Burning The Ground Exclusive
Happy Friday, everyone!
Yesterday, we brightened things up with the infectious synth-pop sounds of El DeBarge’s “Who’s Johnny.” But before we head into the weekend, I thought we might open a few closet doors and see what’s hiding inside! Today, we’re staying in the Motown family with Stevie Wonder’s funky 1987 hit “Skeletons.” It might not be your typical Halloween record, but with its dark electronic groove, mysterious atmosphere, and lyrics about secrets waiting to be exposed, I think it’s a perfect way to bring a little funk back into our Spooky Season Spins!
Released in September 1987 as the lead single from Stevie Wonder’s album Characters, “Skeletons” found the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician exploring a harder-edged electronic funk sound while delivering some pointed social commentary.
At first glance, the title might suggest something supernatural, but these aren’t the kind of skeletons that rattle their bones in a haunted house. Stevie is talking about the skeletons people keep hidden in their closets. Those embarrassing secrets, lies, and questionable activities that eventually come back to haunt them.
When the song appeared in 1987, the United States was dealing with a wave of political scandals, public controversies, and revelations about prominent figures. Stevie took that atmosphere of suspicion and deception and turned it into one of the funkiest records of the year. Beneath its irresistible groove was a serious message about dishonesty, hypocrisy, and the consequences of trying to keep the truth buried.
Musically, “Skeletons” is a real treat for fans of eighties electronic funk. The song is built around a thick, rubbery synthesizer bass line, crisp electronic percussion, and layers of keyboards that give it a slightly sinister edge. Stevie’s unmistakable vocals move effortlessly between playful, sarcastic, and downright confrontational. It’s a fascinating combination of social commentary and dance-floor energy that only an artist like Stevie Wonder could pull off.
The accompanying music video took the concept even further. Set in a seemingly ordinary suburban neighborhood, it featured Stevie sitting on his front porch while the hidden lives of his neighbors were gradually revealed. Behind those friendly smiles and picture-perfect appearances were secrets that nobody wanted exposed. The video’s message was simple. You never really know what someone might be hiding behind closed doors!
Despite its darker subject matter, “Skeletons” was a commercial success. The single reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #20 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. It also reached #59 on the UK Singles Chart, proving that Stevie still knew how to deliver a hit nearly three decades into his remarkable recording career.
| Year | Chart | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #19 |
| 1987 | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #1 |
| 1987 | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play | #20 |
| 1987 | Australia Kent Music Report | #38 |
| 1987 | Belgium Ultratop 50 (Flanders) | #36 |
| 1987 | Canada RPM Top 100 Singles | #43 |
| 1987 | Netherlands Single Top 100 | #72 |
| 1987 | New Zealand Singles Chart | #39 |
| 1987 | UK Official Singles Chart | #59 |
For today’s post, I’m featuring the original U.S. Motown 12″ single, catalog number 4593MG, released in 1987.
Side A contains the 6:43 extended version, which gives Stevie’s funky arrangement considerably more room to stretch out. The longer mix also incorporates spoken excerpts associated with the political controversies of the day, adding another layer to the song’s message. It’s an interesting reminder of just how closely the record reflected the headlines of 1987.
Side B features the equally lengthy instrumental version. This is where the production really gets a chance to shine. Without the lead vocals, you can fully appreciate the intricate synthesizer arrangements, electronic percussion, and relentless bass groove that drive the track. For anyone who loves the sound of eighties drum machines and synthesizers, the instrumental is worth the price of admission alone!
And while “Skeletons” might not have been written with Halloween in mind, I’ve always felt that songs about secrets, deception, and things lurking beneath the surface can be just as unsettling as those about ghosts and monsters. After all, isn’t the thought of someone’s darkest secrets suddenly coming to light a little frightening?
So, as we wrap up another week here at Burning The Ground, let’s turn up the funk and let Stevie Wonder remind us that sometimes the scariest things aren’t hiding under the bed. They’re hiding in the closet!
Enjoy this fresh vinyl transfer, and have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
SIDE A:
A1. Skeletons (Extended Version) 6:43
SIDE B:
B1. Skeletons (Instrumental) 6:43
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – 4593MG
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Synth-funk, Contemporary R&B, Dance-Pop
CREDITS:
- Backing Vocals – Alexis England, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Keith John, Kevin Dorsey, Lynne Fiddmont, Melody McCully, Shirley Brewer
- Co-producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Gary Olazabal
- Engineer [Additional], Other [Mastering Coordinator] – R.R. Harlan
- Guitar [Sample] – Gary Myrick
- Mastered By – Stephen Marcussen
- Programmed By [Computer, Synthesizer] – Robert Arbittier
NOTES:
Edited version in Album, Cassette and Compact Disc, “Characters”
Recorded at Wonderland Studios, Los Angeles, California
Mastered at Precision Lacquer
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
PLEASE READ
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