Beat It

~ Recording by Michael Jackson

Appears on releases

#TitleLengthTrack ArtistRelease TitleRelease ArtistRelease Group TypeCountry/DateLabelCatalog#
Official
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2008-02-12
Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697 17987 2
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
  • JP2008-02-20
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP-961, EICP-962
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25: The World’s Biggest Selling Album of All Time (スリラー25周年記念リミテッド・エディション／期間限定生産)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • JP2008-02-20
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label)EICP-963, EICP-964
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2008-03-25
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697 04659 2
1.4Beat It4:20Michael JacksonKing of Pop (limited edition Australian 50th anniversary edition)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • AU2008-08-22
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356252
1.6Beat It (single version)4:17Michael JacksonKing of PopMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • HK2008-08-22
1.2Beat It4:16Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Belgian Edition (Het Nieuwsblad)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2008-08-25
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356272
1.2Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Belgian Edition (RTL)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2008-08-25
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)
1.7Beat It4:17Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The New Zealand CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • NZ2008-08-25
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356432
1.6Beat It4:17Michael JacksonKing of Pop: UK EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2008-08-25
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697356512
1.17Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael Jackson: Limited Edition 3.0Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2008-08-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697 30985 2
2.2Beat It4:16Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Hong Kong EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • HK2008-08-28
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356362
1.2Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: German EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • DE2008-08-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697356342
1.4Beat It4:20Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Australian CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • AU2008-08-29
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356242
2.8Beat It4:21Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Austrian Limited EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • AT2008-08-29
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)
1.3Beat It4:17Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Dutch CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • NL2008-08-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697356412
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • DE2008-08-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.5Beat It (single version)4:16Michael JacksonKing of Pop: Japan EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2008-09-24
Sony Music Japan International Inc. (Do not use as a label, see the annotation.)EICP-1055
1.6Beat It4:17Michael JacksonKing of Pop (deluxe UK edition)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2008-09-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697356532
1.6Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Italian Fans’ SelectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • IT2008-10-03
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)88697356382
1.3Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Swedish Hit CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • SE2008-10-15
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697356472
2.3Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: Polish EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • PL2008-10-20
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356452
1.2Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Korean Limited EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • KR2008-12-11
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)S30500C
1.3Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The French Fans’ SelectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • FR2008-12-12
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697356312
1.3Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The French Fans’ SelectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • FR2008-12-12
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)8 86973 56332
1.1Beat It4:17Michael Jackson100 80’er HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697344682
1.7Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: Brazilian CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)1269-2
1.4Beat It4:19Michael JacksonKiss 92, 9: 80’s‐90’s - Todays (disc 2)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (25th Anniversary Edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697 17987 2
1.1Beat It4:20Michael JacksonVeronica’s Top 1000 Allertijden: Editie 2008Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697379632
1.4Beat It4:17Michael JacksonKing of Pop: Edición exclusiva para EspañaMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • ES2009-01-13
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697433512
2.2Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: The Indian CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697433472
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael Jackson (期間限定価格盤, special edition)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2009-03-25
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP-1132, EICP-1133, EICP-1134
2.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • DE2009-06-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697536212
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2009-07-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP 1198~9
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • JP2009-07-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP 1195
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2009-07-22
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP-20051, EICP-20052
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2009-09-14
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697536712
1.10Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonMichael Jackson’s This Is It: The Music That Inspired the MovieMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2009-10-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThis Is ItMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2009-10-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697606742
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonMichael Jackson’s This Is It (souvenir edition)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • AU2009-10-27
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697606742
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThis Is ItMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2009-10-27
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697606742
2.21Beat It4:18Michael JacksonRadio 538 Hitzone: Best of 2009Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • NL2009-11-13
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)88697589412
1.17Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael Jackson (Limited Edition 3.0)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2009-12-23
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label)EICP 1317~9
1.21Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNRJ Music Awards 2010Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI Music France (1994–2013)
1.21Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNRJ Music Awards 2010Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI Music France (1994–2013)4585472
1.3Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop: Singapore EditionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)886975773626
1.4Beat It (single version)4:19Michael JacksonNumber Ones (96kHz/24bit)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
2.1Beat It4:20Michael JacksonThe Music Jungle: The Hits + Jungle Giant ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)88697451122
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThis Is ItMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThis Is ItMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697611432
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThis Is ItMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2010-02-19
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697608562
2.5Beat It (single version)4:17Michael JacksonMichael Jackson: The King Of PopMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • ES2010-04-07
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)[none]
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2010-06-23
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EICP 1412, EICP 1413
2.5Beat It (single version)4:17Michael JacksonMichael Jackson: The King Of PopMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • -2010
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697832712
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (HDTracks HiRes version of Epic ES38112)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2013-01-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
2.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Indispensable CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation + Live + Remix
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (Mastered for iTunes)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2013-06-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (Mastered for iTunes)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2013-06-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (24bit/176.4kHz)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • JP2013-10-17
Sony Music Japan International Inc. (Do not use as a label, see the annotation.)SIXX01837B00Z
1.69Beat It (single version)4:18Michael Jackson80 Totally 80s HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2014-03-03
Columbia (Sony Music, worldwide except JP; formerly owned by CBS between 1938–1990 within US/CA/MX), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
1.10Beat It4:18Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (hi-res audio)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • -2015-09-04
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88875043862
1.5Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonThriller (Google Play exclusive version)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2015-11-20
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.1Beat It4:20Michael JacksonNo.1 80s Billboard HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2016-08-10
SICP-4940, SICP-4941
1.1Beat It4:17Michael Jackson80S XLVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)88985346192
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label)88875143731A
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael Jackson (24bit/96kHz)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2017-01-06
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)G010001718236I
1.7Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonFlash Back InternacionalVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music Entertainment (not for release label use! company owned by Sony Corporation of America since Oct 1, 2008; operates worldwide except in JP)
1.2Beat It4:20Michael JacksonVeronica Top 1000 Allertijden: Editie 2018Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • NL2018-11-16
Sony Music Entertainment Netherlands B.V. (Sony Music Entertainment's NL subsidiary since 2009)19075897062
1.5Beat It (Single Version)4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (Super Deluxe Edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
2.5Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonThe Ultimate Fan Extras CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation + Demo
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US2022-11-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label)88875143731
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (Ultradisc One-Step Original Master Recording)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2022-11-18
Mobile Fidelity Sound LabUD1S 1-042
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (40th Anniversary Edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2022-11-18
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (40th anniversary)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XE2022-11-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label), Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)19658734562
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 40Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XW2022-11-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment), MJJ Productions (logo / imprint / label)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US2022-11-25
Mobile Fidelity Sound LabUDSACD 2251
2.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US2022-11-25
Mobile Fidelity Sound LabUDSACD 2251
1.10Beat It4:19NA ProductionsTeam KnockoutNA ProductionsAlbum + Compilation
  • XW2022-12-25
NA Production Studios (Nick Vasic-related)
1.10Beat It4:19NA ProductionsTeam KnockoutNA ProductionsAlbum + Compilation
  • XW2023-01-28
NA Production Studios (Nick Vasic-related)
1.7Beat It4:19NA ProductionsTeam KnockoutNA ProductionsAlbum + Compilation
  • XW2023-03-08
NA Production Studios (Nick Vasic-related)
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 38112
1.5Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
Promotion
1.1Beat It4:18Michael JacksonRadio Contact 30 ans : Best of Années 80Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)88697639732
Bootleg
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (25th anniversary edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • CN2008-04-15
[no label] (Special purpose label – white labels, self-published releases and other “no label” releases)[none]
30.2Beat It4:18Michael Jackson80’s Giga Hits CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2008
1.14Beat It4:18Michael JacksonGreatest HitsMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Star Mark15188-1/2
1.14Beat It4:18Michael JacksonGreatest HitsMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Star Mark15188-1/2
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Complete Thriller Sessions (Upgrade 2.0)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • -2010
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonBest of the 80'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Withdrawn
2.5Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonThe Ultimate Fan Extras Collection (Mastered for iTunes)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation + Demo
  • US2013-06-27
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
(unknown)
1.49Beat It4:18Michael JacksonGuitar Hero: World TourVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation + Soundtrack
  • US2008-10-27
  • XE2008-11-21
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonKing of Pop (Indonesia Collection)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)88697584462
1.5Beat it4:20Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
PhoniePCX 100
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • XE2009-10-22
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Music on Vinyl (imprint of Music on Vinyl B.V. Do not use for manufacturing/distribution relationships!)85930, EPC 85930, MOVLP014
2.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
索尼音樂娛樂中國控股有限公司9787799442105
1.7Beat It4:19NA ProductionsTeam KnockoutNA ProductionsAlbum + Compilation
  • XW2023-04-11
NA Production Studios (Nick Vasic-related)

Relationships

recording engineer:Donn Landee
Bruce Swedien
miscellaneous support:Greg Smith (Producer/Keyboards)
synthesizer programming:Steve Porcaro
co-producer:Michael Jackson (“King of Pop”)
producer:Quincy Jones
mixer:Bruce Swedien
drums (drum set):Jeff Porcaro
electric bass guitar and guitar:Steve Lukather
guitar:Paul Jackson, Jr.
keyboard:Bill Wolfer
Rhodes piano and synthesizer:Greg Phillinganes
solo electric guitar:Eddie Van Halen
synclavier:Tom Bahler
synthesizer:Steve Porcaro
lead vocals:Michael Jackson (“King of Pop”)
percussion arranger:Michael Jackson (“King of Pop”)
Quincy Jones
arranger:Rod Temperton
phonographic copyright (℗) by:MJJ Productions Inc. (rights holder, not an imprint) (in 1982)
recorded at:Westlake Recording Studios (founded as Westlake Audio in the early 1970s) in West Hollywood, California, United States (in 1982)
DJ-mixes:Michael Jackson: The Definitive Megamix by Ben Liebrand (order: 43)
Michael Jackson: The Definitive Megamix by Ben Liebrand (order: 45)
has remixes:Beat It (Moby’s Sub mix)
samples:Untitled (side A) by Denny Jaeger
mash-ups:Beat It, I'm Madonna by Robin Skouteris
Beat Sauce (Duck Sauce vs. Michael Jackson) (new version) by Party Ben
Beat the Wind (Michael Jackson vs. Patrick Swayze) by Mighty Mike
Beat Up by JV5
BEATiCURE by Robin Skouteris
Breath It (Michael Jackson vs. Prodigy) by MadMixMustang
Comic Beat by ComaR
Crush It (Nero & Knife Party vs. Michael Jackson) by DJ Schmolli
I Can’t Beat It (The Who vs. Michael Jackson) by Ray C Mashups
Revolution No.11 by Triple‐Q
We Will Scream Beat It Mama (Bullet for My Valentine vs. Genesis vs. Michael Jackson vs. Queen) by MJ Fandango (order: 3)
part of:The Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: 2021 edition (number: 185) (order: 185)
Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (as at 2016-06-10) (number: 337) (order: 337)
recording of:Beat It

Related works

Beat It

lyricist and composer:Michael Jackson (“King of Pop”)
publisher:Mijac Music
ソニー・ミュージックパブリッシング A事業部
later parody versions:Eat It
He-Man
later translated versions:BEAT IT
later versions:Beat It 2008
is the basis for:Beat It (Cookin’ Soul remix)