Jam Single

"Jam" is a song by Michael Jackson. The song is the fourth single from his 1991 album Dangerous. It appears as track one on Dangerous and track two on his 2009 This Is It compilation album. The single was re-released in 2006 as part of Jackson's Visionary: The Video Singles collection and it was remixed to the Cirque du Soleil's Immortal World Tour, releasing that remix on the soundtrack album. "Jam" is a mix of aggressive hard funk, dance and rap, or funk hip hop. The bridge features a rap performed by Heavy D (of the group Heavy D & the Boyz). The music video of the song featured NBA legend Michael Jordan (the other "MJ"). The song was also featured on the Chicago Bulls'—Jordan's team at that time—1992 NBA Championship video "Untouchabulls" and was also used in many promotional ads of the NBA in the said season. The song re-entered the UK charts in 2006, reaching number 22.[2]

Music Video


The music video for "Jam" takes place within an abandoned indoor basketball court, where Jackson teaches basketball legend Michael Jordan how to dance, and in return, Jordan teaches Jackson how to play basketball. Special effects have Jackson throwing a basketball from a window and scoring in the hoop at the opposite end, as well as Jackson scoring by tossing the ball behind him and kicking the ball into the hoop with his heel. The extended versions of the video include Jackson teaching Jordan how to do the physically complicated moonwalk dance technique. The rap duo Kris Kross makes a cameo appearance, as does Heavy D (who performs a rap during the bridge).
The video was included on Dangerous – The Short Films and Michael Jackson's Vision. The music video was directed by David Kellogg.

Reception


"Jam" was generally well received by music critics. Adam Gilham of Sputnikmusic in his review for Dangerous described the song as a perfect album opener and rated it "5/5".[3]

Live Performances


Jackson performed "Jam" as the opening number throughout his Dangerous World Tour. He also performed it at the Royal Brunei Concert in 1996, which turned out to be the last live performance of the song. The song was also supposed to be performed at the This Is It concert series, with a snippet of Another Part Of Me. However, the shows were cancelled due to his untimely death.

Track Listings and Formats


Dual Disc Single
CD Side:
"Jam" - 4:11
"Jam" (Silky 12" Mix) - 6:26
DVD Side:
"Jam" (Music Video) - 8:01
US CD single
"Jam" - 4:11
"Jam" (Roger's Jeep Radio Mix) – 3:56
"Jam" (Silky 7" Mix) – 4:14
"Jam" (Roger's Club Mix) – 6:17
"Jam" (Atlanta Techno Mix) – 6:06
"Rock with You" (Masters at Work Remix) – 5:29
UK CD single
"Jam" – 4:11
VHS Promo
"Jam" (Music Video) - 8:01
US CD, Maxi-Single US Promo
"Jam" (Roger's Jeep Radio Mix)
"Jam" (Teddy's Jam)
"Jam" (7" Edit)
"Jam" (MJ's Raw Mix)
"Jam" (Teddy's 12" Mix)
"Jam" (Roger's Jeep Mix)
"Jam" (Percapella)
"Jam" (Radio Edit Without Rap)

Personnel


Song and lyrics by Michael Jackson
Music by René Moore, Bruce Swedien, Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley
Produced by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley and Bruce Swedien
Solo and background vocals by Michael Jackson
Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley and Dave Way
Arrangement by Michael Jackson, Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley and René Moore
Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
Rap performed by Heavy D
Rene Moore, Teddy Riley, Bruce Swedien and Brad Buxer: Keyboards
Teddy Riley, Rhett Lawrence, Michael Boddicker and Brad Buxer: Synthesizers
Teddy Riley and Bruce Swedien: Drums
Teddy Riley: Guitar

Charts


Chart (1992/2006/2009) Peak
position
Australia Singles Chart 11[4]
Austrian Singles Chart 28[4]
Dutch Singles Chart 12[4]
Italian Singles Chart 11[4]
French Singles Chart 8[4]
New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart 2[4]
Spanish Singles Chart 1[4]
Swiss Singles Chart 22[4]
Swedish Singles Chart 30[4]
UK Singles Chart 12[5]
United States Billboard Hot 100 26[6]
United States Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 3[6]
United States Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play 4[6]

Release History


Country Date
United States July 13, 1992
Europe September 27, 1992