When it comes to iconic tracks that have left an indelible mark on the music industry, Michael Jackson's "Beat It" stands tall. Released in 1983 as part of the legendary "Thriller" album, "Beat It" not only showcased Jackson's unparalleled talent but also became a cultural phenomenon. Let's dive into the revenue breakdown and impact of this timeless classic.
"Beat It" Chart Performance"Beat It" was a monumental success on the charts, reflecting its widespread appeal and lasting impact. Upon its release, the track quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks. It also achieved significant success internationally, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. The song's chart performance was a testament to its universal appeal and Michael Jackson's global stardom. Using OutFndr's comprehensive analytics, we can see how "Beat It" consistently performed across various charts, solidifying its place as one of the most successful tracks of the 1980s.
Michael Jackson's Guitar RiffOne of the most distinctive elements of "Beat It" is its unforgettable guitar riff, performed by Eddie Van Halen. This collaboration between Michael Jackson and Van Halen brought a rock edge to the pop track, making it appeal to a broader audience. The guitar riff not only enhanced the song's musicality but also contributed to its commercial success. The fusion of pop and rock elements in "Beat It" showcased Jackson's innovative approach to music, which OutFndr's genre analysis tools can help identify and track across various genres and subgenres.
Song's Royalty Earnings"Beat It" has generated substantial royalty earnings over the years, thanks to its enduring popularity and frequent airplay. The track has been certified multi-platinum, indicating millions of units sold worldwide. Additionally, its inclusion in numerous albums, compilations, and sync placements has contributed to its steady stream of royalties. OutFndr's royalty tracking features provide detailed insights into how such classic tracks continue to generate revenue through various channels, including streaming, radio play, and licensing deals.
Comparable Track Performance
"Beat It" had a profound influence on the pop genre, setting new standards for production quality, musical arrangement, and cross-genre collaboration. The track's success demonstrated the potential of blending different musical styles, inspiring countless artists to experiment with their sound. Michael Jackson's innovative approach to music videos and live performances also set a new benchmark for pop artists. OutFndr's trend analysis tools can help identify how influential tracks like "Beat It" have shaped the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Track's Music Video ImpactThe music video for "Beat It" was groundbreaking and played a crucial role in the song's success. Directed by Bob Giraldi, the video featured Jackson bringing together two rival gangs through the power of music and dance. The video's narrative, choreography, and cinematography were ahead of their time and set a new standard for music videos. The impact of the "Beat It" music video can be seen in the way it helped propel the song to the top of the charts and solidify Michael Jackson's status as a global icon. OutFndr's video performance metrics can provide insights into how music videos contribute to a track's overall success and revenue generation.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"Beat It" reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 30, 1983, and held that position for three weeks. According to OutFndr's chart analytics, this was one of the six number-one singles from Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album, showcasing its immense popularity and chart dominance.
How many weeks did "Beat It" stay on the Billboard charts?"Beat It" spent a total of 24 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating its longevity and sustained appeal. OutFndr's data shows that this duration is comparable to other massive hits of the era, such as "Billie Jean," which spent 25 weeks on the chart.
What chart records did "Beat It" achieve?"Beat It" helped Michael Jackson set numerous chart records, including having the most top 10 singles from one album ("Thriller") with seven. OutFndr's analytics highlight that "Beat It" also contributed to Jackson's record of having the most number-one singles from one album, with six.
How did "Beat It" perform internationally on the charts?"Beat It" was a global success, reaching number one in several countries, including Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. OutFndr's international chart data shows that it also peaked within the top 10 in many other countries, such as the UK (number 3), Germany (number 2), and Australia (number 3).
How much streaming revenue has "Beat It" generated?As of 2023, "Beat It" has generated significant streaming revenue, with over 500 million streams on Spotify alone. OutFndr's revenue estimates suggest that, considering an average per-stream payout of $0.003, the track has earned around $1.5 million from Spotify streams, not including other streaming platforms.
What is the sync licensing value of "Beat It"?The sync licensing value of "Beat It" is substantial due to its iconic status and widespread recognition. OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that comparable classic tracks can command fees ranging from $50,000 to over $250,000 for high-profile placements in movies, TV shows, or commercials.
How much has "Beat It" earned from radio performance royalties?"Beat It" has earned considerable radio performance royalties over the years. According to OutFndr's royalty estimates, based on its extensive airplay and the average royalty rates, the track has likely generated several million dollars in performance royalties globally.
What are the total earnings of "Beat It" to date?The total earnings of "Beat It" are a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, streaming revenue, and sync licensing deals. OutFndr's comprehensive track analytics estimate that, considering its RIAA certification of 4x Platinum (4 million units) and its ongoing popularity, "Beat It" has generated tens of millions of dollars in total earnings.
What has been the cultural influence of "Beat It"?"Beat It" has had a profound cultural influence since its release, with its iconic music video breaking racial barriers on MTV and its anti-violence message resonating with audiences worldwide. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics show that the track's influence is comparable to other socially conscious hits, like Grandmaster Flash's "The Message," which also left a significant mark on popular culture.
How many times has "Beat It" been sampled or remixed?"Beat It" has been sampled and remixed numerous times, with OutFndr's data indicating over 50 official and unofficial versions. Notable examples include the 2008 remix featuring Fergie and the 2012 symphonic version by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, demonstrating the track's enduring appeal and versatility.
How has "Beat It" been used in media, such as movies and TV shows?"Beat It" has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture. OutFndr's media placement data shows that it has been used in high-profile projects like the movie "Zoolander" (2001) and the TV show "Glee," as well as in commercials for brands like Pepsi and Nissan.
What industry recognition has "Beat It" received?"Beat It" has received numerous industry accolades, including two Grammy Awards in 1984 for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. OutFndr's industry recognition data highlights that the track has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is consistently ranked among the greatest songs of all time by various music publications and organizations.
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