Scream (Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson song)

1995 single by Michael and Janet Jackson

"Scream"

Single by Michael and Janet Jackson
from the album  HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
A-side| "Childhood"
Released| May 29, 1995 (1995-05-29)
Recorded| October–December 1994[1]
Studio|

* The Hit Factory (New York City)
* Flyte Tyme (Edina, Minnesota)

Genre|

* Dance-pop
* R&B
* electronic rock
* funk

Length| 4:38
Label| Epic
Songwriter(s)|

* Michael Jackson
* Janet Jackson
* Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

Producer(s)|

* Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
* Michael Jackson
* Janet Jackson

Michael Jackson singles chronology
| "Gone Too Soon"
(1993)  | "Scream" / "Childhood"
(1995)  | "You Are Not Alone"
(1995)

|
|

Janet Jackson singles chronology
| "Whoops Now" / "What'll I Do"
(1995)  | "Scream"
(1995)  | "Runaway"
(1995)

|
|

Music video
"Scream" on YouTube

"Scream" is a song by American singers and siblings Michael and Janet Jackson. It was released as the lead single off Michael Jackson's ninth album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was released as a double A-side with "Childhood", a solo song by Michael. The single was released on May 29, 1995.

"Scream" is an aggressive, retaliatory song directed at the tabloid media and their coverage of the child sexual abuse accusations made against Michael Jackson in 1993. It was written, composed and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson; Michael played many of the instruments. It incorporates elements of pop, R&B, electrorock, dance-pop, and funk. Recording for "Scream" took place at the Hit Factory in New York City in October 1994 and at Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina, Minnesota in December 1994. The song was leaked to radio stations early, despite Epic Records' attempt to keep it off air until the release date.

Generally well received amongst critics, it has been compared favorably to other songs by Michael Jackson. The corresponding music video remains one of his most critically acclaimed; it won three MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Music Video. At a cost of $7 million, it was listed in the Guinness World Records as the most expensive music video ever made; however, director Mark Romanek has refuted the claim, saying that there were two other music videos from the same era which cost "millions more" than the video for "Scream".[2]

"Scream" would become the first single in the 37-year history of Billboard to debut in the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five. Elsewhere, it topped the charts in Italy, New Zealand, and Spain while reaching the top five in Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Michael performed "Scream" on his 1996–1997 HIStory World Tour. Following his death in 2009, Janet performed the song at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and on her 2011 Number Ones, Up Close and Personal as a tribute to him, the 2015–2016 Unbreakable World Tour, and on several dates of her 2017–2018 State of the World Tour. It was also included on her 2023–2024 Together Again Tour, and subsequent Las Vegas residency.

## Background

[edit]

See also: Health and appearance of Michael Jackson and 1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson

"Scream" is a song primarily directed at the tabloid press. As far back as the late 1980s, Jackson and the press had a difficult relationship. In 1986, the tabloids ran a story claiming that Jackson slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to slow the aging process; he was pictured lying down in a glass box. When Jackson bought a pet chimpanzee called Bubbles, it was reported as evidence of increasing detachment from reality.[3] It was reported that Jackson had offered to buy the bones of Joseph Merrick (the "elephant man"). However, Jackson stated the story is untrue in both an interview with Oprah[4] and an interview with Martin Bashir in Take Two – The Footage You Were Never Meant to See. Still, these stories inspired the pejorative nickname "Wacko Jacko", which Jackson acquired the following year and would come to despise. He stopped leaking untruths to the press, so the media began making up their own stories.[3][5]

In 1989, Jackson released the song and music video "Leave Me Alone", a song about his perceived victimization at the hands of the press.[6] The video shows Jackson poking fun not only at the press but also the situation he was in. In the video, there are images of shrines to his friend Elizabeth Taylor, newspapers with bizarre headlines, Jackson dancing with the bones of Merrick, and an animated nose with a scalpel chasing it across the screen.[7]

In 1993, the relationship between Jackson and the press came to a head when he was accused of child sexual abuse. Although never charged with a crime, Jackson was subject to intense media scrutiny while the criminal investigation took place. Complaints about the coverage and media included using sensational headlines to draw in readers and viewers when the content itself did not support the headline,[8] accepting stories of Jackson's alleged criminal activity in return for money,[9] accepting confidential, leaked material from the police investigation in return for money paid,[10] deliberately using pictures of Jackson's appearance at its worst,[11] a lack of objectivity[11] and using headlines that strongly implied Jackson's guilt.[11] At the time, Jackson said of the media reaction, "I will say I am particularly upset by the handling of the matter by the incredible, terrible mass media. At every opportunity, the media has dissected and manipulated these allegations to reach their own conclusions."[12]

Jackson began taking Valium, Xanax, and Ativan to deal with the stress of the allegations made against him.[13] Jackson's health had deteriorated to the extent that he canceled the remainder of his tour and went into rehabilitation.[14][15] Jackson booked the whole fourth floor of a clinic and was put on Valium IV to wean him from painkillers.[14] A few months after the allegations became news, Jackson had lost approximately 10 lb (4.5 kg) in weight and had stopped eating.[15][16] The singer's spokesperson told reporters that Jackson was "barely able to function adequately on an intellectual level".[15] While in the clinic, Jackson took part in group and one-on-one therapy sessions.[14][15]

When Jackson left the U.S. to go into rehabilitation, the media showed him little sympathy. The Daily Mirror held a "Spot the Jacko" contest, offering readers a trip to Disney World if they could correctly predict where the entertainer would appear next.[14] A Daily Express headline read, "Drug Treatment Star Faces Life on the Run", while a News of the World headline accused Jackson of being a fugitive. These tabloids also falsely alleged that Jackson had traveled to Europe to have cosmetic surgery that would make him unrecognizable on his return.[14] Geraldo Rivera set up a mock trial, with a jury made up of audience members, even though Jackson had not been charged with a crime.[17]

"Scream" / "Childhood" and HIStory were Jackson's first releases since the allegations, and the press was waiting to see if the album would sell well. One analyst for SoundScan expressed the opinion that the press were out of touch with the public when it came to Jackson; the public liked him, while the press did not. He believed that "naysayers" in the media would be left surprised with the commercial reception to the HIStory campaign.[18]

The David Morales remix of "Scream" was released as a single in the United Kingdom on June 24, 1995, peaking at number 43 and dropping to number 57 a week later. It remained on the charts for only two weeks.[19]

In 1997, "Scream" was remixed for Jackson's remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. Entitled "Scream Louder" (Flyte Tyme remix), the remix used elements from the Sly and the Family Stone song "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)". Another official remix was produced by Naughty by Nature, called the "Naughty" remix, having a new urban R&B instrumental beat and a rap verse by Treach.

### Album booklet

[edit]

In the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album booklet, there's an image of Gottfried Helnwein's 1981 watercolor "Das Lied / The Song", which is an image of a distressed child huddled in the corner of a room, screaming up at the ceiling. Jackson's handwritten lyrics to "Scream" were scrawled on the wall beside the child.[20] Towards the end of the booklet is a copy of a child's letter to the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, asking him to end war, pollution, and to stop the negative press reports about Jackson.[16]

## Production

[edit]

"Scream"

Excerpt of the single "Scream". Both siblings' vocals can be heard in the audio sample, with Janet Jackson's vocals first.

* * *

Problems playing this file? See media help.

Janet Jackson wanted to be involved with the project as a show of sibling support.[21] It was the first time they had worked together since 1984, when Michael provided backing vocals on "Don't Stand Another Chance".[22] Janet said that it was "very fun" working with her brother again and that seeing her brother's work was "interesting".[23] "Scream" was written, composed and produced by the Jackson siblings, with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[24]

It was the first time Michael Jackson had worked with Jam and Lewis, although Janet had worked with them successfully on numerous occasions.[21] The album was created with the intention of following half R&B and half pop/rock themes, the same themes that brought Jackson success on his prior album, Dangerous.[21] Jackson was credited for playing instruments such as keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, drums and percussion on the single and album.[25] The recording process of "Scream" was unique because much of the arrangement was made up of certain sounds looping, such as the drum snares, guitar, police sirens, as well as grunts made by Jackson.

In the song, Jackson tells the media to stop pressuring him and to stop misrepresenting the truth.[16] Jon Pareles of The New York Times observed, "fear has turned to aggression. The music has polarized; it's either clipped, choppy and electronic or glossy and sumptuous, only occasionally trying to combine the two. Most of the time, Jackson sounds as if he's singing through clenched teeth, spitting out words in defiance of any and all persecutors".[16] He believed that "Scream" had a similar sound to the music of Janet's acclaimed Rhythm Nation.[16] The media noted that "Scream" and other songs from the album contained vulgar words absent from previous albums.[16][26][27] "Scream" incorporates elements of pop, R&B, hip-hop, funk and rock.[28][29]

### Leaking of "Scream"

[edit]

Two weeks before the official release of "Scream", Jackson happened to hear it on a Los Angeles radio station. The station was playing "Scream" once an hour until served with a cease and desist order from Epic Records. Two other stations in Philadelphia also received similar orders. All involved denied that Epic leaked them the song early. The song had been a closely guarded secret by the label and most staff members were not allowed access to a copy.[30]

Though they potentially faced legal action, the Los Angeles radio station programmer noted that, "some things are more important... The record company was furious, lawyers were involved and the situation got hairy... But on a release as big as Michael Jackson's, there's no way we're going to wait if we receive a leak. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because his security is really insane."[30]

## Reception

[edit]

### Critical reaction

[edit]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic restrospectively expressed the opinion that the song "improved on the slamming beats of his earlier single 'Jam,'" a song that received critical acclaim in its own right, as the recipient of two Grammy nominations: Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.[31][32] Deepika Reddy of The Daily Collegian wrote, "The lyrics to the album's debut single and video 'Scream' are for the first time in Jackson's convoluted career, painfully direct. He sings 'Stop pressuring me/Stop pressuring me/It makes me want to scream' with a force and resentment that's new and surpassing." "'Scream' and 'Tabloid Junkie' have a raw aspect that Jackson hasn't approached since a near-miss with 'Billie Jean.'"[33]

Music & Media noted "the sound of radio interference and frenzied swingbeat."[34] Tim Jeffery from Music Week's RM Dance Update gave it four out of five, stating that it is "obviously a chart hit".[35] Another RM editor, James Hamilton deemed it a "typically yelped and for once genuine pain filled jitterer duetted with sister Janet."[36] James Hunter of Rolling Stone said that, "the excellent current single 'Scream' or the first-rate R&B ballad 'You Are Not Alone' – manage to link the incidents of Jackson's infamous recent past to universal concepts like injustice or isolation. When he bases his music in the bluntness of hip-hop, Jackson sketches funky scenarios denouncing greed, blanket unreliability and false accusation."[28] He went on to say of 'Scream' and 'Tabloid Junkie', "[these] two adventurous Jam and Lewis thumpers work completely: Jackson's slippery voice is caught in mammoth funk-rock constructions. They're reminiscent of Janet Jackson's hits, in which Jam and Lewis allow space for lush vocal harmonies taken from the Triumph-era Jacksons; the choruses of 'Tabloid Junkie' in particular sing out with quick-voiced warnings about the failings of media truth."[28]

Patrick MacDonald of The Seattle Times called 'Scream' the best song on the album. He continued, "The refrain of "Stop pressurin' me!" is compelling, and he spits out the lyrics with drama and purpose. The song has bite and infectious energy." MacDonald did, however, consider the use of profanity unnecessary.[26] Tony Cross from Smash Hits gave it a top score of five out of five, writing, "This really is dangerous. Just like 'Black & White' went in the face of Michael's "white" look, so 'Scream' goes in the face of everyting you'd expect. Police sirens, anger (Stop questioning me — you know you make me wanna scream), his sister's small but vital contribution (I was disgusted by the injustice). This is Michael fighting back. And he's delivered what could be a knock-out blow. Incredible."[37] Richard Harrington of The Washington Post, however, called it "dull and musically uninvolved." He was also of the opinion that it sounded like 'Jam' from 1991, thus dated.[38] 'Scream' was nominated for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 1996 American Music Awards, and shortly afterward it gained a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals".[29]

### Commercial reception of "Scream"

[edit]

"Scream" was a worldwide hit. In the US it was the first song in the 37-year history of Billboard to debut at number five, where it peaked.[29] The single was certified platinum by the RIAA and sold 700,000 copies domestically.[39][40] It reached number one in Italy, Spain, and New Zealand, number two in Australia and Norway and number three in the UK. It became a top five hit in every major music market.[41][42] A remix of "Scream" was also issued in the UK which charted at number 43 and in 2009 re-entered the UK charts at number 70.[29]

## Music video

[edit]

### Production

[edit]

In "Scream", Jackson and his sister Janet angrily retaliate against the media for misrepresentation to the public. The acclaimed video was shot primarily in black and white, at a cost of $7 million.

The 4:47 minute music video for "Scream" was filmed in May 1995 and was directed by Mark Romanek with choreography by Travis Payne, LaVelle Smith Jr, Tina Landon, Sacha Lucashenko, and Sean Cheesman, and the production being designed by Tom Foden. Jackson did not create the "concept" for the video, which he had often done in the past, but left it to Romanek. Jackson later described the making of "Scream" as a collaborative effort. The song and its accompanying video are a response to the backlash Jackson received from the media in 1993.[23][43][44]

Foden commented, "Mark had written the treatment and the general idea was that Michael and Janet were on this large spacecraft. And they were alone... They were getting away from Earth, and the different sets were the different environments on the spacecraft where they could have a little bit of fun and where they could relax."[45] Production of the music video's 13-piece set was restricted to a one-month period and was produced by Foden and art directors Richard Berg, Jeff Hall, and Martin Mervel.[45] Foden described the assignment as a "military operation", explaining, "The idea was to give each of the art directors three sets: a complicated one, a not-so-complicated one, and one of the smaller, easier vignettes."[45]

Typography in the video was designed by P. Scott Makela.[46] Jackson was happy to work with his sister again, explaining that as they still had a passion for dancing it reminded him of "old times."[23] Janet Jackson revealed on her 2022 self-titled documentary film that the two worked separately on set (Michael working nights and Janet working days) and that his team limited her access to the soundstage when Michael was filming which she attributed to an effort to keep things competitive between them. She also stated the video was supposed to be filmed over three days, and was "supposed to cost a lot less."[47]

In the video, Janet Jackson takes on a darker persona, previously unseen in her own music videos. Jim Farber of the New York Daily News described her as "Sporting a thick thatch of wig hair, and eyes darkened by coal-black makeup... sullen and arty... Janet, however, never looked tougher, or more in control."[48] The video has influences of Japanese sci-fi anime; in the background screens, several clips can be seen of the television series Zillion (1987) and Babel II (OVA, 1992), and the films Vampire Hunter D (1985) and Akira (1988).[48][49] The version of the video included on Michael Jackson's Vision is uncut and contains the "Stop fucking with me" lyric, which was censored in HIStory on Film, Volume II.

### Synopsis

[edit]

The video begins with a sign showing the siblings' names which splits away to reveal a logo of the song's title. The scene then changes to a spacecraft traveling past Earth before the camera zooms in inside. The lights come on and reveal Michael and Janet inside individual capsules. During this sequence, the song's intro, a soundtrack of noise music with heavy sub-bass, uncharacteristic for the song's style, is heard. Suddenly, the spacecraft zooms out through the outer part of the galaxy, causing Michael and Janet to grimace in pain, and the song starts when Michael screams and slams his hands on his capsule's lid, shattering it.

In the first verse, Michael is seen in a room where he is floating in zero gravity. Then, Michael is shown in a room with several guitars where he breaks one while Janet sings the next verse. Then, it shows Michael dancing on the wall while Janet looks at her nails before playing a game of tag. Then, it shows Michael and Janet in a room where they are using a remote control to switch between pictures of Andy Warhol, art paintings, statues, etc. Next, it shows both Michael and Janet in the media room, where they are playing a video game, which Michael wins. Then, Janet sports a skimpy bikini in some scenes while at the core of the craft, grabs at her breasts, gives the camera a middle finger, and simulates male urination. Michael is shown taking controls into some kind of observation room. (In outtakes to the music video, there is a still color photograph of Michael also giving the camera a middle finger.)

Michael is then seen wearing a black robe in a white room where he is meditating before screaming, which breaks the glass above him. The scene then shifts, showing Michael and Janet performing a dance breakdown. Then, it cuts back to the media room where Janet is dancing with Michael being seen on the television screen while Janet does the same thing with Michael. Then, Michael is seen playing a tennis game where he is using a robotic orb to break jars.

### Reception

[edit]

The video premiered in June of 1995, on MTV and BET and the next evening on ABC's Primetime Live during Diane Sawyer's interview with Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley. The interview was broadcast to approximately 64 million viewers.[29] The video is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed. Heather Phares of Allmusic described the video as a "stylish, interstellar clip."[43] James Hunter of Rolling Stone called it a contemporary video, "in which Michael and his sister Janet jump around like '90s fashion kids trapped in a spaceship stolen from a Barbarella film set."[28] Jim Farber called it a "supercool black-and-white clip... The clip's great allure is that neither of the siblings look quite real. While the visuals hold barely any connection to the lyric, and seem to have no clear point, the weird look captivates." He was of the opinion that while Michael Jackson outshines his sister in the vocals, it is Janet Jackson who gives the better performance in the music video.[48]

In 1995, Scream gained 11 MTV Video Music Award nominations—more than any other music video—including Best Video of the Year and won Best Dance Video, Best Choreography, and Best Art Direction.[29][45] In reaction, Jackson stated that he was "very honored", explaining that he had worked "very hard" and was "very happy" with the reception up to that point.[23] It was also given a Billboard Music Award for best Pop/Rock video.[29] A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form; shortly afterward Guinness World Records listed it as the most expensive music video ever made at a cost of $7 million, although it was later refuted by the director.[29][50] In 2001, VH1 placed "Scream" at number nine on their list of the 100 greatest music videos.[51]

### Influence

[edit]

"Scream" was a creative influence on other music videos such as the 1999 release of the award-winning "No Scrubs" by TLC.[52] This influence was also present on the 2008 release of "Shawty Get Loose" by Lil Mama and Chris Brown. Reacting to the comparisons made between the videos, Mama explained, "I feel honored, because that was one of the initial goals, and I feel that it was executed well." She added that the emulation was intentional and that Brown was the only logical choice to step into Michael Jackson's role.[53] Ciara and Nicki Minaj's music video for their single "I'm Out" was heavily influenced by the video by referencing the all-white scenery and attire. Tyga's 2018 music video "Dip", also featuring Minaj, was also heavily influenced by the "Scream" video.[54]

#### MTV Video Music Awards tribute

[edit]

> "As the future-shock intro to "Scream" hit the screen, and plumes of white fog sprouted up amid a space-age set made up of white honeycombs, Janet kicked through a mirror and emerged to screams from fans and celebs alike, as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Pink hooted their excitement".

—Gil Kaufman, MTV[55]

In September 2009, Janet Jackson performed "Scream" on the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards as part of a medley tribute to Michael Jackson, who died three months earlier.[55] MTV General Manager Stephen Friedman stated "[t]his is not something that just came together—we've been in talks with [Janet] for a while... We felt there was no one better than Janet to anchor it and send a really powerful message."[56] She worked with several world-renowned choreographers, including Dave Scott, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Travis Payne, Jeri Slaughter, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mia Michaels and Tina Landon, with her personal creative director, Gil Duldulao, coordinating the performance.[56]

Gil Kaufman of MTV commented "[w]earing a black-and-white, skintight leather dress with matching pants, Janet busted some of her and Michael's signature moves, flawlessly re-creating her late brother's steps as they were projected on the screen behind her."[55] Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly commented, "she worked that stage harder than an underpaid assistant doin' overtime, and as tributes go, this was as energetic as it was heartfelt."[57]

## Impact and legacy

[edit]

After its release, "Scream" debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the first song in history to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart from the Top 5 and broke a historical record.[which?]

In 1995, Scream gained 11 MTV Video Music Award nominations—more than any other music video—including Best Video of the Year and won Best Dance Video, Best Choreography, and Best Art Direction.[29][45] In reaction, Jackson stated that he was "very honored", explaining that he had worked "very hard" and was "very happy" with the reception up to that point.[23] It was also given a Billboard Music Award for best Pop/Rock video.[29] A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form; shortly afterward Guinness World Records listed it as the most expensive music video ever made at a cost of $7 million, although this was later refuted by the director.[29][50] In 2001, VH1 placed "Scream" at number nine on their list of the 100 greatest music videos.[51]

Despite being known as Scary Movie throughout its production, the 1996 film Scream, directed by Wes Craven, changed its name to Scream after Harvey Weinstein heard Jackson's song on the radio.[58]

## Track listings

[edit]

* US CD single[59]

1. "Scream" – 4:37
2. "Childhood" (Theme from Free Willy 2) – 4:27

* US 12" single[60]

1. "Scream" (Classic Club Mix) – 9:00
2. "Scream" (Pressurized Dub Pt. 1) – 10:06
3. "Scream" (Naughty Main Mix) – 5:42
4. "Scream" (Dave "Jam" Extended Urban Remix) – 5:09
5. "Scream" (Single Edit #2) – 4:04
6. "Childhood" (Theme from Free Willy 2) – 4:27

## Remixes

[edit]

David Morales mixes

* "Scream" (Classic Club Mix) – 9:00
* "Scream" (Def Radio Mix) – 3:20
* "Scream" (Pressurized Dub Pt. 1) – 10:06
* "Scream" (Pressurized Dub Pt. 2) – 6:32
* "Scream" (D.M. R&B Extended Mix) – 5:34

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis mixes

* "Scream" (Flyte Tyme Remix) – 5:30
* "Scream" (Jam & Lewis Instrumental) – 5:30

Dave "Jam" Hall mixes

* "Scream" (Dave "Jam" Extended Urban Remix) – 5:09
* "Scream" (Dave "Jam" Hall's Urban Mix Edit) – 4:32

Naughty by Nature mixes

* "Scream" (Naughty Main Mix) – 5:42
* "Scream" (Naughty Main Mix—No Rap) – 5:54
* "Scream" (Naughty Pretty-Pella) – 5:51
* "Scream" (Naughty Acappella) – 4:40

Other mixes

* "Scream/Little Susie" (Immortal Mix) – 4:45

|

## Personnel

[edit]

* Produced and arranged by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson
* Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien and Steve Hodge
* Michael Jackson – lead and backing vocals, guitars, percussion
* Janet Jackson – lead and backing vocals
* Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – keyboards, percussion[61]

## Charts

[edit]

### Weekly charts

[edit]

1995 weekly chart performance for "Scream"  | Chart (1995)  | Peak
position

|

Australia (ARIA)[62] | 2
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[63] | 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[64] | 5
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[65] | 3
Canada Retail Singles (The Record)[66] | 5
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[67] | 12
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[68] | 51
Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (The Record)[66] | 10
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)[69] | 6
Denmark (Tracklisten)[70] | 1
Europe (European Hot 100)[71] | 1
Europe (European Dance Radio)[72] | 1
Finland (IFPI)[73] | 1
France (SNEP)[74] | 4
Germany (GfK)[75] | 8
Hungary (Mahasz)[76] | 1
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[77] | 33
Ireland (IRMA)[78] | 6
Italy (Musica e dischi)[42] | 1
Italy Airplay (Music & Media)[79] | 1
Lithuania (M-1)[80] | 1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[41] | 3
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[81] | 4
New Zealand (RIANZ)[41] | 1
Norway (VG-lista)[82] | 2
Poland (Music & Media)[83] | 5
Scotland (OCC)[84] | 6
Spain (AFYVE)[85] | 1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[86] | 8
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[87] | 3
UK Singles (OCC)[88] | 3
UK Dance (OCC)[89] | 3
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[90] | 1
UK Airplay (Music Week)[91] | 4
US Billboard Hot 100[92] | 5
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[93] | 32
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[94] | 1
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[95]
with "Childhood" | 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[96] | 2
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[97] | 20
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[98] | 5
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles[99] | 3
Zimbabwe (ZIMA)[100] | 1
2009 weekly chart performance for "Scream"  Chart (2009)  | Peak
position

|

Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[87] | 93
UK Singles (OCC)[101] | 70
US Digital Songs (Billboard)[102] | 70

### Year-end charts

[edit]

Year-end chart performance for "Scream"  | Chart (1995)  | Position

|

Australia (ARIA)[103] | 47
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[104] | 89
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[105] | 30
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[106] | 87
Europe (European Hot 100)[107] | 36
France (SNEP)[108] | 59
Germany (Media Control)[109] | 95
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[110] | 89
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[111] | 55
New Zealand (RIANZ)[112] | 22
Sweden (Topplistan)[113] | 79
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[114] | 28
UK Singles (OCC)[115] | 57
US Billboard Hot 100[116] | 56
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[117] | 62
US Dance Club Play (Billboard)[118] | 7
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[119] | 19

## Certifications

[edit]

Certifications for "Scream"  Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

Australia (ARIA)[120] | Gold  | 35,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[121] | Gold  | 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[122] | Silver  | 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[39] | Platinum  | 1,000,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

[edit]

Release dates and formats for "Scream"  Region  | Date  | Format(s)  | Label(s)  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

United States  | May 23, 1995  |

* Rhythmic contemporary
* contemporary hit radio

| Epic | [123]
United Kingdom  | May 29, 1995  |

* CD1
* cassette

| [124]
June 5, 1995  | CD2  | [125]
June 12, 1995  |

* 7-inch vinyl
* 12-inch vinyl

| [126]
Japan  | June 15, 1995  | Mini-CD  | [127]

## Cover versions

[edit]

* In 2011, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy covered the song in an a cappella mash-up tribute to Jackson along with Jackson's "Billie Jean", "Man in the Mirror", "Thriller", and several other Jackson songs over pre-recorded backing vocals.[128]
* In 2013, by Christina Aguilera on The Voice.
* "Scream" was also covered in Glee's Season 3 episode "Michael", with Michael's section sung by Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale) and Janet's section sung by Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr.). The video was also re-created for the dream sequence.

## See also

[edit]

* List of most expensive music videos

## References

[edit]

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2. ^ Tewksbury, Drew (September 16, 2010). "Mark Romanek: 'Never Let Me Go' Director On His Music Video Career". Npr.org. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
3. ^ a b "Music's misunderstood superstar". BBC. June 13, 2005. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
4. ^ White, Michael. "Michael Jackson's House - Michael Jackson Fan Page". Mjshouse.com.
5. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 370–373
6. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 365
7. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 413
8. ^ Campbell (1995), p. 42–45
9. ^ Campbell (1995), p. 77–80
10. ^ Campbell (1995), p. 47–50
11. ^ a b c Taraborrelli, p. 500–507
12. ^ "Michael Jackson speaks: 'I am totally innocent of any wrongdoing.'". Jet. January 10, 1994. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
13. ^ Taraborrelli, 514-516">Taraborrelli, p. 514–516
14. ^ a b c d e Campbell (1995), p. 89–93
15. ^ a b c d Taraborrelli, p. 524–528
16. ^ a b c d e f Pareles, Jon (June 18, 1995). "Pop View; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
17. ^ Campbell (1995), p. 104–106
18. ^ Farley, Christopher (June 19, 1995). "History and hubris". Time. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
19. ^ "Scream (David Morales remix) | full Official Chart History". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
20. ^ "Gottfried Helnwein | NEWS | News Update | Helnwein art-works for Michael Jackson's "HISTORY" album". www.helnwein.com.
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24. ^ Jackson, Michael. HIStory booklet. Sony BMG. p 32
25. ^ Lewis, p. 59
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28. ^ a b c d Hunter, James (August 10, 1995). "Michael Jackson HIStory". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved July 23, 2008.
29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k George, p. 48–50
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52. ^ Hip Hop Divas, Vibe Magazine Staff, Three Rivers Press, 2001, ISBN 0-609-80836-2, p. 224
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84. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
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## Bibliography

[edit]

* Campbell, Lisa (1995). Michael Jackson: The King of Pops Darkest Hour. Branden. ISBN 0828320039.
* George, Nelson (2004). Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection booklet. Sony BMG.
* Pratt, Douglas (2005). Doug Pratt's DVD: Movies, Television, Music, Art, Adult, and More!. UNET 2 Corporation. ISBN 1932916016.
* Lewis, Jel (2005). Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture: the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews!. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN 097497790X.
* Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2004). The Magic and the Madness. Terra Alta, WV: Headline. ISBN 0330420054.

* v
* t
* e

Michael Jackson: HIStory

Side one|

* "Scream"
* "They Don't Care About Us"
* "Stranger in Moscow"
* "This Time Around"

Side two|

* "Earth Song"
* "D.S."
* "Money"
* "Come Together"

Side three|

* "You Are Not Alone"
* "Childhood"
* "Tabloid Junkie"
* "2 Bad"

Side four|

* "HIStory"
* "Little Susie"
* "Smile"

Related songs|

* "Blood on the Dance Floor"
* "Morphine"
* "Superfly Sister"
* "Ghosts"
* "Is It Scary"

Related articles|

* HIStory World Tour
* Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
* Michael Jackson's Ghosts
* Video Greatest Hits – HIStory
* HIStory on Film, Volume II
* MJ & Friends
* Michael Jackson albums discography

* v
* t
* e

Michael Jackson songs

* Singles
* Songs
* Unreleased songs

1970s|

* "Got to Be There"
* "Ain't No Sunshine"
* "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
* "Rockin' Robin"
* "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone"
* "You've Got a Friend"
* "Ben"
* "Everybody's Somebody's Fool"
* "My Girl"
* "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day"
* "We've Got a Good Thing Going"
* "With a Child's Heart"
* "Morning Glow"
* "All the Things You Are"
* "Happy"
* "Too Young"
* "Music and Me"
* "We're Almost There"
* "Just a Little Bit of You"
* "You Can't Win"
* "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
* "Rock with You"
* "Working Day and Night"
* "It's the Falling in Love"

1980s|

* "Off the Wall"
* "Girlfriend"
* "She's Out of My Life"
* "One Day in Your Life"
* "The Girl Is Mine"
* "Billie Jean"
* "Beat It"
* "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
* "Human Nature"
* "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"
* "Thriller"
* "The Lady in My Life"
* "You've Really Got a Hold on Me"
* "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)"
* "Lonely Teardrops"
* "That's What Love Is Made Of"
* "Farewell My Summer Love"
* "Girl You're So Together"
* "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
* "Bad"
* "The Way You Make Me Feel"
* "Speed Demon"
* "Liberian Girl"
* "Just Good Friends"
* "Another Part of Me"
* "Man in the Mirror"
* "Dirty Diana"
* "Smooth Criminal"
* "Leave Me Alone"
* "Twenty-Five Miles"

1990s|

* "Black or White"
* "Jam"
* "In the Closet"
* "Remember the Time"
* "Heal the World"
* "Who Is It"
* "Give In to Me"
* "Will You Be There"
* "Gone Too Soon"
* "Dangerous"
* "Come Together"
* "Scream"
* "Childhood"
* "They Don't Care About Us"
* "Stranger in Moscow"
* "This Time Around"
* "Earth Song"
* "D.S."
* "You Are Not Alone"
* "Tabloid Junkie"
* "HIStory"
* "Smile"
* "Mind Is the Magic"
* "Blood on the Dance Floor"
* "Ghosts"
* "Is It Scary"
* "On the Line"

2000s|

* "Speechless"
* "You Rock My World"
* "Heaven Can Wait"
* "Butterflies"
* "Cry"
* "One More Chance"
* "Cheater"
* "(I Like) The Way You Love Me"
* "Fall Again"
* "This Is It"

2010s|

* "Hold My Hand"
* "Hollywood Tonight"
* "(I Can't Make It) Another Day"
* "Behind the Mask"
* "Don't Be Messin' 'Round"
* "I'm So Blue"
* "Price of Fame"
* "Love Never Felt So Good"
* "Chicago"
* "Loving You"
* "A Place with No Name"
* "Slave to the Rhythm"
* "Do You Know Where Your Children Are"
* "Blue Gangsta"

2020s|

* "She's Trouble"

Other|

* "We Are the World"
* "What More Can I Give"
* "We Are the World 25 for Haiti"
* "Blood on the Dance Floor x Dangerous"
* "Diamonds Are Invincible"

Featured|

* "A Brand New Day"
* "Ease on Down the Road"
* "Night Time Lover"
* "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
* "State of Independence"
* "Muscles"
* "Say Say Say"
* "Somebody's Watching Me"
* "Don't Stand Another Chance"
* "Centipede"
* "Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)"
* "Eaten Alive"
* "Get It"
* "2300 Jackson Street"
* "Do the Bartman"
* "Whatzupwitu"
* "Why"
* "I Need You"
* "We Be Ballin'"
* "Girls, Girls, Girls"
* "All in Your Name"
* "There Must Be More to Life Than This"
* "Low"
* "Don't Matter to Me"

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Janet Jackson singles

* Albums discography
* Singles discography
* Videography
* Awards and nominations

Janet Jackson|

* "Young Love"
* "Come Give Your Love to Me"
* "Say You Do"

Dream Street|

* "Don't Stand Another Chance"
* "Two to the Power of Love"
* "Fast Girls"
* "Dream Street"

Control|

* "What Have You Done for Me Lately"
* "Nasty"
* "When I Think of You"
* "Control"
* "Let's Wait Awhile"
* "The Pleasure Principle"
* "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)"

Rhythm Nation 1814|

* "Miss You Much"
* "Rhythm Nation"
* "Escapade"
* "Alright"
* "Come Back to Me"
* "Black Cat"
* "Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
* "State of the World"

Janet|

* "That's the Way Love Goes"
* "If"
* "Again"
* "Because of Love"
* "Any Time, Any Place"
* "Throb"
* "You Want This"
* "Whoops Now" / "What'll I Do"

The Velvet Rope|

* "Got 'til It's Gone"
* "Together Again"
* "I Get Lonely"
* "Go Deep"
* "You"
* "Every Time"

All for You|

* "Doesn't Really Matter"
* "All for You"
* "Someone to Call My Lover"
* "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)"
* "Come On Get Up"

Damita Jo|

* "Just a Little While"
* "I Want You"
* "All Nite (Don't Stop)"
* "R&B Junkie"

20 Y.O.|

* "Call on Me"
* "So Excited"
* "With U"

Discipline|

* "Feedback"
* "Rock with U"
* "Luv"
* "Can't B Good"

Unbreakable|

* "No Sleeep"
* "Burnitup!"
* "Unbreakable"
* "Dammn Baby"

Other songs|

* "And On and On"
* "Scream"
* "Runaway"
* "Twenty Foreplay"
* "Ask for More"
* "Megamix 04"
* "Make Me"
* "Nothing"
* "Made for Now"

As featured artist|

* "Diamonds"
* "Making Love in the Rain"
* "2300 Jackson Street"
* "The Best Things in Life Are Free"
* "Luv Me, Luv Me"
* "What's It Gonna Be?!"
* "Girlfriend/Boyfriend"
* "Feel It Boy"
* "Don't Worry"
* "We Are the World 25 for Haiti"

* Category

Awards for "Scream"

* v
* t
* e

Grammy Award for Best Music Video

1980s|

* "Girls on Film" / "Hungry Like the Wolf" – Duran Duran (1984)
* "Jazzin' for Blue Jean" – David Bowie (1985)
* "We Are the World" – USA for Africa (1986)
* "Brothers in Arms" – Dire Straits (1987)

1990s|

* "Leave Me Alone" – Michael Jackson (1990)
* "Opposites Attract" – Paula Abdul (1991)
* "Losing My Religion" – R.E.M. (1992)
* "Digging in the Dirt" – Peter Gabriel (1993)
* "Steam" – Peter Gabriel (1994)
* "Love Is Strong" – The Rolling Stones (1995)
* "Scream" – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson (1996)
* "Free as a Bird" – The Beatles (1997)
* "Got 'til It's Gone" – Janet Jackson (1998)
* "Ray of Light" – Madonna (1999)

2000s|

* "Freak on a Leash" – Korn (2000)
* "Learn to Fly" – Foo Fighters (2001)
* "Weapon of Choice" – Fatboy Slim featuring Bootsy Collins (2002)
* "Without Me" - Eminem (2003)
* "Hurt" – Johnny Cash (2004)
* "Vertigo" – U2 (2005)
* "Lose Control" – Missy Elliott featuring Ciara & Fatman Scoop (2006)
* "Here It Goes Again" – OK Go (2007)
* "God's Gonna Cut You Down" – Johnny Cash (2008)
* "Pork and Beans" – Weezer (2009)

2010s|

* "Boom Boom Pow" – Black Eyed Peas (2010)
* "Bad Romance" – Lady Gaga (2011)
* "Rolling in the Deep" – Adele (2012)
* "We Found Love" – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris (2013)
* "Suit & Tie" – Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z (2014)
* "Happy" – Pharrell Williams (2015)
* "Bad Blood" – Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar (2016)
* "Formation" – Beyoncé (2017)
* "Humble" – Kendrick Lamar (2018)
* "This Is America" – Childish Gambino (2019)

2020s|

* "Old Town Road" – Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (2020)
* "Brown Skin Girl" – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & Wizkid (2021)
* "Freedom" – Jon Batiste (2022)
* All Too Well: The Short Film – Taylor Swift (2023)
* "I'm Only Sleeping" – The Beatles (2024)
* "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (2025)

* v
* t
* e

MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video

* "Straight Up" – Paula Abdul (1989)
* "U Can't Touch This" (1990)
* "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" (1991)
* "Cream" (1992)
* "Free Your Mind" (1993)
* "Whatta Man" (1994)
* "Scream" (1995)
* "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" (1996)
* "Wannabe" – Spice Girls (1997)
* "Smack My Bitch Up" (1998)
* "Livin' la Vida Loca" (1999)
* "Waiting for Tonight" – Jennifer Lopez (2000)
* "Pop" (2001)
* "Get the Party Started" (2002)
* "Rock Your Body" – Justin Timberlake (2003)
* "Yeah!" (2004)
* "Lose Control" (2005)
* "Buttons" (2006)
* "When I Grow Up" – The Pussycat Dolls (2008)
* "Bad Romance" – Lady Gaga (2010)
* "Feel So Close" – Calvin Harris (2012)
* "Stay the Night" (2014)
* "How Deep Is Your Love" (2016)
* "Stay" – Zedd and Alessia Cara (2017)
* "Lonely Together" – Avicii featuring Rita Ora (2018)
* "Call You Mine" – The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha (2019)

Authority control databases |

* MusicBrainz work

|

*[Ref.]: Reference
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template