Now that I have listened to Thriller, I really like it. Even though I’ve heard most of these songs hundreds of times, this album still has surprises in store and much to enjoy.
While production isn’t perfect, it’s still pretty damn good. I feel MJ’s voice could be a teensy bit higher up in the mix, but he’s still treated pretty well. I like the little bit of reverb on his voice in spots as well. The rest of the instruments are also treated well with really lush production, effects that make them sparkle and panning that makes things interesting.
The main thing I think about when I think about Thriller’s composition is peak 80s groove. This is a groovy album with the more driving tracks and is a creamy album with the slower tracks. Instruments serve to make grooves and hooks with every note they play and as such all these songs are super catchy. Album structure is a little all over the place, but song structure is pop song structure done right. It is the archetype of mainstream pop music.
As if you were not convinced enough about how iconic this album truly is, let’s take a look at lyrics. Of course, Michael Jackson has his signature high voice with a nice dynamic range to fit each song. The lyrics on here are pretty amazing too. Disregarding the cheesy skit with Paul McCartney at the end of The Girl Is Mine, Thriller builds atmosphere with its lyrics and it is immersive in ways I would have never thought a mainstream pop album would be.
In conclusion, while I feel that Michael Jackson failed in his quest to have EVERY song on this album be “a killer”, I think he came pretty close to achieving that goal. This album is as solid as pop music can get. There’s a reason why this album is the best-selling album of all time.
I’m giving this a Strong 8/10
FAVOURITE TRACKS: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Baby Be Mine, Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Human Nature, P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), The Lady In My Life
LEAST FAVOURITE TRACK: The Girl Is Mine
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