UK
October 24, 1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653026 0Epic 653026 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
653026 7 A1 ΛRunout side A
653026 7 B1 ΛRunout side B
Vinyl pressings
Smooth Criminal
by Michael Jackson · 1988
33 pressings12 countriesSynth-popElectronicPop
Smooth Criminal was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Smooth Criminal
28 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 11 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653026 8
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
6530268 A3 ⋀Runout, side A, variant 1
6530268 B2 ⋀Runout, side B, variant 1
6530268 A3 ⋀ 1Runout, side A, variant 2
6530268 B2 ⋀ 2Runout, side B, variant 2
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653026 1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653026 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
653026 7 A1 ɅSide A runout etched Variant 1
6530267 B1 ɅSide B runout etched Variant 1
6530267 A2 AD2 JSide A runout etched Variant 2
6530267 B2 J AD2Side B runout etched Variant 2
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653170 6
- Format
- 12", Limited Edition · Moonwalker Advent Calender
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Epic 653026 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
653026 7 A2Side A
653026 7 B1Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 33 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s30 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Unknown | Epic Records12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1988 | Australia | Epic 653026 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Australia | Epic 653026 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Canada | Epic 12EXP 07895 / Epic 12EXP 7895First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Canada | Epic 34 08044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Colombia | Epic PML 175-88First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | Epic EPC 653026 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Epic 653026 7 / Epic EPC 653026 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Ireland | Epic 653026 7First year12", 7", 45 RPM | 12", 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Japan | Epic QY・3P-90123First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | Mexico | CBS PR-653243First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Philippines | Epic QELEP-18147 / Epic 49-07895First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Spain | Epic EPC 653026-7First year7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Spain | Epic EPC 653026-6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Spain | Epic EPC 653026 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
2000s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | UK | Not On Label (Michael Jackson) N+T 00112", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Philippines | Epic QEL45-201537", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Epic 49 00789512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- ASmooth Criminal4:10
- BSmooth Criminal (Instrumental)4:10
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Smooth Criminal are there?
33 vinyl pressings of Smooth Criminal are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1988 and 2001.
When was Smooth Criminal first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, US, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Epic 653026 0, released October 24, 1988.
How do I tell if my copy of Smooth Criminal is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 653026 0, 653026 8, 653026 1, 653026 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 653026 7 A1 Λ and 653026 7 B1 Λ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Smooth Criminal on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
