Re-listening to Thriller
MOVE mourns the death of a legend.
Published July 8, 2009
One of the most innovative artists of the 21st century was lost to the world this past month. A cultural icon, pop superstar Michael Jackson revolutionized music. Jackson's Grammy-winning albums rocketed him to fame and cemented him as one of the most important artists of our era. His solo success was thrust into the forefront initially with Thriller, the highest selling record in world, and the most influential pop album of all time. Upon a re-listen to Thriller, the true genius of Michael Jackson is apparent.
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" opens the album. The use of the synthesizer and rapid guitar riffs make it a prime candidate for a club dance song, but it also functions on another level, serving as the jumping point for Jackson career of upbeat pop club beats.
"Baby Be Mine," on the other hand, serves as a love note. Again, the heavy use of synthesizer allows Jackson to project his singing without being overpowered by background music. Although Jackson isn't known for his slow songs, this song keeps an upbeat tempo but maintaining it's sentimental theme.
"The Girl is Mine," featuring Paul McCartney, is one of the standout tracks on the CD. Unlike earlier songs, it has a slow tempo with a focus on a repeated guitar riff and snaps. McCartney's baritone successfully counters Jackson's soprano, creating an enjoyable contrast in the song's melody.
“Thriller” is the title track of the CD, and also one of Jackson's most successful songs, spawning countless imitators, and a 14-minute long music video. Although the surface meaning of the song is a horror film, Jackson actually seems to claim he is the "thriller," hence the title of the album. The addition of horror icon Vincent Price further emphasizes the horror theme. The song has a heavy bass line that is very moving, creating an early techno beat, but still keeping its pop background.
Classic Jackson track "Beat It" is the brainchild of Jackson and Eddie Van Halen, birthing one of the most epic guitar solos ever recorded. Jackson's songs always seem to focus on internal struggle, and "Beat It" is no different. The song's driving guitar and lyrical quickness help keep it's tempo constant, despite the song's difficult subject matter.
It is hard to forget Jackson's Motown performance of "Billie Jean." Clad in a white glove and fedora, he moonwalked his way into the hearts of America, cementing his pop superstardom. The track focuses on a woman accusing the singer of fathering her child, which he adamantly denies. The song's beat and tempo help make it the quintessential Michael Jackson song, featuring soprano chords and heavy synthesizer that adds to its dance.
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" is the final notable song from "Thriller." It centers on a younger lover, who the singer wants but can't have. It is very upbeat and it is a key Jackson song from his early days. It's a solid track that works to cement Jackson's ability to create infectious dance songs.
Thriller is an overall solid album with the strength of songs, such as "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" balancing out the few weak moments on the album. It is still an excellent album to listen to and has aged quite well. Although Jackson might have gone, his music still stands as a testament to his musical genius, featuring something for everyone.