"Another Part of Me" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, serving as the sixth single from his seventh studio album, Bad, released on July 11, 1988, by Epic Records.[1] Produced by Quincy Jones and co-produced by Jackson, the track promotes themes of unity and collective strength, with lyrics portraying fans and supporters as an extension of the artist himself.[1] Originally debuted in the 1986 3D science fiction film Captain EO—a Disney attraction starring Jackson at Disneyland and Epcot—it was later included in his 1988 anthology film Moonwalker.[1]The song features a funk-infused pop arrangement, highlighted by Jackson's signature falsetto vocals, prominent basslines, and a choir-like backing that underscores its message of interconnectedness.[1] Upon release, "Another Part of Me" topped the USBillboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also entering the top 10 in countries including Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Spain.[2] Its music video, a live performance excerpt from the Bad World Tour filmed at Wembley Stadium in 1988, captures the high-energy spectacle of Jackson's concerts, complete with elaborate choreography and audience interaction.[2] As part of the Bad era—which saw Jackson become the first artist to generate five number-one singles from a single album on the Billboard Hot 100—"Another Part of Me" exemplifies his unparalleled influence on pop music during the late 1980s.[2]
Development
Background
"Another Part of Me" was written solely by Michael Jackson in 1985 as one of two original songs composed for the 3D science fiction filmCaptain EO, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Jackson in the title role.[1][3] The project was a collaboration between Disney, Lucasfilm, and Jackson, intended to deliver a message of unity and transformation through music and spectacle.[4]The film premiered on September 12, 1986, at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, followed by an opening at Disneyland Resort on September 18, 1986.[5][6] A shortened version of "Another Part of Me," lacking the second verse and featuring a different mix, served as the closing theme during the film's end credits, while the primary theme song was the other Jackson composition, "We Are Here to Change the World."[7][8] Jackson retained the full version of the song for his next studio project, using the original 1985 recording from Captain EO with minor updates.[9][10]In the years following the monumental success of his 1982 album Thriller, Jackson entered a prolific creative phase focused on themes of unity and global interconnectedness, which aligned with the film's narrative.[1] This period overlapped with early preparations for his third solo album Bad, with recording sessions commencing in mid-1986 at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles.[11] Ultimately, "Another Part of Me" was selected as the sixth track on Bad, released in 1987, after being favored over other candidates during final album deliberations.[8][12]
Composition
"Another Part of Me" is an upbeat pop and R&B track infused with dance elements, characterized by its rhythmic bassline, layered vocals, and synthesizer-driven production that creates a funky, mechanical groove ahead of its time.[8][13][14]The song is composed in D minor, employs a 4/4 time signature, and maintains a tempo of 106 beats per minute, with the album version lasting 3:54.[15][16][17]Structurally, it adheres to a verse-chorus form, opening with an instrumental intro, followed by two verses, repeated choruses, a bridge, and an outro, where the synthesizers and intricate instrumental patterns build a sense of propulsion and unity.[18][13]Lyrically, the song explores themes of global solidarity and collective action against social issues, as seen in lines such as "We're sendin' out a major love to you / Invincible, together we're gonna be," which evoke a message of interconnected humanity and shared purpose.[19] The chorus reinforces this with the hook "Another part of me," serving as a rallying call for unity and empowerment in the face of adversity.[19]It echoes the humanitarian spirit of Jackson's earlier collaboration "We Are the World" (1985) but delivers it in a more energetic, dance-oriented style rather than a somber ballad.[19]The song's emphasis on collective harmony also aligns briefly with the sci-fi unity theme of the 1986 Disney 3D film Captain EO, for which an early version was created as the closing number.[8]
Production
Recording
"Another Part of Me" was originally recorded in 1985 at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, for the 1986 Disney 3D film Captain EO. The song originated from demos dating back to 1985 and was initially developed for the film, before being reworked and integrated into Michael Jackson's albumBad during sessions that began in August 1986 and continued through mid-1987.[20] The album version was finalized during these sessions, with final mixes completed by engineer Bruce Swedien ahead of the album's August 31 release.[20]The track was produced by Quincy Jones, with co-production by Michael Jackson, emphasizing a blend of live instrumentation and emerging digital tools to create its upbeat, rhythmic profile.[21] Innovative synthesizers, including contributions from Rhett Lawrence, were layered to drive the song's energetic groove, while the album's use of Synclavier systems for sampling and synthesis marked a push toward technology-enhanced sounds.[22][20] Vocal production relied heavily on multi-tracking, with Jackson overdubbing ad-libs and harmonies to build dense, intricate layers that complemented the track's percussive foundation.[23]The sessions employed cutting-edge digital recording on Mitsubishi X-850 32-track machines, ensuring high-fidelity capture that supported the album's DDD (digital-digital-digital) format.[21] Swedien's mixing at Westlake utilized the Harrison 4032 console with minimal processing to preserve dynamics, focusing on stereo imaging via Blumlein pair microphones for spatial depth.[23]Production challenges arose from balancing Jackson's preference for synthesized, precise elements with Jones's advocacy for organic live performances, resulting in a refined, radio-ready sound that fused both approaches.[20] This tension, evident across Bad, helped shape "Another Part of Me" into a polished track with vibrant energy and vocal clarity.[20]
Michael Jackson – solo and background vocals, rhythm and vocal arrangements[24]
Instruments
Release and promotion
Release
"Another Part of Me" was released as the sixth single from Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, Bad, on July 11, 1988, by Epic Records.[1] It followed the release of "Dirty Diana" in April 1988 and preceded "Leave Me Alone" in early 1989.[1] The song appears as the sixth track on Bad, which was originally issued on August 31, 1987, and has sold estimated at over 35 million copies worldwide.)The initial commercial release was a 7-inch vinyl single featuring the album edit at 3:54 on the A-side, backed by an instrumental version on the B-side.[25] Subsequent formats included 12-inch vinyl editions with remixes, such as the Extended Dance Mix running 6:18, particularly in European markets where these variants supported the album's international rollout.[25] Later reissues encompassed CD singles and digital downloads, aligning with broader shifts in music distribution.[25]The single's issuance formed part of Epic Records' sustained global promotion for Bad following its August 31, 1987 launch.[21] No significant tie-in editions emerged contemporaneously, with the track instead appearing in later compilations, including HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I in 1995 and The Essential Michael Jackson in 2005.[26]
Promotion
"Another Part of Me" was released as the sixth single from Michael Jackson's Bad album on July 11, 1988, serving as a key component of the album's ongoing promotional campaign to maintain momentum following the success of earlier singles like "Bad" and "Dirty Diana." The campaign emphasized the song's uplifting lyrics about unity and collective strength, positioning it for heavy radio play on pop and R&B stations to reinforce the Bad era's themes of empowerment and socialharmony.[27]The single's promotion aligned with Jackson's broader media efforts in 1988, including international press appearances where he highlighted the track's inspirational origins rooted in messages of togetherness. Its inclusion in the trailer for Jackson's 1988 anthology film Moonwalker further amplified its reach, showcasing the song's thematic resonance with the film's motifs of unity and fantasy-driven heroism.In subsequent years, the song received renewed promotion through its appearance on reissue editions, such as the 2012 Bad 25th Anniversary deluxe edition and the 2022 Bad 35th Anniversary edition, which included remastered versions, remixes, and bonus content to reintroduce the track to new audiences.[28] While not directly tied to specific social initiatives, the song's message echoed the era's broader unity-focused events like Live Aid, contributing to its enduring appeal in compilations and retrospective campaigns. The track's promotion also connected briefly to the Bad World Tour, where it helped sustain fan engagement during the 1987–1989 global trek.
Music video
The music video for "Another Part of Me" was directed by Patrick T. Kelly and filmed during Michael Jackson's Bad World Tour, including dates at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on July 14 and 22, 1988, and other locations such as Rotterdam on June 7.[2][29][30] It captures a live concertperformance without a narrative storyline, focusing instead on Jackson's high-energy delivery alongside his band and backup dancers, intercut with shots of the enthusiastic crowd and dynamic stage effects like lighting and pyrotechnics.[2][29] The footage highlights Jackson's signature choreography, including the moonwalk and intricate group routines with dancers, performed to an audience of over 70,000 fans per show, emphasizing the song's themes of unity through communal energy.[31][29]With a runtime of 4:44, the video was released on July 30, 1988, as a short film to accompany the single, produced under Epic Records and co-produced by Jackson himself.[29][30] It later appeared in the 2010 DVD compilation Michael Jackson's Vision, which collected many of his notable short films.[2] Production emphasized authentic concert capture, featuring band members such as keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, drummer Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett, and background vocalist Sheryl Crow, to convey the tour's vibrant atmosphere without studio alterations.[2][29]As the primary visual promotion for the single, the video significantly boosted airplay across Europe, aligning with the Bad World Tour's record-breaking attendance and helping the track reach top positions on international charts.[2][30] Its live format reinforced Jackson's reputation for electrifying stage presence, contributing to the single's commercial momentum during the tour's European leg.[31]
Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release as part of the Bad album in 1987, "Another Part of Me" received positive mentions in contemporary reviews for its upbeat energy and thematic focus on unity. The Los Angeles Times described it as a "heavy R&B riffer" and a "timely salute to harmonic convergence," grouping it with other strong tracks like the title song and "The Way You Make Me Feel" while praising Quincy Jones's dynamic production.[32] Rolling Stone's album review lauded standout cuts like "Bad" and "Man in the Mirror" but critiqued the overall project as less groundbreaking than Thriller, implying tracks like "Another Part of Me" contributed to a sense of formulaic momentum rather than bold innovation.[33]Retrospectively, the song has been hailed as an underrated gem within Jackson's catalog, often celebrated for its anthemic quality and vocal finesse. Publications marking the album's 30th anniversary in 2017 emphasized its "futuristic midtempo funk" groove and motivational message of collective change, positioning it as a key example of Jackson's ability to blend pop accessibility with social commentary.[34] Critics have noted its positive attributes, including Jackson's precise delivery and the track's enduring appeal as a call for unity, though some viewed it as part of a "template" sequence on the album that felt conventional compared to Thriller's experimental highs.[35]The track garnered no individual awards but benefited from the Bad album's critical acclaim, including its win for Album of the Year at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988.
Live performances
"Another Part of Me" debuted live during Michael Jackson's Bad World Tour (1987–1989), where it became a staple of the setlist as a high-energy set piece performed during all shows from its introduction in the second leg of the tour in early 1988 onward, for a total of 104 performances out of the tour's 123 concerts.[36] The performance featured an extended introduction with crowd interaction, including chants echoing the song's unity theme, alongside elaborate choreography involving backup dancers in synchronized group routines that emphasized the track's upbeat, motivational energy.[2] No major revisions to the arrangement were made after the Bad Tour concluded.[37]Key live renditions highlighted the song's prominence during the tour. Footage from the Wembley Stadium shows in July 1988 was incorporated into the official music video, capturing Jackson's dynamic stage presence before 72,000 fans over three nights.[2] An early highlight came during the tour's Japanese leg at Tokyo Dome in December 1988, while the final performance occurred at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on January 27, 1989, closing the tour on a triumphant note.[38]Following the Bad Tour, "Another Part of Me" was omitted from subsequent major outings, including the Dangerous World Tour (1992–1993) and HIStory World Tour (1996–1997). It appeared only in occasional snippets during later rehearsals, such as those for the This Is It concerts in 2009, often in response to fan enthusiasm.[39]The song's legacy extended through tribute performances after Jackson's death in 2009. Singer Madonna incorporated a segment of "Another Part of Me" into her Sticky & Sweet Tour finale in July 2009 as a homage to Jackson. In 2024, Snoop Dogg released a track titled "Another Part of Me" featuring Sting and produced by Dr. Dre, sharing the original's title and thematic nod to unity while sampling The Police's "Message in a Bottle."[40]
Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Another Part of Me" achieved moderate success on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 54 on July 23, 1988, before climbing steadily to a peak of number 11 on September 10, 1988, where it held for one week. The single spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart, including 11 weeks within the top 40, reflecting sustained radio airplay and sales momentum from the Bad album.[41] On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it performed stronger, reaching number 1 for one week on September 17, 1988, and charting for 12 weeks overall, underscoring its appeal in R&B markets.[42]Internationally, the song saw varied trajectories across European markets, often entering mid-chart before rising due to growing popularity from the Bad tour and album promotion. It reached the top 10 in several countries, including #4 in Ireland, #10 in Germany, #4 in Norway, #2 in South Africa, and #9 in Spain. In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the Official Singles Chart on September 10, 1988, at number 26, rose to a peak of number 15 the following week on September 17, and remained on the chart for 6 weeks, with 3 weeks in the top 20.[43] The Netherlands provided one of its strongest showings outside the US, entering the Single Top 100 at number 43 on August 6, 1988, advancing to number 8 for two consecutive weeks in late August, and totaling 10 weeks on the chart.[44] In Belgium's Flanders region (Ultratop 50), it peaked at number 3 on September 10, 1988, and spent 9 weeks charting, driven by regional radio support.[45] France saw a later entry on October 8, 1988, at number 42, peaking at number 32 for one week and charting for 7 weeks total.[46] In Australia, performance was modest, debuting and peaking at number 44 on September 11, 1988, for a single week on the Kent Music Report.[47]The following table summarizes peak positions across select 1988 charts:
For year-end rankings, "Another Part of Me" placed at number 88 on the Billboard 1988 Year-End Hot 100, reflecting its solid but non-dominant performance amid competition from other Bad singles. In Europe, it appeared in the top 100 year-end lists in markets such as Sweden and Switzerland, bolstered by sustained airplay.[48]In the digital era following post-2010 reissues of Bad, the song experienced a resurgence through streaming and downloads, accumulating 230,000 US digital sales as of 2025, though it has not re-entered modern top 100 charts.[49]
Certifications
"Another Part of Me" did not receive a certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States, despite the parent album Bad being certified 11× Platinum by the RIAA on August 20, 2021, for shipments of 11 million units. Digital streams of the single contribute to the album's overall metrics but do not qualify for separate single certification under current RIAA guidelines.[50]Internationally, no certifications for the single have been documented. As of 2025, streaming equivalents on platforms like Spotify bolster retrospective counts for the Bad album, which has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, but no single-specific awards have been issued.
Track listings
7-inch single
{| class="wikitable"
!No.
!Title
!Length
1.
"Another Part of Me" (single mix)
3:46
-
2.
"Another Part of Me" (instrumental)
3:46
}
12-inch maxi-single
{| class="wikitable"
!No.
!Title
!Length
1.
"Another Part of Me" (extended dance mix)
6:18
-
2.
"Another Part of Me" (radio edit)
4:24
-
3.
"Another Part of Me" (dub mix)
3:51
-
4.
"Another Part of Me" (a cappella)
4:01
}
[25]
Personnel
Written and composed by – Michael Jackson[1]
Produced by – Quincy Jones[1]
Co-produced by – Michael Jackson[1]
Rhythm and vocal arrangements – Michael Jackson, John Barnes[1]