soon he's going wild, or fabricating desperate nostalgia for their used-to-be." Alan Light of Rolling Stone called this song: repressed lust in the titillatingly titled " and he wrote that this song has a "snaky, unexpected bridge."

Collaboration with Madonna

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

Music video

The sepia colored music video was directed by Herb Ritts and features Jackson performing sensual dance routines with supermodel Naomi Campbell. The spoken vocals by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco were re-recorded by Campbell for the video. The short film was shot in late March 1992 in Salton Sea, California and premiered on April 23, 1992.

Formats and track listings

In the Closet
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:49
  2. "In the Closet" – 8:00
  3. "In the Closet" – 5:32
  4. "In the Closet" – 7:53
  5. "In the Closet" – 6:55
  6. "In the Closet" – 7:18
In the Closet
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:07
  2. "In the Closet" – 5:34
  3. "In the Closet" – 7:20
  4. "In the Closet" – 4:49
  5. "Remember The Time" – 5:06
In the Closet
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:37 '
  2. "In the Closet" – 4:49
  3. "In the Closet" – 4:28
  4. "In the Closet" – 7:17 '
  5. "In the Closet" – 7:08 '
  6. "In the Closet" – 6:34 '
  7. "In the Closet" – 9:26
In the Closet: Mixes Behind Door #1
  1. "In the Closet" – 8:03
  2. "In the Closet" – 5:40
  3. "In the Closet" – 6:42
  4. "In the Closet" – 7:17
In the Closet: Mixes Behind Door #2
  1. "In the Closet" – 9:27
  2. "In the Closet" – 6:35
  3. "In the Closet" – 7:41
  4. "In the Closet" – 6:27
In the Closet: Mixes Behind Door #3
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:11
  2. "In the Closet" – 7:09
  3. "In the Closet" – 7:26
  4. "In the Closet" – 4:53
  5. "Remember The Time" – 5:06
In the Closet
;CD side
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:47
  2. "In the Closet" – 8:02
;DVD side
  1. "In the Closet" – 6:02
In the Closet
CD side
  1. "In the Closet" – 4:47
  2. "In the Closet" – 8:02
DVD side
  1. "In the Closet" – 6:02

    Charts

Weekly charts

Chart Peak
position

Year-end charts

Certifications