Beat It

~ Recording by Michael Jackson

Appears on releases

#TitleLengthTrack artistRelease titleRelease artistRelease group typeCountry/DateLabelCatalog#
Official
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • GB1982-11-30
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (club edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • CA1982-11-30
Columbia House (direct‐mailing distributor of club editions of releases), Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)529271T, CEK 38112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • XE1982-11-30
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US1982-12-01
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)QE-38112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (club edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930, EPCCL 32117-4
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)85930, EPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (sticker in cover)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930, QE 38112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 85930
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (half-speed mastered)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)HE 48112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (Japan)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)35・8P-11
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThriller (repress)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)25·3P-399
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 38112
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThriller (Master Sound DM Digital Mastering)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic/Sony Inc. (JP record company, Aug 1978 – Mar 1988)30·3P-431
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)40-85930
1.1Beat It4:11Michael JacksonBeat ItMichael JacksonSingle
  • US1983-02-01
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)55-03759
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • FR1983-06-06
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.1Beat It4:11Michael JacksonBeat ItMichael JacksonSingle
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)A3258, EPC A3258
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (Europe)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 85930
1.3Beat It?:??Michael JacksonWanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ / Beat ItMichael JacksonSingle
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)12・3P-491
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (Made in U.S.A. by Digital Audio Disc Corp.)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK-38112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThriller (Made in U.S.A. by Digital Audio Disc Corp.)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 38112
1.1Beat It4:18Michael JacksonStereoplay Highlights CD 16: Meisterwerke aus Rock und PopVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
stereoplay, CBS Special ProductsCD 697 016, CD 980007-2, CDSP 980007 2
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • JP1988-10-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)8P-5137
1.1Beat It4:17Michael Jackson25 Jaar Popmuziek: 1983Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
CBS Special Products29.980321.10, LSP 980321 2
1.2Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThe 12″ MixesMichael JacksonSingle + Remix
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)450127 2
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • JP1991-07-25
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)ESCA 5408
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Productions (imprint/label)EK 38112
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CD 85930, CDEPC 85930
2.2Beat It4:17Michael JacksonTour Souvenir PackMichael JacksonSingle + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)01-658281-14
1.3Beat It (Album Version)4:19Michael JacksonGive in to meMichael JacksonSingle
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)659069 2
1.3Beat It (album version)4:19Michael JacksonGive in to MeMichael JacksonSingle
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 658946 2
4.1Beat It4:17Michael JacksonRemember Your 80’s Volume 1 (1980–1984)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)980321 2, 980347 2, 980390 2, 982191 2, 982431 2
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
  • FR1995-05-01
  • DE1995-06-16
MJJ Productions (imprint/label), Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)01-474709-10, EPC 474709 2
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
  • JP1995-06-16
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)ESCA 6200, ESCA 6201
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (original lyric)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XE1995-06-19
MJJ Productions (imprint/label), Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)01-474709-10, EPC 474709 2
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (revised lyric)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US1995-06-20
MJJ MusicEK 59003, EK 59004
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
  • CA1995-06-20
MJJ MusicE2K 59000
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (original lyric)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US1995-06-20
MJJ Productions (imprint/label)59003, 59004
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US1995-06-20
MJJ Productions (imprint/label), Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)59000, E2K 59000
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)474709 2
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)E3 59000, E3-59000
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88883771962
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonHIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC5000
2.1Beat It4:17Michael JacksonTime Trip: Hits of the 70s, 80s and 90sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music Entertainment (Holland) B.V. (Sony Music Entertainment's NL subsidiary until 2004)29-984944-10
1.13Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate Grammy Box: From the Recording Academy’s Collection of Award Winning MusicVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1999-11-16
Columbia (Sony Music, worldwide except JP; formerly owned by CBS between 1938–1990 within US/CA/MX), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)C4K 69783
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
  • US1999-11-23
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)ES 38112
1.1Beat It4:21Michael JacksonGreatest Hits of the 80’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyCB 249932
1.5Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)MILLEN4 4952162000
1.13Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate Grammy Box: From the Recording Academy’s Collection of Award Winning MusicVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2001-09-04
Columbia (Sony Music, worldwide except JP; formerly owned by CBS between 1938–1990 within US/CA/MX), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)C4K 85669
1.5Beat It4:16Michael JacksonThriller (special edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XE2001-10-15
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 504422 2
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (special edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2001-10-16
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 66073
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonGreatest Hits: HIStory, Volume 1Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2001-11-12
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)501869 2
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonGreatest Hits: HIStory, Volume 1Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2001-11-13
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 85250
1.10Beat It4:19Michael JacksonGreatest Hits: HIStory, Volume 1Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (Special Edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 66073
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (special edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)5044222000
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller (special edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 66073
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber Ones (Cover: Circa 1987 "Bad" Period)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2003-11-17
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Music2 513800, 513800 2
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2003-11-17
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)513800 2
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2003-11-17
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), MJJ Music2 513800
1.4Beat It (single version)4:19Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XW2003-11-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2003-11-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 88998
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)2 088998
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)CDEPC 6735
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber Ones (Cover: Circa 1995 "HIStory" Period)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)5138002000
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 88998
1.4Beat It?:??Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)2-513800
2.5Beat It4:18Michael Jacksonx2 Off The Wall / ThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2004-11-01
  • GB2004-11-01
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 – Oct 1, 2008), Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)5175542001, EPC 517554 2
2.4Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2004-11-16
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)E5K 92600
2.4Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • SE2004-11-17
2.4Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2004-12-15
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)MHCP-534, MHCP-535, MHCP-536, MHCP-537, MHCP-538
2.4Beat It4:19Michael JacksonThe Ultimate Collection (Special Advance Copy)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)AE4K 92600
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2005-07-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)520422 2
1.17Beat It (single version)4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael Jackson (Qobuz)Michael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • FR2005-07-18
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
1.17Beat It (single version)4:19Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-07-19
1.17Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-07-19
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)E2K 94287
1.17Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • CA2005-07-19
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)E2K 94287
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2005-08-24
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Epic Records International (2001–2006 reissue label for int’l music released in Japan, formerly a company/division of SMEJ)MHCP-745~6
1.16Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • AU2005-10-01
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment), MJJ Productions (imprint/label), Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 – Oct 1, 2008)5204222000
1.1Beat It4:18Michael JacksonBeat ItMichael JacksonSingle
  • GB2006-03-13
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)82876725182
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonTop 100 Hits 80sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Coqueiro Verde
1.4Beat It4:18Michael JacksonNumber OnesMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2007-02-26
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697046592
2.20Michael Jackson. Beat It (1982)4:19[unknown]Popularmusik im Kontext (Originalaufnahmen)Various ArtistsOther + Compilation
Helbling
1.5Beat It4:20Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XE2008-02-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697220962
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XE2008-02-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)88697 17987 2
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (deluxe edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XW2008-02-08
  • US2008-02-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)[none]
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (super deluxe)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • CA2008-02-08
  • US2008-02-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25Michael JacksonAlbum
  • GB2008-02-11
Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)
1.5Beat It4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (Best Buy edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • US2008-02-11
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)88697 17986 2
Promotion
1.1Beat It4:20Michael JacksonWorld Tour Souvenir CDMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 570323-2
51.4Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThe Radio Essential SeriesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Promo Only
Bootleg
1.14Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThe Very Best OfMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
Unison Records Ltd.CDP167
1.12Beat It4:20Michael JacksonDance CollectionMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
(unknown)
1.5Beat It4:17Michael JacksonThrillerMichael JacksonAlbum
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)25·3P-399
1.16Beat It?:??Michael JacksonThe Essential Michael JacksonMichael JacksonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-07-19
Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment)EPC5204222
1.1Beat It4:18Michael JacksonBeat ItMichael JacksonSingle
  • -2006-03-13
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)82876725182
1.5Beat It (Single Version)4:18Michael JacksonThriller 25 (Super Deluxe Edition)Michael JacksonAlbum
  • XW2008-02-08
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony), Legacy (reissue division of Sony Music Entertainment), MJJ Productions (imprint/label), Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 – Oct 1, 2008)

Relationships

recording engineer:Donn Landee
Bruce Swedien
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 electric guitar:Steve Lukather
guitar:Paul Jackson, Jr.
keyboard:Bill Wolfer
percussion [drum case beater], background vocals and lead vocals:Michael Jackson (“King of Pop”)
Rhodes piano and synthesizer:Greg Phillinganes
solo electric guitar:Eddie Van Halen
synclavier:Tom Bahler
synthesizer:Steve Porcaro
synthesizer [Synergy synthesizer]:Greg Smith (Producer/Keyboards)
vibraslap:Chris Shepard
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:Beat It by Old Jim feat. Victor Perry
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 (mashup artist)
Beat Up by JV5 (mashup group)
BEATiCURE by Robin Skouteris
Breath It (Michael Jackson vs. Prodigy) by MadMixMustang (mash-up artist)
Comic Beat by ComaR
Crush It (Nero & Knife Party vs. Michael Jackson) by DJ Schmolli
Feel It (Michael Jackson vs. Gorillaz vs. Devo vs. Ozzy Osbourne) by Cosmic Latte (Mashup artist)
I Can’t Beat It (The Who vs. Michael Jackson) by Ray C Mashups
Michaelsocial by Kurran1998
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 (mash-up artist) (order: 3)
part of:NME: 50 Greatest Guitar Riffs of All Time (2012-10-25) (number: 18) (order: 18)
Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: 2021 edition (number: 185) (order: 185)
Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (as at 2016-06-10) (number: 337) (order: 338)
stream for free:https://open.spotify.com/track/3BovdzfaX4jb5KFQwoPfAw [info]
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)