Second instalment dedicated to Michael Jackson: today we're discussing "Thriller".
For Jackson's sixth studio album, "Thriller" (1982) is the record that definitively cemented his legendary status, breaking records that remain unmatched in music history and establishing him as the worldwide King of Pop. We find Quincy Jones back in production, who after his excellent work on "Off the Wall" committed to fulfilling the popstar's request: to create an album where every track would be a "hit song". Jackson felt undervalued by the music industry at the time, especially after Rolling Stone's refusal to give him a cover story in 1980. The artist prophetically stated before "Thriller's" release: "I've been told many times that having black people on the cover doesn't sell copies... but wait. One day those magazines will be begging me for an interview."
"Thriller" brings together all of Michael Jackson's musical influences, creating a mix of disco music, synth-pop, funk, rock and R&B. The songs' themes become darker compared to his previous project, and while the disco and rock tracks become more aggressive, the ballads become sweeter and more soulful. It begins with the driving rhythm of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", which ironically addresses the theme of mass media and gossip, culminating in an African-inspired choral finale. The next track, "Baby Be Mine", is the work of Rod Temperton, who collaborates once again with Jackson after the success of "Rock With You". Temperton also writes the historic "Thriller", which leads us through eerie atmospheres and supernatural imagery, inviting us to dance in a brilliant fusion of disco music and horror cinema. The song ends with a monologue written by Temperton and recited by actor Vincent Price, whose evil laugh echoes in the night before giving way to the famous "Beat It". Written as a hymn to non-violence, the song represents the most successful crossover between rhythm and blues and rock (two respectively "black" and "white" genres) in Jackson's career, made memorable by Eddie Van Halen's solo. Playing on "Beat It" are also Steve Lukather on guitar and Jeff Porcaro on drums, both Toto musicians, whom we find again alongside Steve Porcaro in the introspective "Human Nature". Another noteworthy featuring is Paul McCartney in "The Girl is Mine", whose voice joins Jackson's in a romantic ballad about two friends fighting over their desired woman. Another diamond in the record is "Billie Jean", in which the protagonist confronts an obsessed fan who accuses him of being her child's father, while Louis Johnson plays his unforgettable bass line.
The "Thriller" project was meticulously curated in every detail, aiming to create an unprecedented pop masterpiece. It's precisely for this reason that the promotional strategies, from music videos to choreographies (how can one forget the iconic "moonwalk"), established standards that are still referenced in the record industry today. Consider that after the performance of "Billie Jean" during the Motown 25th anniversary television special, "Thriller" began selling a million copies per week. The album still holds the record for the highest number of copies sold worldwide (estimated at over 70 million). The seven singles from the album all reached the top 10 in the American charts, securing it the number one spot for 37 weeks among best-selling albums. The immense value of "Thriller" was immediately recognised by critics, who praised Jackson's evolution both in production and voice, generally described as more mature and self-aware. The album also swept the 1984 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for "Beat It".
Today we leave you with the title track, inviting you to watch its music video, which thanks to the King of Pop, has become a true art form in its own right.
