Analysis of Michael Jackson’s "Beat It" Original Multitracks
Rearrangement: Van Halen didn't just play; he rearranged the track. He suggested moving the solo from the chorus section to a verse section with a chord change underneath, which he felt worked better musically.
Perhaps most shocking: In the final mix, the guitar solo is turned down. On the raw stem, Eddie’s playing is much louder, fiercer, and wilder. michael jackson beat it multitrack exclusive
Technical Glitch: These edits interfered with the SMPTE timecode on the multitrack reel, forcing the rhythm section (Lukather and Porcaro) to re-cut the basic tracks to fit around the new solo and Jackson's existing vocals.
The Synclavier Intro: The famous seven-note opening was performed by Tom Bahler on a Synclavier digital synthesizer. Interestingly, this intro was taken note-for-note from a demo LP for the instrument called "The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II". On the raw stem, Eddie’s playing is much
An exclusive multitrack of "Beat It" reveals what the stereo mix compresses into a single image. Isolated channels show things casual listeners never hear: multiple iterations of Michael’s guide vocal nuances, subtle ad-libs tucked behind the main phrases, and a cascade of background vocal overdubs that build the chorus into an impervious hook. The drums are multi-mic’d with discrete room ambience channels; the snare and kick sit tight while a separate overhead room feed gives the track its stadium snap. Eddie’s solo appears on its own track lanes, with faint bleed and amp resonance that give it life.
It reveals a Yamaha CS-80 (the same synth used on Blade Runner) playing the octave bass line. However, the engineer accidentally left a microphone open next to the amplifier. Consequently, the bass track is actually two tracks: Interestingly, this intro was taken note-for-note from a
Get ready to experience "Beat It" like never before.