"Smooth Criminal," Michael Jackson, et al.

Here's the original Michael Jackson version (1987):


Here's a cover by Alien Ant Farm (2001):


Here's a version by David Garrett (2009):


Here's a version by 2Cello (2011):


Questions:

1. What instruments are used in each version?
   
2. How does the form of the song change from version to version?
   
3. The third and fourth versions don't have lyrics; the vocal part has been transcribed for instruments. What effect does this have on your interpretation of the song? Would you interpret the latter two versions differently if you had never heard the lyrics?
   
4. How important is the video to your understanding/interpretation of the song (or, each version of the song)?
   
5. Are the Garrett and 2Cellos versions classical? Popular? Which elements of each appear in each version?
   
6. How do the "cover" videos relate to the original, if at all?
   
7. In what ways are the latter two videos "pop" videos (i.e., not just performance clips, but something you might see on MTV)?
   

Additional resources:

• The allmusic guide review of "Smooth Criminal"