''HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' is the ninth

studio album An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...

by the American singer Michael Jackson, released on June 20, 1995. It was Jackson's fifth album released through

Epic Records Epic Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America Sony Corporation of America (SONAM, also known as SCA), is the American arm of the Japanese conglomerate Sony Group ...

, and the first on his label MJJ Productions. It comprises two discs: ''HIStory Begins'', a greatest hits compilation, and ''HIStory Continues'', comprising new material written and produced by Jackson and collaborators. The album includes appearances by

Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...

Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal ( ; born March 6, 1972), known commonly as "Shaq" ( ), is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program ''Inside the NBA''. O'Neal is regarded as one of the greates ...

Slash Slash may refer to: * Slash (punctuation), the "/" character Arts and entertainment Fictional characters * Slash (Marvel Comics) * Slash (''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'') Music * Harry Slash & The Slashtones, an American rock band * Nash ...

, and

the Notorious B.I.G. Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop and particularly gangsta ...

The genres span R&B,

pop Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop!, a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Albums * ''Pop'' (G ...

, and hip hop, with elements of

hard rock Hard rock or heavy rock is a loosely defined subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the garage, psychedelic and blues rock movements. Some of the earliest hard ...

and funk rock. The themes include environmental awareness, isolation, greed,

suicide Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and s ...

, injustice, and Jackson's conflicts with the media. Starting in the late 1980s, Jackson and the tabloid press had a difficult relationship. In 1993, the relationship between Jackson and the press collapsed when he was accused of child sexual abuse. Although he was not charged, Jackson was subject to intense media scrutiny while the criminal investigation took place. Several of the album's 15 new songs pertain to the child sexual abuse allegations made against him in 1993 and Jackson's perceived mistreatment by the media, mainly the tabloids. Because of this, ''HIStory'' has been described as Jackson's most "personal" album. ''HIStory'' debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 albums chart in the United States, and in nineteen other countries. Seven singles were released, including the protest songs " Earth Song" and "

They Don't Care About Us "They Don't Care About Us" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, released in April 16, 1996 as the fifth single from his ninth album, '' HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' (1995). It is a protest song and remains on ...

". " Scream", a duet between Jackson and his sister Janet, became the first song to debut in the top five of the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, reaching number five. "

You Are Not Alone "You Are Not Alone" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson from his ninth studio album, '' HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' (1995). It was released on August 15, 1995, as the second single from the album. An R&B ballad, "You ...

" was the first song in history to debut at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100; it was Jackson's final number-one single on that chart. Though the album received generally positive reviews, the lyrics of "They Don't Care About Us" drew accusations of

antisemitism Antisemitism (also spelled anti-semitism or anti-Semitism) is hostility to, prejudice towards, or discrimination against Jews. A person who holds such positions is called an antisemite. Antisemitism is considered to be a form of racism. Antis ...

; Jackson said they had been misinterpreted and replaced them on later pressings of the album. Jackson later embarked on the HIStory World Tour, which grossed $165 million (equivalent to $268 million in 2019), making it the highest-grossing solo concert tour of the 1990s. It was Jackson's third and final concert tour as a solo artist. The album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time, and one of the best-selling multi-disc albums of all time. In August 2018, it was certified 8× Platinum by the

Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and/o ...

(RIAA). It was nominated for five

Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...

at the

1996 Grammy Awards The 38th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 28, 1996, at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. The awards recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Alanis Morissette was the main recipient, being awarded four trophies, in ...

, including

Album of the Year Album of the Year, often abbreviated to AOTY, may refer to: Awards * ARIA Award for Album of the Year, Australia * Brit Award for British Album of the Year, UK * Grammy Award for Album of the Year, US * Juno Award for Album of the Year, CA * Lati ...

, winning Best Music Video – Short Form for "Scream". Jackson won an

American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist The American Music Award for Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock has been awarded since 1974. Years reflect the year in which the awards were presented, for works released in the previous year (until 2003 onward when awards were handed out on Novembe ...

at the 1996 American Music Awards.

Background

Starting in the late 1980s, Jackson and the tabloid press had a difficult relationship. In 1986, tabloids claimed that Jackson slept in a

hyperbaric oxygen chamber A diving chamber is a vessel for human occupation, which may have an entrance that can be sealed to hold an internal pressure significantly higher than ambient pressure, a pressurised gas system to control the internal pressure, and a supply of ...

and had offered to buy the bones of Joseph Merrick (the "Elephant Man"), both of which Jackson denied. These stories inspired the derogatory nickname "Wacko Jacko", which Jackson despised. He stopped leaking untruths to the press, and the media began creating their own stories. In 1989, Jackson released " Leave Me Alone", a song about the victimization he felt by the press. In 1993, the relationship between Jackson and the press collapsed when he was accused of child sexual abuse. Although he was not charged, Jackson was subject to intense media scrutiny while the criminal investigation took place. Complaints about the coverage and media included misleading and sensational headlines; paying for stories of Jackson's alleged criminal activity and confidential material from the police investigation; using unflattering pictures of Jackson; and using headlines that strongly implied Jackson's guilt. In 1994, Jackson said of the media coverage: "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." Jackson began taking painkillers, Valium, Xanax and

Ativan Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, severe agitation, active seizures including status epilepticus, Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, al ...

to deal with the stress of the allegations. A few months after the allegations became news, Jackson stopped eating. Soon after, Jackson's health deteriorated to the extent that he canceled the remainder of his Dangerous World Tour and went into rehabilitation. Jackson booked the whole fourth floor of a clinic and was put on Valium IV to wean him from painkillers. The media showed Jackson little sympathy. In 1993, the '' Daily Mirror'' held a "Spot the Jacko" contest, offering readers a trip to Disney World if they could correctly predict where Jackson would appear next. The same year, a ''

Daily Express The ''Daily Express'' is a national daily United Kingdom middle-market newspaper printed in tabloid format. Published in London, it is the flagship of Express Newspapers, owned by publisher Reach plc. It was first published as a broadsheet i ...

'' headline read "Drug Treatment Star Faces Life on the Run", while a ''

News of the World The ''News of the World'' was a weekly national Tabloid journalism#Red tops, red top Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid newspaper published every Sunday in the United Kingdom from 1843 to 2011. It was at one time the world's highest-selling En ...

'' headline accused Jackson of being a fugitive; these tabloids also falsely alleged that Jackson had traveled to Europe to have

cosmetic surgery Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery includes craniofa ...

that would make him unrecognizable on his return. In early November 1993, talk show host

Geraldo Rivera Geraldo Rivera (born Gerald Riviera; July 4, 1943) is an American journalist, attorney, author, political commentator, and former television host. He hosted the tabloid talk show '' Geraldo'' from 1987 to 1998. He gained publicity with the liv ...

set up a mock trial with a jury of audience members, though Jackson had not been charged with a crime.

Content

''HIStory'' was Jackson's first studio album since his 1991 album ''

Dangerous Dangerous may refer to: Film and television * ''Dangerous'' (1935 film), an American film starring Bette Davis * '' Dangerous: The Short Films'', a 1993 collection of music videos by Michael Jackson * ''Dangerous'' (2021 film), a Canadian-Ameri ...

'' and his first new material after being accused of child sexual abuse. The album comprises two discs. The first, ''HIStory Begins,'' is a compilation of songs from Jackson's albums ''

Off the Wall ''Off the Wall'' is the fifth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records. It was Jackson's first album released through Epic Records, the label he recorded under until his death in 2009, and t ...

'' (1979), ''

Thriller Thriller may refer to: * Thriller (genre), a broad genre of literature, film and television ** Thriller film, a film genre under the general thriller genre Comics * ''Thriller'' (DC Comics), a comic book series published 1983–84 by DC Comics i ...

'' (1982), ''

Bad Bad or BAD may refer to: Common meanings *Evil, the opposite of moral good * Erroneous, inaccurate or incorrect * Unhealthy, or counter to well-being * Antagonist, the threat or obstacle of moral good Acronyms * BAD-2, a Soviet armored troll ...

'' (1987) and ''

'' (1991). The second, ''HIStory Continues,'' comprises new material recorded from September 1994 to March 1995.''HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' liner notes

(1995). Jackson co-wrote and co-produced a majority of the new songs; other writers include Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dallas Austin,

, Bruce Swedien,

R. Kelly Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and sex offender convicted of racketeering and multiple sex offenses. During his recording career, Kelly sold over 75 million records worldwid ...

and

René Moore René Moore (born Ivan Rene Moore;David Foster and Bill Bottrell. Similarly to ''Thriller'' and ''Bad'', ''HIStory'' contains lyrics that deal with paranoia. Several of the album's 15 new songs pertain to the child sexual abuse allegations made against him in 1993 and Jackson's perceived mistreatment by the media, mainly the tabloids. Because of this, the album has been described as being Jackson's most "personal". Two of the album's new tracks are covers. The genres of the songs on the album span R&B,

, hip hop, elements of

(" D.S.") and funk rock (" Scream"), and ballads. The lyrics pertain to isolation, greed, environmental concerns, injustice. "Scream" is a duet with Jackson's sister Janet; with "spitting" lyrics about injustice. The lyrics for the R&B ballad "You Are Not Alone", written by R. Kelly, pertain to isolation. Two Belgian songwriters, brothers Eddy and Danny Van Passel, claimed to have written the melody in 1993. In September 2007, a Belgian judge ruled the song had been plagiarized from the Van Passel brothers, and it was banned from radio play in Belgium. "D.S.", a hard rock song, has lyrics about a "cold man" named "Dom S. Sheldon". Critics interpreted it as an attack on Thomas Sneddon, who had led the prosecution in Jackson's trial. "Money" was interpreted as being directed at Evan Chandler, the father of the boy who accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. The lyrics of "Childhood" pertain to Jackson's childhood. Similar to "Scream", the lyrics to "They Don't Care About Us" pertain to injustice, as well as racism. In "This Time Around", Jackson asserts himself as having been "falsely accused". The song includes a guest rap by

(aka Biggie Smalls). "Earth Song" was described as a "slow blues-operatic", and its lyrics pertain to environmental concerns. On ''HIStory'', Jackson covered

Charlie Chaplin Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is consider ...

's " Smile" and the Beatles' " Come Together". "2 Bad" was influenced by hip-hop, with a sample of

Run–D.M.C. Run-DMC (also spelled Run-D.M.C.) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York City, founded in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of ...

's “ King of Rock” and another guest rap verse by

. The similarity in lyrics and name have led to some seeing it as a spiritual successor to Jackson's 1987 track, "

". "Stranger in Moscow" is a pop ballad that is interspersed with sounds of rain, in which Jackson references a "swift and sudden fall from grace". "Tabloid Junkie" is a hard funk song with lyrics instructing listeners to not believe everything they read in the media and tabloids. The album's title track, "HIStory" contained multiple samples, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "

I Have a Dream "I Have a Dream" is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist and Baptist minister, Martin Luther King Jr., during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. In the speech, King called ...

" speech.Jackson, Michael. ''HIStory'' booklet. Sony BMG. p 50 "HIStory" was not released as a single from ''HIStory'', but its remix was from '' Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix'' in 1997. As an introduction for "Little Susie", Jackson used his own variation of Pie Jesu from Maurice Duruflé's Requiem. Some speculate, the inspiration behind the song likely came from an artist called Gottfried Helnwein. An urban legend states that Little Susie was written about a girl called Susie Condry who was murdered in 1972. However no evidence of this event can be found. Jackson admired Helnwein's work and had purchased some of his paintings. One of them, "Beautiful Victim", inspired the song. Helnwein later painted a portrait of Michael. There appears to be a similarity between the "Beautiful Victim" painting and the artwork included for the song in HIStory.

Controversy

Accusations of antisemitism

On June 15, 1995, '' The New York Times'' said that "They Don't Care About Us" contained

antisemitic Antisemitism (also spelled anti-semitism or anti-Semitism) is hostility to, prejudice towards, or discrimination against Jews. A person who holds such positions is called an antisemite. Antisemitism is considered to be a form of racism. Antis ...

slurs in the lines "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me / Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me". In a statement, Jackson responded: Jackson's manager and record label said the lyrics opposed prejudice and had been taken out of context. The following day, David A. Lehrer and Rabbi Marvin Hier, leaders of two Jewish organizations, stated that Jackson's attempt to make a song critical of

discrimination Discrimination is the act of making unjustified distinctions between people based on the groups, classes, or other categories to which they belong or are perceived to belong. People may be discriminated on the basis of race, gender, age, relig ...

had backfired. They felt the lyrics might be ambiguous and were unsuitable for young audiences because they might not understand the song's context. They acknowledged that Jackson meant well and suggested that he write an explanation in the album booklet. In his review of ''HIStory'', Jon Pareles of ''The New York Times'' wrote that the song "gives the lie to his entire catalogue of brotherhood anthems with a burst of anti-Semitism". On June 17, Jackson promised that future copies of the album would include an apology, and concluded: "I just want you all to know how strongly I am committed to tolerance, peace and love, and I apologize to anyone who might have been hurt." On June 23, Jackson announced that "Jew me" and "kike me" would be replaced with "do me" and "strike me" on future copies of the album. He reiterated his acceptance that the song was offensive to some. Spike Lee, who would direct the music videos for "They Don't Care About Us", said that he felt there was a double standard in the music industry, and that the word " nigger" in music does not cause controversy. Rapper Notorious B.I.G. used the word "nigga" on another song on the album, " This Time Around", but it did not attract media attention.

Music videos

''HIStory''s music videos displayed different themes and elements, while some of them encouraged awareness of poverty and had a positive effect on their shooting locations. The promo for "They Don't Care About Us" was directed by Spike Lee; Jackson said that Lee chose to direct the video because the song "has an edge, and Spike Lee had approached me. It's a public awareness song and that's what he is all about. It's a protest kind of song... and I think he was perfect for it." Jackson also collaborated with 200 members of the cultural group Olodum, who played music in the video. The resulting media interest exposed Olodum to 140 countries, bringing them worldwide fame and increasing their status in Brazil. Lúcia Nagib, of ''The New Brazilian Cinema'', said of the music video: In 2009, ''Billboard'' described the area as "now a model for social development" and stated that Jackson's influence was partially responsible for this improvement. For the first time in Jackson's career, he made a second music video for a single. This second version was filmed in a prison with cellmates; the video shows Jackson handcuffed and contains real footage of police attacking African Americans, the

Ku Klux Klan The Ku Klux Klan (), commonly shortened to the KKK or the Klan, is an American white supremacist, right-wing terrorist, and hate group whose primary targets are African Americans, Jews, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and ...

, genocide, execution, and other human rights abuses."First look at Michael Jackson's new music video on Entertainment Tonight". (March 29, 1996).

PR Newswire PR Newswire is a distributor of press releases headquartered in Chicago. The service was created in 1954 to allow companies to electronically send press releases to news organizations, using teleprinters at first. The founder, Herbert Muschel, ...

. Jackson's music video for "Earth Song" received praise for its environmental recognition. In 1995, the video received a

Genesis Award The Genesis Awards are awarded annually by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to individuals in the major news and entertainment media for producing outstanding works which raise public awareness of animal issues. Presented by the HSUS ...

for Doris Day Music Award, given each year for animal sensitivity. In 2008, a writer for the Nigeria Exchange said that "'Earth Song' drew the world's attention to the degradation and bastardization of the earth as a fall out of various human activities". Two other music videos from ''HIStory'' have been influential. Jackson's "Stranger In Moscow" music video influenced the advertising campaign for International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2004, which featured "a series of smart outdoor ads and a classy TV spot". The television commercial was inspired by "Stranger In Moscow"s video where "the maiden in black splash about in the rain, with kids playing cricket for company". "Scream" was a creative influence on other music videos such as "

No Scrubs "No Scrubs" is a song recorded by American girl group TLC as the lead single from their third studio album, ''FanMail'', on February 2, 1999, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The song was written by producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, forme ...

" (1999) by

TLC TLC may refer to: Arts and entertainment Television * ''TLC'' (TV series), a 2002 British situational comedy television series that aired on BBC2 * TLC (TV network), formerly the Learning Channel, an American cable TV network ** TLC (Asia), an As ...

. This influence was also present on the 2008 release of "

Shawty Get Loose "Shawty Get Loose" is the third single from hip hop artist Lil Mama's debut album, '' VYP: Voice of the Young People''. The single is the remix version, where it features Chris Brown singing the chorus, and T-Pain rapping on the second verse. I ...

" by rapper Lil Mama.

Promotion

Sony Music spent $30 million to promote the album. The music press were anticipating how well it would sell. One analyst for SoundScan expressed the opinion that the press was 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. Also, during this period of time, Jackson did a series of personal appearances, becoming the first time that he faced the public eye following the allegations. On June 14, 1995, Jackson did the interview TV special "Primetime Live" along with his then wife Lisa Marie Presley and the interviewer Diane Sawyer. The special was watched by an audience 60 million in the United States and 500 millions worldwide. However, it received mixed reviews by critics. On September 7, 1995, he opened the

MTV Video Music Awards The MTV Video Music Awards (commonly abbreviated as the VMAs) is an award show presented by the cable channel MTV to honour the best in the music video medium. Originally conceived as an alternative to the Grammy Awards (in the video category) ...

with a 15 minutes medley. "Smile", " This Time Around" and "D.S." were released as promotional singles in 1995 and December 1997. Due to lack of radio airplay, "Smile" and "D.S." did not chart on any music charts worldwide. "This Time Around", was released as a radio-only single in the United States in December 1995. The song peaked at number 23 on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B Singles chart and at number 18 on the ''Billboard''

Hot Dance Music/Club Play Dance Club Songs is a chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine in the United States. It is a national look over of club disc jockeys to determine the most popular songs being played in nightclubs across the country. It was launched as th ...

chart solely off radio airplay. To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the HIStory World Tour, which grossed $165 million (equivalent to $268 million in 2019). It was Jackson's third and final concert tour as a solo artist. The tour, beginning in Prague, Czech Republic on September 7, 1996, attracted more than 4.5 million fans from 58 cities in 35 countries around the world. The average concert attendance was 54,878 and the tour lasted 82 tour dates. Jackson performed no concerts in the United States, besides two concerts in January 1997 in Hawaii at the

Aloha Stadium Aloha Stadium is a closed multi-purpose stadium located in Halawa, Hawaii, a western suburb of Honolulu (though with a Honolulu address). It is the largest stadium in the state of Hawaii. , the stadium ceased fan-attended operations indefinitely ...

, to a crowd of 35,000 each; he was the first artist to sell out the stadium. VIP seats cost, on average, $200 per person. Each concert lasted an estimated two hours and ten minutes. The tour concluded in Durban, South Africa on October 15, 1997. The album cover depicts a 10-foot sculpture of Jackson in a "warrior-like" pose, created in 1994 by

Diana Walczak Diana Walczak is an American sculptor, computer graphics pioneer and filmmaker. She is most famous for creating the original Michael Jackson's ''HIS''tory Statue which she sculpted in 1994. She also created the digital representation of the sta ...

. To promote the tour, Epic placed ten 30-foot replicas of the statue in locations around the world, including the River Thames in London, Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and the pedestal of the destroyed Stalin Monument (Prague), Stalin Monument in Prague. The statues were built over three months by a team of 30, made from steel and fiberglass, and weighed around 20,000 pounds each. Another statue, built from wood and plaster, was placed at the Los Angeles Tower Records store. In 2016, the original statue was installed at the Mandalay Bay casino in Las Vegas.

Singles

Six singles were released from ''HIStory''. " Scream"/"Childhood (Michael Jackson song), Childhood" was the first single released in May 1995. "Scream" was sung and performed by Jackson and his sister

. The single had the best ever debut at number five - where it peaked, on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The song received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals".Michael Jackson, ''The Ultimate Collection'' booklet. The music video for "Scream" is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs and music videos, receiving numerous awards. With a US$9 million music video production budget, "Scream" is the List of most expensive music videos, most expensive music video ever made as of 2015. "

" was the second single released from ''HIStory''. Having debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 on September 2, 1995, it became the first song to debut at number one on the chart, succeeding the record previously held from Jackson's "Scream" single. "You Are Not Alone" was released in August 1995, and it topped the charts in various international markets, including the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. The song was seen as a major artistic and commercial success. " Earth Song" was the third single released in November 1995. "Earth Song" did not chart on ''Billboard'' 100. Internationally, the song topped four countries' charts, as well as charting within the top-ten in nine other nations. The song topped the UK Singles Chart for six weeks over Christmas in 1995 and sold one million copies there, making it his most successful United Kingdom single, surpassing the success of his single "Billie Jean". " This Time Around" was released as the album's fourth single on December 26, 1995, with a guest rap by

It was the album's first promotional single, and was released in the United States only. Tag lines for a December 1995 HBO special were heavily marketed on the copies of this single, but the special was canceled after Jackson had fallen ill. "

" was the fifth single. "They Don't Care About Us" peaked at number thirty on the ''Billboard'' 100, and it charted within the top-ten of ''Billboard''s Hot Dance Music and Hot R&B Singles Charts. The song charted better in other countries compared to the United States, managing to chart within the top-ten in fourteen countries. "They Don't Care About Us" topped the German Singles chart for three weeks, while peaking at number two in Spain, number three in Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as charting at number four in France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. "Stranger in Moscow" was released as the sixth and final single in November 1996. The song was well received by critics. In the United States, the song peaked at number ninety one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Outside of the United States, the song was a success, topping in Spain and Italy, while peaking within the top-ten in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and New Zealand, among others. "Smile (Charlie Chaplin song)#Michael Jackson version, Smile" was originally intended to be the album's seventh and final single, and was to be released in CD and 12" format on January 20, 1998. However, the release was canceled due to unknown reasons, and most of the copies were subsequently destroyed. Only a few copies were sent out for airplay.

Commercial performance

''HIStory'' debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts selling over 391,000 copies in its first week. In its second week, the album stayed at the top with 263,000 copies sold, a decline of 33%. In its third week, it slipped to number 2 with 142,000 copies sold, a 46% decline. However, the album spent just six weeks at the top 10, selling over one million copies in total. By the end of 1995, the album had sold more than 1.9 million units. According to SoundScan, the set fell short of many observers' expectations. Eventually, as of 2009, the album had sold 2.5 million copies in the United States (5 million units in total). The album has further sold 730,000 copies through BMG music club as of February 2003. The album was certified eight times platinum by the

(RIAA) on August 23, 2018, in the United States. Because ''HIStory'' is a double disc album, its CDs are therefore counted separately for certification purposes, meaning the album achieved platinum status in the United States after 500,000 copies were shipped, not one million. However, the album was a massive success in other countries. In Europe, before it was released, three million copies were shipped, breaking records as the most shipped album ever. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry certified ''HIStory'' six times platinum, denoting six million shipments within the continent, including 1.5 million in Germany and 1.2 million shipments in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number one and sold 100,000 copies in just two days. It was certified 4× platinum by the BPI. Eventually, it sold 1.6 million copies. In Australia, an advance order of 130,000 copies was the largest initial shipment in Sony Australia's history. In first two days ''HIStory'' sold 30,000 units in Spain and 75,000 units in Italy. In Spain, ''HIStory'' was the 20th best selling album of 1995 and the 12th best selling album by a foreign artist. In Chile, the album topped the charts and broke all sales records in the country when it sold 25,000 units within 72 hours of its release on June 16. ''HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' has sold over 20 million copies worldwide,20 million: http://content.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,1908637,00.html
20 million: https://books.google.com/books?id=mBRjfsqXvbsC&pg=PA25 making it simultaneously one of the best-selling multiple-disc releases and one of the best-selling albums of all time The greatest hits disc was reissued as a single disc on November 13, 2001, under the title ''Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I'' and had sold four million copies worldwide by 2010.Chery, Carl: ''XXL: Michael Jackson Special Collector's Edition'', p. 100. American Press. The second disc was released separately in some European countries in 2011.

Critical reception

''HIStory'' received generally positive reviews. Jon Pareles of '' The New York Times'' wrote that "It has been a long time since Michael Jackson was simply a performer. He's the main asset of his own corporation, which is a profitable subsidiary of Sony." Some reviewers commented on the unusual format of a new studio album being accompanied by a "greatest hits" collection, with ''Q magazine, Q'' magazine saying "from the new songs' point of view, it's like taking your dad with you into a fight.""Album Review: HIStory" ''Q Magazine''". Bauer Media Group. June 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2010. Fred Shuster of the ''Daily News of Los Angeles'' described "This Time Around", "Money" and " D.S." as "superb slices of organic funk that will fuel many of the summer's busiest dance floors". James Hunter of ''Rolling Stone'' gave ''HIStory'' four-out-of-five stars and found that it "unfolds in Jackson's outraged response to everything he has encountered in the last year or so." Hunter felt it was an "odd, charmless second chapter" compared to Jackson's earlier hits. However, he described "This Time Around" as a "dynamite jam" that was "ripe for remixes", and "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie" as "adventurous". He said "Earth Song" had "noble sentiments" and sounded "primarily like a showpiece". Jim Farber of the ''Daily News (New York), New York Daily News'' gave the album a mixed review and commented that he would give the first disc on its own. Jon Pareles of ''The New York Times'' believed that Jackson "muttered" lyrics such as "They thought they really had control of me". Chris Willman of the ''Los Angeles Times'' said of "This Time Around", "a tough, rhythm-guitar-driven track co-written and co-produced by hit-maker Dallas Austin that sports one of the album's better grooves". Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave ''HIStory'' three-out-of-five stars, but commented that it was a "monumental achievement" of Jackson's ego. Erlewine remarked that on the ''HIStory Begins'' CD, it contains "some of the greatest music in pop history" but that it leaves some hits out, citing "Say Say Say" and "Dirty Diana" — commenting that "yet it's filled with enough prime material to be thoroughly intoxicating". Erlewine noted that ''HIStory Continues'' is "easily the most personal album Jackson has recorded" and that its songs' lyrics referencing the molestation accusations create a "thick atmosphere of paranoia". He cited "You Are Not Alone" and "Scream" as being "well-crafted pop that ranks with his best material", but concludes that "nevertheless, ''HIStory Continues'' stands as his weakest album since the mid-'70s." David Browne (journalist), David Browne of ''Entertainment Weekly'', gave "HIStory Begins" an "A−" grade but the album's new material a "C−", which "winds up a B" for the entire album. Browne commented that the music "rarely seems to transport him (and thereby us) to a higher plane." Controversy with the album came with Jackson having to rerecord some lyrics in "They Don't Care About Us" after he was accused of Antisemitism in the United States, antisemitism, and contributor

was accused of having Plagiarism, plagiarized one of the album's songs, "You Are Not Alone", leading to its banning on Belgian radio. ''HIStory'' was nominated for six Grammy Awards at the 38th Grammy Awards, 1996 and 39th Grammy Awards, 1997 ceremonies respectively, winning one award. "You Are Not Alone" was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male and for Grammy Award for Song of the Year, Song of the Year. "Scream" was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and "Scream" won Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, Best Music Video - Short Form and "Earth Song" was nominated for the same award the following year. The album itself was nominated for

. At the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards, "Scream" received ten nominations, winning in three categories. In 1998, the album was ranked at number 96 in BBC's Music of the Millennium, a list of 100 albums chosen by Channel 4 viewers, ''The Guardian'' readers and HMV customers as the best of the millennium.

Track listing

;Notes * signifies a co-producer * Reissues of the album contain several changes when compared to the original 1995 US release: ** "They Don't Care About Us" - "Jew me" and "Kike me" would be substituted with "do me" and "strike me" in most re-releases of the song, while the music video and some copies of the album still carry the original words, but with loud, abstract noises partially drowning them out. ** "History" - original musical compositions sampled include "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" and "The Great Gate of Kyiv" from Pictures at an Exhibition, but in reissues of the album, the Pictures at an Exhibition piece was replaced by a similar improvised orchestra piece.

Personnel

Adapted from the album's liner notes and AllMusic. * Gary Adante – keyboards, synthesizer * Yannick Allain – staff * Trini Alvarez Jr. – assistant engineer * Maxi Anderson – choir conductor * Rob Arbitter – keyboards, synthesizer * Ryan Arnold – assistant engineer * Gloria Augustus – background vocals * Dallas Austin – arranger, keyboards, producer, synthesizer * John Bahler – vocal arrangement, background vocals * John Bahler Singers – background vocals * Tom Bahler – synclavier * Bettye Bailey – staff * Glen Ballard – keyboards, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements * Brian Banks – keyboards, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * John Barnes – keyboards, piano, synthesizer, vocal arrangement * Elmer Bernstein – conductor, orchestral arrangements * Emily Bernstein – orchestration * Tony Duino Black – assistant engineer * Michael Boddicker – choir conductor, keyboards, programming, sound design, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * Bill Bottrell – drums, engineer, guitar, keyboards, mixing, percussion, producer, synthesizer * Jeff Bova – programming, synthesizer programming * Crystal Bowers – executive assistant * Boyz II Men – guest artist, background vocals * Miko Brando – staff * Bobby Brooks – drums, engineer, percussion, programming, sound design, synthesizer programming * Ollie E. Brown – percussion * Chauna Bryant – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Rodger Bumpass – background vocals, voiceover * Brad Buxer – arranger, keyboards, orchestration, percussion, piano, programming, sequencing arranger, sound effects, soundscape, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * Caleena Campbell – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Bruce Cannon – effects, special effects * Larry Carlton – guitar * Reeve Carney – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Reagans Carter – artwork, photography * Lafayette Carthon – keyboards, synthesizer * Jim Champagne – assistant engineer * Leon "Ndugu" Chancler – drums * Charlie Chaplin – tributee * Rosemary Chavira – staff * Wayne Cobham – synthesizer programming * Lester Cohen – artwork, photography * David Coleman – art direction * Funkmaster Flex – turntables * Jesse Corti – background vocals, voiceover * Richard Cottrell – engineer * Andraé Crouch – vocal arrangement, background vocals * The Andraé Crouch Singers – background vocals * Sandra Crouch – background vocals * Christopher Currell – guitar, percussion, rhythm arrangements, synclavier * Paulinho Da Costa – percussion * Rick Dasher – assistant engineer * Eddie DeLena – engineer, mixing * Jeff DeMorris – assistant engineer * Carol Dennis – background vocals * Carolyn Dennis – background vocals * Nancy Donald – art direction * Nathan East – bass * Sheila E. – percussion * Bill Easystone – assistant engineer * Felipe Elgueta – engineer * Sam Emerson – artwork, photography * Jonathan Exley – artwork, photography * Ashley Farrell – voiceover * Steve Ferrone – drums, percussion * Angela Fisher – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Matt Forger – engineer, sound effects, soundscape, technical director * David Foster – keyboards, orchestral arrangements, piano, producer, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements * Jania Foxworth – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Simon Franglen – drums, keyboards, percussion, programming, synclavier programming, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * Leah Frazier – soloist * Harrison Funk – artwork, photography * Eric Gale – guitar * Gus Garces – assistant engineer * Siedah Garrett – duet, guest artist, performer, primary artist, vocal harmony * Humberto Gatica – engineer * Peter Germansen – assistant engineer * Douglas Getschall – drum programming, programming * Kevin Gilbert – engineer, synthesizer programming * Jim Gilstrap – background vocals * Nate Giorgio – artwork, photography * Carl Glanville – assistant engineer * Greg Gorman – artwork, photography * Jackie Gouché – background vocals * Geoff Grace – orchestration * Crystal Grant – children's chorus * Gary Grant – flugelhorn, horn, trumpet * Nikisha Grier – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Doug Grigsby – bass * Bernie Grundman – mastering * Stephanie Gylden – assistant engineer * Omar Hakim – drums, percussion * Natalia Harris – children's chorus * Amy Hartman – staff * Gary Hearne – staff * Richard Heath – percussion * Gorrfried Helnwein – artwork, photography * Marlo Henderson – guitar * Jerry Hey – conductor, flugelhorn, horn, horn arrangements, string arrangements, synthesizer arrangements, trumpet * Steve Hodge – engineer, mixing * Rob Hoffman – assistant engineer, engineer, guitar, programming, synthesizer programming * Jean Marie Horvat – Engineer * Rhonda Hoskins – children's chorus * How Now Brown Cow – percussion * Dann Huff – guitar * Bunny Hull – background vocals * Kim Hutchcroft – flute, horn, saxophone * James Ingram – background vocals * Crystal Jackson – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Janet Jackson – duet vocals, producer, vocal arrangement, background vocals * Michael Jackson – arranger, director, drums, executive producer, guitar, horn arrangements, keyboard arrangements, keyboards, liner notes, percussion, primary artist, producer, rhythm arrangements, sequencing arranger, string arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements, vocal arrangements, vocals, background vocals * Paul Jackson Jr. – guitar * Randy Jackson – percussion * Terry Jackson – bass * Jimmy Jam – arranger, drum programming, drums, keyboards, percussion, producer, programming, synthesizer, synthesizer bass, synthesizer programming, vocal arrangement * Mortonette Jenkins – background vocals * Augie Johnson – background vocals * Craig Johnson – assistant technical director, engineer, technical director * Kandy Johnson – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Kimberly Johnson – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Louis Johnson – bass * Marcus Johnson – staff * Brian Jones – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Caryn Jones – children's chorus * Quincy Jones – producer, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer arrangements, vocal arrangement * Nathan Kaproff – orchestral coordinator * Suzie Katayama – conductor *

– arranger, keyboards, producer, synthesizer, background vocals * Jacqueline Kennedy – liner notes * Randy Kerber – keyboards, synthesizer * Donn Landee – engineer * Christa Larson – background vocals * Julie Last – assistant engineer * Annie Leibovitz – artwork, photography * Jen Leigh – guitar * Jesse Levy – orchestral coordinator * Terry Lewis – arranger, drum programming, drums, keyboards, percussion, producer, programming, synthesizer, synthesizer bass, synthesizer programming, vocal arrangement * Becky Lopez – background vocals * Bryan Loren – drums, percussion, synthesizer bass, background vocals * Ron Lowe – assistant engineer * L.T.B. – rap, voiceover * Jeremy Lubbock – arranger, conductor * Steve Lukather – bass, guitar * Jonathan Mackey – piano * Brian Malouf – engineer * Johnny Mandel – arranger, string arrangements * Gregg Mangiafico – programming, synthesizer programming * Maurice La Marche – voiceover * Glen Marchese – assistant engineer * Anthony Marinelli – synthesizer programming * Gregory Martin – background vocals, voiceover * Jasun Martz – keyboards, synthesizer * Harry Maslin – engineer * Anna Mathias – background vocals, voiceover * Coi Mattison – children's chorus * Paul McCartney – duet vocals, vocal harmony * Michael McCary – background vocals * Linda McCrary – background vocals * Andres McKenzie – voiceover * Dawn McMillan – voiceover * Paulette McWilliams – background vocals * Daniel Medvedev – narrator * Jason Miles – programming, synthesizer programming * Jeff Mirinov – guitar * Peter Mokran – drum programming, engineer, programming, synthesizer programming * Nathan Morris – background vocals * Wanya Morris – background vocals * Wayne Nagin – staff * Carl Nappa – assistant engineer * David Nordahl – artwork, photography * The Notorious B.I.G. – guest artist, rap * David Nottingham – assistant engineer *

– guest artist, rap * Gary Olazabal – engineer * Claudio Ordenes – engineer * David Paich – bass, keyboards, piano, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements * Marty Paich – conductor, orchestral arrangements * Chris Palmaro – synthesizer programming * Dean Parks – guitar * Paul Peabody – soloist, violin * Wayne Pedzwater – bass * Greg Phillinganes – fender rhodes, keyboards, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer bass * Tim Pierce – guitar * Scott Pittinsky – sound design, synthesizer programming * Jeff Porcaro – drums * Steve Porcaro – keyboards, orchestral realizations, programming, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * Crystal Pounds – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Guy Pratt – bass * Markita Prescott – soloist * Vincent Price – rap * Phil Proctor – background vocals * Phillip G. Proctor – voiceover * Trevor Rabin – guitar * Ronald Reagan – quotation author * William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr. – horn, trombone * Rene – drums, keyboards, percussion, producer, synthesizer * Seth Riggs – vocal consultant * Teddy Riley – engineer, keyboards, mixing, producer, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements * Chris Roberts – assistant engineer * John Robinson (drummer), John Robinson – drums * Nile Rodgers – guitar * Matthew Rolston – artwork, photography * Bill Ross – conductor, orchestral arrangements * Darryl Ross – sound design, synthesizer programming * William Ross – conductor * Keith Rouster – bass * Thom Russo – technical director * Grace Rwaramba – staff * Annette Sanders – choir conductor * Andrew Scheps – drum programming, engineer, programming, sound effects, soundscape, synclavier programming, synthesizer programming * Arnie Schulze – programming, synthesizer programming * Seawind Horns – horn * Jamie Seyberth – assistant engineer * Scott "House" Shaffer – staff * Joshua Shapera – assistant engineer * Alan Shearman – background vocals, voiceover * Rick Sheppard – programming, synthesizer programming * Susan Silo – voiceover *

– guest artist, guitar * Greg Smith – keyboards, synthesizer * Jimmy Smith (musician), Jimmy Smith – hammond b3, organ (hammond), soloist * Rachel Smith – production coordination * Steven Spielberg – liner notes * Tracy Spindler – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Brandi Stewart – children's chorus, choir/chorus * Shawn Stockman – background vocals * Brad Sundberg – engineer, mixing, technical director * Gabriel Sutter – assistant engineer * Bruce Swedien – arranger, drums, effects, engineer, liner notes, mixing, percussion, producer, sound effects, soundscape, special effects * Roberta Swedien – sound design, synthesizer programming * Evvy Tavasci – assistant, executive administrator * Elizabeth Taylor – liner notes, quotation author * Jeff Taylor – assistant engineer * Rod Temperton – keyboards, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer, synthesizer arrangements, vocal arrangement * Chris Theis – assistant engineer * Michael Thompson (guitarist), Michael Thompson – guitar * Jonathon Ungar – children's chorus * Eddie Van Halen – guest artist, guitar * John VanNest – engineer * Llyswen Vaughan – sample clearance * Suzy Vaughan – sample clearance * Stephan Vaughn – artwork, photography * Tata Vega – background vocals * Brian Vibberts – assistant engineer * Gerald Vinci – concert master * Diana Walczak – sculpture * Randy Waldman – keyboards, synthesizer * Stephen Walker – art direction * Ben Wallach – assistant engineer * Dan Wallin – engineer * Julia Waters – background vocals * Maxine Waters – background vocals * Oren Waters – background vocals * Bobby Watson – bass * Dave Way – engineer, mixing * Steven Paul Whitsitt – artwork, photography * Ed Wiesnieski – narrator * Chuck Wild – drums, keyboards, percussion, programming, sound design, sound effects, soundscape, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * Maxine Willard Waters – background vocals * Buddy Williams – drums, percussion * David Williams – guitar * Larry Williams – flute, horn, saxophone, synthesizer programming * Zedric Williams – background vocals * The Winans – background vocals * Hattie Winston – background vocals, voiceover * Colin Wolfe – bass * Bill Wolfer – keyboards, synthesizer, synthesizer programming * David "Hawk" Wolinski – fender rhodes * Ben Wright – string arrangements * James "Big Jim" Wright – organ, piano * Jimmy Wright – organ, piano * Charity Young – children's chorus, choir/chorus

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications and sales

References

;Bibliography * * * *

External links

* {{good article 1995 albums 2001 compilation albums Michael Jackson albums Michael Jackson compilation albums Albums produced by Michael Jackson Albums produced by Bill Bottrell Albums produced by Dallas Austin Albums produced by David Foster Albums produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Albums produced by R. Kelly Epic Records albums Epic Records compilation albums