The Genesis of a Masterpiece
Released on November 30, 1982, by Epic Records, Thriller is the sixth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson. Produced by Quincy Jones, the album explores genres including pop, post-disco, rock, funk, and R&B. Jackson's objective was to create an album where "every song was a killer."
Commercial Performance and Impact
With an estimated 70 million copies sold worldwide, Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time. It spent a record 37 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200 and produced seven top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Key Tracks & Singles
- Billie Jean: A bass-driven post-disco track that elevated Jackson to global superstardom.
- Beat It: Featuring a legendary guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, this track perfectly bridged the gap between rock and R&B.
- Thriller: The title track, famous for its horror-themed music video featuring Vincent Price, which revolutionized the medium of music video production.
Cultural Legacy
The album helped break down racial barriers in pop music, securing heavy rotation for Jackson on MTV. The incredible choreography, narrative-driven music videos, and cinematic production standards set a benchmark that artists still strive to reach today.
Visit Official Michael Jackson Site