Thriller [Remaster] - Jackson, Michael (CD 2001)

The Main Idea
Despite the fact that his name has become synonymous with the essence of freakishness, Michael Jackson was the man back in the day, as is proven by Thriller, the biggest-selling album of all time. Personally, I think Thriller is MJ's best work to date and shows him in a different light musically than his previous efforts. Even though it's short, the album really sounds complete and flows easily from song to song. Ranking as my favorite album of all time, I honestly can't find anything wrong with this record as a whole. Michael effortlessly blends rock, R&B, and pop for a masterful sound that has been imitated but never duplicated by many since its 1982 release.

This album had a whole slew of hit singles, including the title cut. Thriller spawned, hands-down, the greatest music video of all time and has become one of this guy's most recognizable hits. Dramatic production, synthesizers galore, and plenty of horns add to the theatrical aspect of Michael's voice to produce the perfect hauntingly catchy tune. Though it's not one of my favorites and I hate the rap, I still love it. Beat It is about as edgy and raw as Michael is ever gonna get and, you have to admit, Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo was an excellent addition. I've been in love with this song since I was a little girl, so I'm quite partial to it, but, seriously, this obviously rock-influenced cut is one of Michael's best songs to date. The same holds true for the more old-school soul sound of Billie Jean, which has a killer bassline, more great synths, and a steady, danceable beat. Michael's delivery of this groupie-inspired cut is strong and smoky; no one else but Mr. Jackson could have pulled this one off.

Human Nature was one of his more overlooked smashes, but it's probably my favorite song here. The lyrics are simple, but hold a lot of meaning: "Get me out/Into the night-time/Four walls won't hold me tonight/If this town/Is just an apple/Then let me take a bite..." What sticks out the most about this song is that it has stood the test of time. It's a very calm, mid-tempo ballad, and Michael's soft vocals are literally dripping with soul. Expert vocal arrangements and key synthesizers add to the effect. P.Y.T., on the other hand, sounds very dated, but it's lovable nonetheless. Though I never wanna hear the word "tenderoni" used in a song again, this jam is cute and summery and features sisters LaToya and Janet on background vocals. This song is sparkly with a good bassline and production and a quick, danceable feel that I love. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' has the same overall vibe, but Michael's vocals are more high-pitched and the horns take center stage. The Swahili chant at the end is a nice touch and, as a whole, this cut is funky, fresh, and unlike anything else out there.

Baby Be Mine reminds me of a lot of the material from the Off The Wall album. It's not Michael's best song vocally, but he still pulls this mid-tempo dance gem off well. With a good bassline, excellent drums, and perfect synthesizer accents, this catchy number is soulful and interesting, one of the album's standout tracks. Michael's first duet with Paul McCartney, The Girl Is Mine, sounds like an odd pairing on paper, but their voices actually mesh rather well together on this calm ballad. They trade verses well and the simple piano and guitars is a nice change from the usual heavy synths and effects. Though not one of my favorites, this track is definitely a nice addition. The album's Rod Temperton-penned closer, The Lady In My Life, shows Michael in a more romantic, sensual mood and is cheesy as hell, but Michael's soft, understated vocals are the perfect compliment to the song's slowed-down approach. I'm not a ballad person, so I'm not crazy about this one, but it closes out the record well.

Final Thoughts
As I'm sure we all know by now, huge sales do not necessarily mean a record is good, but Thriller is one definite exception. It was a classic back in '82, and it's a classic today. That longevity is what has made it such an awesome effort, as well as its diversity. Nearly every family in America has a copy of Thriller somewhere because it appeals to everyone. There are rock-influenced cuts, romantic ballads, and soulful R&B numbers, all of which Michael executes flawlessly. The 80's truly were a magical time for the future Wacko Jacko, a time when his artistic integrity was still intact. I don't really care how many little boys he's molested - Thriller is still my favorite album of all time. The power and thought behind it makes it a deservedly uber-successful effort that will remain relevant for decades to come.

Key Tracks: It's Thriller, people.

Great Music To Play While: Lighting up the sidewalk with your very steps (now that's magic), stealing all of your signature dance moves from the Soul Train dancers, making Quincy Jones cool again, setting your hair on fire and giving us yet another reason to hate Pepsi, and damning the person who made you that zippered jacket because you can't remember in which of the 2758970432562 zippered pockets you put your subpoena.

Other Albums By This Artist Include: Off The Wall, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, Blood On The Dancefloor, Invincible, Number Ones