Thriller

Released on 29 November 1982, Thriller is Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album and a defining moment in pop history. Produced by Quincy Jones, the album seamlessly blends pop, post-disco, rock, funk, synth-pop, and R&B, reflecting Jackson’s ambition to create an album where “every song was a killer.”

The album features nine tracks, including seven singles that all reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Notably, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” both secured the number one spot. “The Girl Is Mine,” a duet with Paul McCartney, marked Jackson’s first credited collaboration with another artist on an album.

Thriller was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon. It became Jackson’s first number-one album on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart, maintaining that position for a record 37 non-consecutive weeks. The album’s success was further propelled by groundbreaking music videos, particularly the 14-minute short film for “Thriller,” directed by John Landis, which redefined the music video as an art form.

By 1984, Thriller had sold 32 million copies worldwide, earning the title of the best-selling album of all time – a record it still holds, with estimated sales of 70 million copies globally. The album’s influence extended beyond music, breaking racial barriers in the industry and earning Jackson unprecedented cultural significance.

Critically acclaimed, Thriller won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Beat It.”