Thriller by Michael Jackson

Thriller is the sixth studio album by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, released in 1982 by Epic Records. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential albums of all time, as well as Jackson’s masterpiece. Thriller is the best-selling album in music history, with an estimated 100 million copies sold worldwide, and the best-selling studio album ever in the United States, with 34 million copies certified by the RIAA.

Thriller showcases Jackson’s artistic versatility and musical genius, blending pop, post-disco, R&B, rock, and funk sounds into a cohesive and captivating whole. The album features nine tracks, each one a potential hit single, as Jackson intended. The album also foreshadows the darker and more paranoid themes that would mark Jackson’s personal life and later work.

The album was produced by Quincy Jones, who had previously collaborated with Jackson on his 1979 album Off the Wall. Jones helped Jackson refine his vision and craft his distinctive vocal style, as well as bringing in some of the best musicians and songwriters in the industry. Paul McCartney appears on “The Girl Is Mine”, the first credited appearance of a featured artist on a Michael Jackson album.

The recording of Thriller took place from April to November 1982 at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, with a budget of $750,000. The album was meticulously crafted and polished, with Jackson and Jones spending hours on every detail. The album was also innovative in its use of technology, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sound effects.

Thriller spawned seven singles: “The Girl Is Mine”, “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, “Human Nature”, “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”, and “Thriller”. They all reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, setting a record for the most top 10 singles from an album, with “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” reaching number one. The singles also achieved international success, topping charts around the world.

Thriller also revolutionized the music video industry, with its groundbreaking and cinematic videos that complemented the songs and enhanced their appeal. The most famous video is “Thriller”, a 14-minute horror-themed mini-movie directed by John Landis and featuring special effects by Rick Baker. The video was premiered to great anticipation in December 1983 and played regularly on MTV, boosting the sales of the album and establishing Jackson as a global pop icon.

Thriller received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year. The album is also recognized by various music publications and organizations as one of the greatest albums of all time. Thriller has influenced countless artists across genres and generations, inspiring them to create their own musical masterpieces.

Thriller is not only an album, but a cultural phenomenon that transcends time and boundaries. It is a testament to Michael Jackson’s unparalleled talent and vision, as well as his enduring legacy as the King of Pop

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