Another Part of Me is a song written and performed by Michael Jackson. The track first became publicly known through its appearance in the 3-D short film Captain EO, which premiered in theme parks in 1986. With an energetic, dance-oriented arrangement, the song blends pop and funk influences and features prominent rhythm guitar, horn-like synth lines and Jackson's layered, call-and-response vocals.
Composition and style
The song is built around a tight groove and repetitive, uplifting chorus designed for audience participation. Its arrangement emphasizes percussion and punchy melodic stabs, giving it a brisk, optimistic feel consistent with Jackson's late-1980s pop productions. Lyrically it conveys themes of unity and personal connection, delivered in concise verses and an anthemic refrain that suited both film choreography and live performance.
Origin and album inclusion
Although the recording surfaced publicly through the Captain EO project, it later became part of Jackson's seventh studio album, Bad. According to contemporary accounts, the song was not originally planned for the album track list; after Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo reacted enthusiastically to it, the decision was made to include it on Bad. The song was subsequently released as the sixth single from the album on July 11, 1988, credited to the Bad era and its promotional cycle (sixth single).
Release and chart performance
Issued as a single during the commercial run of Bad, the track achieved commercial success and radio play. In the United States it peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting strong mainstream appeal though it did not reach the top ten. The song's bright tempo and concise structure made it suitable for single formats and ensured regular airplay on pop and contemporary hit radio stations of the period.
Live performances and legacy
Like several other tracks from Bad, the song became a part of Michael Jackson's live repertoire during performances tied to that album's promotion. Its up-tempo energy and sing-along chorus made it a practical choice for stadium concerts and choreographed sequences. Over time it has been remembered as an example of Jackson's ability to pair socially positive lyrics with accessible dance-pop arrangements.
Notable facts
- The song was first associated with a film project (Captain EO) before appearing on a studio album.
- Its inclusion on Bad has been attributed to the immediate, favorable reaction of Jackson's management, notably Frank DiLeo.
- Released as the sixth single from Bad, it reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as a successful, if not chart-topping, single in Jackson's catalog.