“Smooth Criminal” - Alien Ant Farm

It takes guts to cover a legend – especially when the original song was made when that legend was in his prime.

So, of course, this might have been a difficult task for Alien Ant Farm, who was a virtually unknown band at the time they broke out on the scene in 2001 with their cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” Somehow, with the perfect blend of their own style, mixed with an appreciation for the original, they pulled it off without a problem.

As far as content, the song obviously stays true to its predecessor, being a cover and all. The question still remains: “Annie are you okay?” Still, this particular rendition comes with an exclusive intensity, amplified by a heavy guitar riff and Dryden Mitchell’s hilarious imitation of Michael Jackson’s rough lyrical delivery.

A better song couldn’t have received a rock and roll translation.

What really gives this song spunk is its video, where the true homage to Jackson lies. Glowing sidewalk blocks, monkeys, mesmerizing dance moves, one being that notorious forward lean, all an ode to Jackson and how he inspired people of all ages in all areas.

AAF’s suburban throwback made us remember something important, something we should never forget - that in a better time in America, there was a megastar named Michael Jackson, whose prowess could not be paralleled. And at that time, he was the ultimate bad boy.

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