In the Closet

"In the Closet" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released on April 9, 1992, as the third single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991). The song originally was intended as a duet between Jackson and Madonna, and features female vocals by "Mystery Girl", which was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Written and produced by Jackson and Teddy Riley, it became the album's third consecutive top ten pop single, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also became its second number one R&B single. In Europe, the song peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart, while reaching number one in Greece and number two in both Italy and Spain. In 2006, the song re-entered the UK chart, peaking at number 20. Its accompanying music video was directed by Herb Ritts and features supermodel Naomi Campbell. Background The song, written and composed by Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley, is about keeping a relationship secret between lovers. "In the closet" is an English idiom used when one is not open about an aspect of one's life, particularly in regard to sexual orientation. Despite the song's suggestive name, its lyrics do not allude to hidden sexual orientation but rather a concealed relationship; "Don't hide our love / Woman to man." The New York Times stated, "Only Jackson would use that title for a heterosexual love song..." The song's female vocal was originally labeled "Mystery Girl" but was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Collaboration with Madonna "In the Closet" was originally conceived as a duet between Jackson and Madonna. According to a 1992 interview with British journalist Jonathan Ross, Madonna said she worked on some lyrical ideas for the song but when she presented them to Jackson, he decided they were too provocative and they decided not to continue with the project. Critical reception In an retrospective review, Chris Lacy from Albumism described "In the Closet" as a "hormone-soaked dance track". AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that this song is fine and there's a lot to be said for professional craftsmanship at its peak and he highlighted it. Upon the release, Larry Flick from Billboard felt that the third single from Dangerous "proves to be his strongest single to date." He added, "Jackson's signature whoops and whispers are put at home within an intense and unusual jack-swing/funk arrangement. The track is brightened by an immediately memorable, sing-along chorus.