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"Is It Scary"
European promo CD single
Promotional single by Michael Jackson
from the album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
B-side"Off the Wall" (Junior Vasquez remix)
ReleasedSeptember 7, 1997 (1997-09-07)
Recorded1994–1995[1]
Genre
Length
  • 5:35 (album version)
  • 4:11 (radio edit)
LabelEpic
Songwriters
Producers
  • Michael Jackson
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"HIStory" / "Ghosts"
(1997) 		"Is It Scary"
(1997) 		"Smile"
(1997)
Licensed audio
"Is It Scary" on YouTube

"Is It Scary" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. The song was written in 1994 during sessions for Jackson's 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, but it was not included on the album. It was later released on Jackson's 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. "Is It Scary" was written and produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

"Is It Scary" received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Musically, the song was viewed by music critics as showing a "darker side" of Jackson, and compared the song's composition to the music of Marilyn Manson. In November 1997, a radio edit version of the song was released as a promotional single in the Netherlands, while promo singles containing remixes were released in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Background

[edit]

The song was among those considered for inclusion on Jackson's 1995 double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, but it was not chosen as it did not complement the other tracks on the album.[4] Jackson subsequently re-recorded the song for his 1996 short film Ghosts. Jackson, Harris and Lewis were given producing credit for the song on Blood on the Dance Floor.[5]

A remix of "Is It Scary", called "DJ Greek's Scary Mix", was included on a three-track 'minimax' CD single that was released as part of the Ghosts Deluxe Collector Box Set. Remixes of "Is It Scary" were also included on Jackson's cancelled single "Smile". The radio edit for "Is It Scary" was later included on the third disc of the deluxe edition of Jackson's greatest hits album King of Pop in 2008 in the United Kingdom.[6] "Is It Scary" was also featured on the deluxe edition of King of Pop in France. Samples of "Is It Scary" and "Threatened" (from Jackson's tenth studio album Invincible) are featured in the "Thriller" segment of the concert documentary film, Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009).[7] Tommy D. also produced a remix of the song, but this mix was never officially released.

Promotion

[edit]

"Is It Scary" was never lifted as a commercial single, but it was given out to radio stations and dance clubs to promote Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. Promo CD singles containing a radio edit and 12" promos containing three remixes of the song were released to the Netherlands. The United States and the United Kingdom received 12" promo singles containing remixes of the song by Deep Dish,[8] while the UK also received 12" promos with remixes of the song by Eddie Arroyo known as "Eddie's Love Mixes". Due to lack of a full release, "Is It Scary" did not enter any music charts.

Critical reception

[edit]

"Is It Scary" received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Jim Farber, writer for the New York Daily News, commented that "Is It Scary" "boasts a few innovative sounds but no real melodies".[9] Roger Catlin of The Hartford Courant stated that "the most intriguing pairing" was "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" because Jackson "asks those who've only read about him in tabloids if he seems monstrous".[10] Anthony Violanti, a writer for The Buffalo News, remarked that Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix's songs "Superfly Sister", "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" were "programmed plastic soul that makes you wonder how someone as talented as Jackson can churn out such tracks".[11]

Jae-Ha Kim, a writer for Chicago Sun-Times, noted, that "Is It Scary" shows a "darker side of Jackson than even the tabloids would have you believe".[12] Neil Strauss, a writer for The New York Times, described "Is It Scary" as "sounding more like the ghoulish rocker Marilyn Manson than the Motown prodigy that he is".[13] A longtime commentator on Jackson's public life, J. Randy Taraborrelli, gave a retrospective analysis on Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix's critical reviews in the biography, The Magic & the Madness (2004). Taraborrelli argued that certain sections of the world took interest in tabloid stories about Jackson's personal life over his musical career.[14]

Track listings

[edit]
Promo CD single[15]
  1. "Is It Scary" (Radio Edit) – 4:11
Promo 12" single[16]
  1. "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark and Scary Remix) – 12:07
  2. "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Rub-a-Dub Mix) – 5:00
  3. "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix) – 8:00
  4. "Off the Wall" (Junior Vasquez Remix) – 4:57

Remixes

[edit]
Eddie Arroyo mixes
  • "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix) – 8:00
  • "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix Radio Edit) – 3:50
  • "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Rub-a-Dub Mix) – 4:33
  • "Is It Scary" (Downtempo Groove Mix) – 4:32
Deep Dish mixes
  • "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark & Scary Remix) – 12:07
  • "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark & Scary Radio Edit) – 4:38
  • "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Double-O-Jazz Dub) – 8:35
Chris "The Greek" Panaghi mix
  • "Is It Scary" (DJ Greek Scary Remix) – 7:11
Tommy D mix
  • "Is It Scary" (Tommy D's Death Row Mix) – 4:15

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Is It Scary

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Is It Scary" is a and gothic pop song by American . An early version was originally written in 1993 and intended for the film , before being expanded and produced by Jackson with during sessions for his 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, though it was ultimately not included on that project. The track was later remixed and released as the third and final single from Jackson's 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix on September 7, 1997, appearing as the fifth track on the album. The song's lyrics explore themes of haunted imagination, the supernatural, paranoia, and being misunderstood, often tied to the narrative of the short film Ghosts. Musically, it features operatic influences, dramatic , and a haunting atmosphere that aligns with Halloween-themed works in Jackson's , running 5:35 in its album version. "Is It Scary" is prominently featured in the 1996 short film Ghosts, directed by special effects artist and co-written by horror author and director , where Jackson stars as "The Maestro," a performer using illusions to challenge a skeptical and villagers in a spooky mansion setting. Certified by as the longest music video at 39 minutes, Ghosts integrates the song alongside tracks "2 Bad" and "Ghosts" to blend musical performance with narrative storytelling about acceptance and artistic expression. The film premiered at the 1997 and has since been recognized as a in Jackson's oeuvre, emphasizing his innovative fusion of music, , and .

Production

Background

"Is It Scary" was originally written in 1993 for the film , though the planned contribution was canceled due to contract conflicts. The track was composed by Jackson in collaboration with producers , with further development beginning in late 1994 at their Flyte Tyme Studios in during sessions for Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, which was released the following year. The song was ultimately excluded from HIStory due to concerns over its thematic fit with the album's overall narrative of personal reflection and , as well as the need to manage the project's already extensive length, which combined greatest hits with new material. Originally, "Is It Scary" was intended as the centerpiece for a project that Jackson announced in 1993 in connection with the movie . This concept later evolved into the 1996 Ghosts, for which the song was re-recorded and featured alongside other tracks.

Recording

The song "Is It Scary" was re-recorded in 1996 specifically for Michael Jackson's short film Ghosts, directed by and written by and . The re-recording built on an earlier version from 1993, developed during sessions for Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I in 1994-1995. The track was produced by , for Flyte Tyme Productions, Inc. and MJJ Productions, Inc., with recording and mixing handled at Flyte Tyme Studios in . Key personnel included recording and mixing engineer , assistant engineers Steve Durkee, Brad Yost, Ryan Arnold, Steve Baughman, and Xavier Smith, as well as programmer Joe Moskowitz; Jackson contributed vocals, vocal arrangements, and additional arrangements alongside Jam and Lewis. Recording sessions took place in 1996 during the production of the Ghosts film, which faced delays after initial concept work in the early .

Composition

Musical style

"Is It Scary" is a track infused with industrial and influences, evoking a Halloween-themed sound through its gothic and operatic elements. The song's genre classification aligns with and styles, characterized by rhythmic grooves and electronic textures that build tension. Produced by in collaboration with , it draws from the producers' signature sound, blending pop accessibility with darker, atmospheric undertones. The structure adheres to a conventional verse-chorus form, spanning a runtime of 5:35 in its full album version and 4:11 in the . It maintains a of 109 beats per minute in the key of , allowing for a mid-tempo pace that supports its brooding intensity without rushing the narrative flow. Instrumentation centers on heavy layers for melodic and harmonic foundations, programming to drive the beat, and pulsating basslines that underscore the elements. Keyboard programming by and drum programming by Jeff Taylor contribute to the track's polished, synthetic core, while additional programming by Rob Hoffman enhances the rhythmic complexity. Jackson's vocal performance features layered solo and background vocals, including ad-libs that create depth and multiplicity, arranged entirely by the artist himself. Production techniques, including vocal layering and electronic effects, amplify the eerie atmosphere, echoing the supernatural vibe of Jackson's "Thriller" era while adopting a notably darker tone. Recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios in , and Larrabee Studios in , the song's mix by emphasizes clarity in its instrumental and vocal interplay, fostering an immersive, haunting quality.

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Is It Scary" center on a confrontation with and the , employing ghosts and ghouls as metaphors for inner demons and external judgments that haunt the narrator. This thematic exploration portrays the eerie presences not merely as external threats but as reflections of personal turmoil and societal perceptions, ultimately empowering the speaker to challenge the source of dread. Key excerpts highlight this dynamic, beginning with the opening verse that evokes mounting tension: "There's a out in the hall / There's a beneath the bed / Now it's coming through the walls / Now it's coming up the stairs." This builds to the empowering chorus, where the narrator directly interrogates the listener: "Is that scary for you, baby? / Am I scary for you, boy?" These lines shift the focus from passive fear to active defiance, questioning whether the perceived monstrosity resides in rather than the observed. The narrative arc commences with verses that amplify tension through vivid descriptions of encroaching horrors—"Then there's screaming in the dark / Hear the beating of his heart"—creating a sense of inescapable pursuit. It resolves in the bridge with a revelatory twist: "You know the stranger is you," where Jackson's dispels the fear by redirecting it outward, transforming victimhood into mastery. The writing style is poetic and rhythmic, with short, punchy lines and repetitive phrasing that mimic a heartbeat or encroaching dread, influenced by Jackson's longstanding interest in horror genres as evidenced by his collaboration with on the 1982 album Thriller.) The song's lyrics also tie briefly to the narrative of Jackson's 1997 Ghosts, where similar motifs underscore themes of otherness.

Release

Promotion

"Is It Scary" was released exclusively as a promotional single on September 7, 1997, through . The track served as the third and final single from Jackson's Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, with its rollout aligning closely with ongoing promotion efforts. Promotional materials, including CD singles and 12-inch vinyl records featuring various remixes, were distributed to radio stations and clubs primarily in the , , and . Formats targeted and urban audiences, with specialized mixes such as the Deep Dish Dark & Scary remixes and Eddie's Love Mixes sent to support in those genres during late 1997. No official was produced to accompany the single, distinguishing it from prior Jackson releases. The song received further exposure through tie-ins with Jackson's multimedia projects, including screenings of the Ghosts, which prominently featured "Is It Scary" and was distributed in limited theatrical and promotional contexts starting in 1997. These efforts, combined with targeted radio campaigns, aimed to build buzz among urban and listeners without a full commercial push.

Commercial performance

Due to its status as a promotional-only release, "Is It Scary" did not achieve any official entries on major music charts worldwide. The track received limited airplay but failed to register significant positions amid the focus on other album promotions. Sales of the single were confined to a limited number of promotional units distributed to radio and club DJs, reflecting its non-commercial availability and contributing to the rarity of physical copies today. While the single itself saw minimal direct market impact, it supported the parent album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, which has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, establishing it as the best-selling in history. The track's performance was hindered by being overshadowed by the album's "Blood on the Dance Floor," which topped charts in several countries, and the absence of a commercial single release. In the decades following its 1997 debut, "Is It Scary" experienced renewed interest through digital streaming platforms. By 2025, the song had accumulated over 7 million streams on , gaining traction particularly around Halloween due to its thematic elements.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1997, "Is It Scary" received mixed reviews from critics, who often evaluated it within the context of the parent album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. AllMusic's described the track as one of the album's "paranoid rockers that [are] both silly and scary," critiquing its and overall execution as part of a set of "embarrassingly weak" new songs that failed to recapture Jackson's earlier vocal dynamism and emotional depth. The album's new material, including "Is It Scary," was viewed as a mixed bag that incorporated hard-edged, industrial influences within a framework. Critics noted the track's gothic-horror atmosphere, which added a theatrical edge to Jackson's exploration of media perceptions and personal isolation. However, detractors pointed to its repetitive structure and overlong runtime as shortcomings that prevented it from reaching the vocal and artistic peaks of Jackson's prior work, such as Thriller or Bad. In retrospective analyses during the and , "Is It Scary" has been reevaluated more favorably, often appearing in Jackson compilations like the 2011 soundtrack Immortal as a mashup with "Threatened," where it was lauded for its creepy, fun industrial vibe and status as an underrated Halloween-themed entry in his catalog. A 2022 retrospective described it as a "rhythm and rock framed within a gothic-horror theme." ranked it 33rd among Jackson's 147 songs in , commending its persuasive energy and darker experimentation as a compelling, if unconventional, showcase of the artist's evolving artistry.

Accolades

Despite not securing any major music awards, "Is It Scary" has garnered recognition in thematic compilations and posthumous tributes to Michael Jackson's catalog. The track's eerie themes have led to its inclusion in Halloween-focused playlists, such as Spotify's official "MICHAEL JACKSON X HALLOWEEN" collection launched in the 2020s, which features 37 songs evoking spooky atmospheres, including "Is It Scary" alongside staples like "Thriller" and "Ghosts." In tribute performances, the song was prominently featured in Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour (2011–2014), where it formed part of a "Scary Story" medley during and aerial acts, blending Jackson's music with acrobatic to honor his legacy. This production, which toured globally and drew over 1.6 million attendees, highlighted the song's gothic elements in a live spectacle format.

Versions

Track listings

The album version of "Is It Scary" is featured as the fifth track on Michael Jackson's 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, with a duration of 5:35. Promotional singles highlighted a version running 4:11. The US CDr maxi-single promo incorporated versions of "Is It Scary" alongside tracks from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix and HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. Official formats encompassed promotional CDs and vinyls issued by Epic. The 12" vinyl promo release included Deep Dish remixes.
FormatCatalog NumberTracksRegionNotes
CD AlbumEK 696005. "Is It Scary" (5:35)WorldwidePart of Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix full tracklist.
CD Promo SingleSAMPCS 45621. "Is It Scary" (Radio Edit) (4:11)Purple sleeve edition; widely bootlegged.
CDr Maxi-Single PromoNone1. "Smile" (Short Version) (4:10)
2. "Smile" (Album Version) (4:55)
3. "Is It Scary" (Radio Edit) (4:11)
4. "Is It Scary" (Album Version) (5:35)
5. "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix Radio Edit) (3:50)
6. "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix) (8:00)
7. "Is It Scary" (Downtempo Groove Mix) (4:50)
8. "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark And Scary Remix) (12:10)		USIncludes full version, remixes, and album selections like "Smile".
12" Vinyl PromoXPR 3195A. "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark & Scary Remix) (12:10)
B1. "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Double-O-Jazz Dub) (8:35)
B2. "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark & Scary Remix (Radio Edit)) (4:38)		Promo with generic sleeve.

Remixes

Several official remixes of "Is It Scary" were produced in 1997 for promotional purposes, transforming the original gothic pop track into various dance-oriented versions. The Deep Dish duo, known for their house productions, created the Radio Edit at 4:38 and the extended Club Mix at 12:07, emphasizing pulsating house beats and atmospheric builds that heighten the song's eerie tension for club play. Eddie Arroyo's contributions include the Love Mix (8:00) and its Radio Edit (3:50), infusing Latin house elements such as rhythmic percussion and vibrant grooves that add a joyous, tropical flair to the track's dark themes. Similarly, DJ Greek (Chris "The Greek" Panaghi) delivered the Scary Mix at 7:12, a pumpin' club rendition with energetic synths and driving basslines designed for high-energy dance environments. All these remixes were featured exclusively on promotional singles and cassettes, with the Deep Dish versions appearing on various promo releases that year.

Legacy

Reissues

In 2008, "Is It Scary" was included on the deluxe edition of the King of Pop, released in the UK and , featuring the single radio edit version. The track also appeared that year on the Thriller 25 Super Deluxe Edition, expanding its availability through anniversary reissues of Jackson's seminal work. By 2009, the song gained renewed exposure through its association with the This Is It concert film and soundtrack, where thematic elements aligned with Jackson's planned tour performances, though it was not released as a standalone track on the album. In the digital era, "Is It Scary" was added to streaming platforms including Spotify around 2010, broadening access beyond physical formats. It received a remastered version for the 2017 Halloween-themed compilation Scream, which collected darker tracks from Jackson's catalog and was issued on CD, digital, and glow-in-the-dark vinyl. The 2011 remix album Immortal, serving as the soundtrack for the tribute show, featured an "Immortal Version" blending "Is It Scary" with "Threatened," highlighting its enduring thematic resonance. In the , the track continued to see updates through inclusions in official Halloween playlists on platforms like , amassing over 7 million streams by late 2025 and underscoring its seasonal popularity.

Cultural impact

The song "Is It Scary" plays a central role in Michael Jackson's 1996 short film Ghosts, directed by , where Jackson performs an elaborate dance sequence set to the track amid supernatural illusions and storytelling elements that explore themes of fear and performance. Samples from "Is It Scary" are integrated into the "Thriller" medley segment of the 2009 concert film , enhancing the documentary's recreation of Jackson's planned tour performances with layered supernatural motifs. While official covers are limited, the track has inspired unofficial reinterpretations, including a 2012 acoustic rendition by singer James Starbuck that emphasizes its haunting lyrics in a stripped-down format. Remixes like the 1997 Deep Dish "Dark & Scary" version, produced by the influential EDM duo, reimagined the song for club audiences, incorporating progressive house elements that highlighted its gothic atmosphere. Over time, "Is It Scary" has emerged as a niche Halloween anthem within Jackson's discography, often paired with "Thriller" and "Ghosts" in seasonal playlists and discussions for its eerie exploration of fright and illusion. Fan-created content, such as AI-generated music videos released in 2023, has extended its reach, with animations recreating Jackson's choreography in surreal, digital environments inspired by the Ghosts film. The song's portrayal of a spectral entertainer has been analyzed in cultural critiques of Jackson's career, underscoring his "ghostly" public persona amid media scrutiny and personal vulnerability. Its themes influenced early 2000s EDM productions, where remixes and similar tracks adopted haunting vocals and rhythmic builds to evoke otherworldly dance experiences, paving the way for genre blends in electronic .

References

  1. https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/michael-jackson-ghosts-1997
  2. https://genius.com/albums/Michael-jackson/Is-it-scary-single/q/release-date
  3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/imeekpo/2024/10/31/michael-jacksons-thriller-isnt-his-only-halloween-jam-remember-ghosts/
  4. https://genius.com/Michael-jackson-is-it-scary-lyrics
  5. https://www.michaeljackson.com/video/ghost-video/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119194/
  7. https://michael-jackson.fandom.com/wiki/Is_It_Scary
  8. https://www.michaeljackson.com/track/it-scary-31/
  9. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/michael-jackson-and-stephen-king-made-a-film-about-ghosts-and-it-tanked-hard
  10. https://www.joblo.com/michael-jacksons-ghosts-what-happened/
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  12. https://songbpm.com/%40michael-jackson/is-it-scary
  13. https://repository.nie.edu.sg/bitstreams/3ecdd537-166e-4c99-89b2-5ec49c789263/download
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/101727-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/183263-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary-Deep-Dish-Dark-Scary-Mixes
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/song/is-it-scary-mt0003355000
  17. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/remix-albums-the-best-biggest-and-highest-charting__30793/
  18. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/3fMbdgg4jU18AjLCKBhRSm_songs.html
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/album/blood-on-the-dance-floor-history-in-the-mix-mw0000022788
  20. https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/michael-jacksons-best-songs-ranked.html
  21. https://albumism.com/features/michael-jackson-blood-on-the-dance-floor-history-in-the-mix-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective
  22. https://www.michaeljackson.com/news/michael-jacksons-halloween-spotify-playlist/
  23. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/cirque-du-soleil-5bd7c7e4.html?tour=bd4e156
  24. https://www.discogs.com/master/101747-Michael-Jackson-Blood-On-The-Dance-Floor-HIStory-In-The-Mix
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/1273391-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/3297264-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/183269-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary-Eddies-Love-Mixes
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/13665611-Michael-Jackson-Ghosts-Deluxe-Collector-Box-Set
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/9602756-Michael-Jackson-Is-It-Scary
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/1832704-Michael-Jackson-King-Of-Pop-Deluxe-UK-Edition
  31. https://open.spotify.com/track/1H43TqXTWkEhXjdw3LEfUS
  32. https://www.michaeljackson.com/news/michael-jackson-scream-album-set-release-september-29/
  33. https://www.michaeljackson.com/music/immortal/
  34. https://www.whosampled.com/Michael-Jackson/Is-It-Scary/
  35. https://soundcloud.com/james-starbuck/michael-jackson-cover-is-it
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts3TqY1sF4k
  37. https://www.avclub.com/spooktastic-case-file-174-michael-jackson-s-ghosts-1798222303
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