The King of Pop's Crowning Achievement

Thriller (1982)

1."Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
Starting off this colossal classic is this immensely catchy and rapid fire funk "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin". I just love the lyrics and the way Micheal sings with a speedy, rich vigor in his voice is just amazing. You can tell he was having fun singing this one, especially the way he sings "say you just want to be startin' somethin'". Quincy really knows how to invoke such energetic beats and flashy productions that really stand the test of time. Also, how could I forget that unforgettable run of "Momma Say-Momma Sah-Mamacu Sah".  This song is just so refreshing even by today's standards. It's fun, funky and relentless vivid in sound as well as quality. I can't get enough of it as I can't even imagine a better way to open up such a monumentous album!!! O_O
(A+) 

2. "Baby Be Mine"
Ohhhh, this song. The first of the few non-single tracks, "Baby Be Mine" is so sweet, smooth and soulful. Michael sings of a lover who he finds so irresistible that he is determined to be with. The lyrics are not only beautifully written; encapsulating such genuine romanticism and sensual fantasy but Quincy's production once again feels so organic and stunning. Like the instrumentation is just such perfection, it's almost otherworldly how good it is.  It's a song that you just want to hold your significant other and dance with them all night; looking into their eyes passionately and blissfully. Another remarkable and profoundly produced with Michael's signature charming vocals!!! <3 :)
(A+)

3. "The Girl Is Mine" (Featuring Paul McCartney)
Teaming up with the legendary Beatles member, Michael and Paul sing together effortlessly together about the woman they both desire to be with. It's an emotional roller coaster as both sing this with their own distinct styles yet mesh so well together. A shame both tremendous artists had such a falling out professionally and personally but here, their lyrical rivalry and melodic harmonizing is just so sublime.  A rock legend and the King of Pop both competing for the affections of a woman with another inventive production and slow, mesmerizing grooves yet the listeners are the true victors; getting a chance to hear this magical, musical moment between two eternally iconic artists.
(A-)

4. "Thriller"
A song more known for spawning possibly the greatest music video of all time, "Thriller", the song alone, is one of the most entertaining and frightening songs of all time!!! The production is filled with spook sound effects, haunting narration by horror icon Vincent Price and a stellar groove that you will find impossible to not to dance to!! Michael's vocals are top notch as he sings through an orchestral of thrills and chills, twists and turns, etc. that all climaxes to a chilling laugh that will leave you restless.  It really is the first track of it's kind to cross horror, humor and harmonizing vocals to create something truly sensational in pop culture history!!! Dancing zombies and all!!! Muhahahaha!!!
(A+)

5. "Beat It"
In this epic pop-rock anthem, Michael denounces gang violence and it couldn't be done in a more unforgettable way. A song just as incredibly powerful as it's music video, the lyrics are written with such inspiration and motivation as well as it's rock production being both alternate and mainstream all at the same time. My God, that rock solo by Eddie Van Halen is just so magnificent and one of the most legendary moments in rock music period. Michael's vocals couldn't be more infectious as you can't help but sing along!!! :)
(A+) 

6. "Billie Jean"
My goodness, " Billie Jean"....it's only probably one of the most flawless pop tunes of all time. The perfect mix of impeccable instrumentation, a timeless groove, smooth vocals and lyrics that solidify that pop music was on the rise of transforming into something new and daring. Micheal's harmonious cries of not being the father of a child to a woman who is clearly delusional couldn't be more charming and stunning!! Another music video that has stood the test of time, "Billie Jean" is a pop tune that will live on forever because because it's theme is ever so relevant over 30 years later. What an miraculous masterpiece this is to the ears!
(A+)

7. "Human Nature"
"Human Nature"....such a soothing social commentary on the world and a message that once again goes far beyond the early years of the 80s. It still means so much now a days in an even more conflicted and convoluted world we live in. I love how Quincy can do uptempo pop but my goodness, is there ANYTHING more beautiful than the soft, tender touch he produces this song with???!! O_O An astounding work of art as the part where Michael vocally cries just melt my heart and touch my soul in a way music was always made for. It goes far behind the political confines of it's theme and really dig deep to make one of the most thought provoking tunes...EVER!!! WOW!!
(A+)

8. "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"
I just don't know what to do with this album!!! Quincy and Michael really were an unstoppable match as "P..Y.T." is another perfect indication of them not just making the funkiest music they could but some of the most innovative instrumentation and vocal artistry for the time. They literally reinvented pop with songs like this, from that sizzling chorus to the repeated harmonies with Janet singing background vocals, I can't imagine a song greater than this one in the pop genre that wasn't written by a member of the Beatles! O_O Electrifying pop music here!!! :)
(A+)

9. "The Lady In My Life"
Ending off one of the most celebrated mainstream albums of all time is this sweet ode to a lover that Michael can't imagine himself without. God, that production just oozes such emotional resonance and Michael's vocals couldn't more sharp; hitting notes that would become his signature throughout his career from this point on.  This song is the right one to serenade that special one in your life and Michael really excels his own inner soul and savvy spirit. One hell of an conclusion!
(B+) 

When is comes to an album like "Thriller", I don't know where to begin!!! O_O So much has been said about this album and yet not enough has been said!! An album that won numerous awards, including the first record 8 Grammys in one night, "Thriller" did for pop music what such artists like the Beatles did when they first rose to greatness in the 60s. "Thriller" is an album that not only was one of the best albums to come out of that era of music but really is the definitive 80s album. Sure, "Off The Wall" was Micheal's breakthrough solo smash with it's share of dynamic disco beats and Michael's vocal charisma, but "Thriller" was a whole new level of artistry that would define the sound and style of the decade.  I don't even know if I can say anything more about the timeless tracks on this album, "Beat It" is rock royalty, "Billie Jean" has the most iconic first beat of ANY song in history, "P.Y.T." grooves like nothing before it, "Baby Be Mine" is a romantic triumph and it just goes on and on. Just 9 tracks, but the album feels so complete and full. No filler in sight as each track contributes something new and refreshing that was NEVER heard of at that time before.  Quincy Jones really is one of the most talent and influential producers to ever have lived. He and Micheal make such magic together and while their next collaboration with 1987's "Bad"wouldn't reach the heights of this riveting record, they still have the best chemistry I have ever seen between an artist and producer. It's because of Quincy's bold brilliance and Michael's outstanding ambition that the record became what it will always: a pop album that went far beyond what was expected and pushed so many other artists to do the same. If "Off The Wall" was where Michael became a superstar than "Thriller" is when he became a pop culture phenomenon. Everyone went crazy for "Thriller" around the world as it still holds the title for biggest selling album of all time with well over 50 million record sold. Michael reinvented himself into a glittered, white glowed force to be reckoned with, especially at the Motown 25th Anniversary celebration where audiences bared witness to the moonwalk for the first time. This era of his career is what made Michael an unstoppable artist who would garner fame greater than any before him or since his death in 2009.  People seem to always go back to this era of his career most for a reason as it was an album that change the sound of music as well as changed the world. Thus the King of Pop was officially born!!! :)

"35 years ago, the music world saw the arrival of Michael Jackson's "Thriller", a thematic masterpiece of pop relevance, confounding cuts of rock, R&B, soul, funk and Michael's vocal excellence. The album has the smoothest grooves, the sweetest melodies and mixture of genre bending tunes and terrific producing that is still orgasmic to the ears!!!"
(A+)