#15 - Michael Jackson, Thriller

Release Year: 1982

Genre: R&B

How much do I like my favorite track on the album? 13.6 points

Billie Jean

Love it. Fits perfectly within the context of the rest of the album. Some of my favorite Michael Jackson vocals. You can hear the influence he had over many other artists (I’m looking at you Justin Timberlake). The transitions to the chorus are powerful and build so nicely to a resolution in the chorus.

How did/does this album influence my own taste in music overall? 12 points

I don’t really like much of Michael Jackson’s other solo works, so this was really it. At a very impressionable time in my life, this album was having its 20th anniversary. It’s just good stuff.

Does this album hold up since its release? 13.6 points

Absolutely. Parts of it are a little more popular than others too. Thriller music video. I rest my case.

What percentage of the album do I listen to? 10 points

It’s a solid no-skipper. Put it on like it’s a movie and settle in.

What did/do the critics think of this album? 8.7 points

Critics have been fond always for Thriller. High meteoritic and it earned itself the Grammy for Album of the Year.

What is the sentimental value to me of the album? 12.8 points

Not much sentimental other than I just straight enjoy it.

What was the artists involvement of the production of the album - songwriting, instrumentals, vocals, uniqueness? 13.6 points

Good songwriting from Michael, and catchy stuff that has stood the test of time.

Overall Rating out of 100 points = 84.3 points

Some songs rely heavily on the other songs being on this album, as in, if they weren’t adjacent to Thriller, Billie Jean, or Beat It, they wouldn’t have the same effect. Then again, that’s exactly what an album is. This is one of the most perfect albums of all time. Universally beloved, and is Michael’s best work. Who hasn’t done the Thriller dance at a wedding? It’s an iconic album representing one of the greats at the top of their game. It’s rock-y, it’s funky, and possess a very undeniable pizzazz. It’s also hard to ignore the historical significance of this. It was released at a time where being a black artist by default meant you did not get the same mainstream love and affection from the media. Michael Jackson was the catalyst for changing that, particularly with the Thriller music video, which is perhaps the single most recognizable music video of all time. Obviously there’s the great downfall of Michael as well that can’t be ignored.