Michael Jackson – Thriller

'Off The Wall' (1979) was an absolutely explosive album by the genius Michael Jackson. Produced by Quincy Jones, the LP was a blockbuster success on both sides of the Atlantic for the late King of Pop and featured a wealth of hit singles, including the stunning 'Rock With You'.

Expectations were especially high for Jackson's next studio project, which was delivered in 1982. Many cynics suggested that 'Off The Wall' (1979) simply couldn't be bettered. However, the phenomenal success of 'Off The Wall' (1979) was merely mediocre in contrast to 'Thriller' (1982). Again the project was aided by the genius and remarkable production skills of the legendary Quincy Jones. This was Michael Jackson truly in his prime and he could do no wrong. His style was widely emulated but never bettered.

'Thriller' even more than Off The Wall (1979), really conveys Jackson's extraordinary artistic vision showing off his unparalleled talents and shrewd choice of music. Jackson glides through all nine of the original recordings with effortless energy and exuberance, showcasing his highly versatile and rocketing vocal approach that neatly surfboards along the complex and dynamic musical arrangements. These are all literally perfect, flawless disco-pop productions.

The delirious 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'' opens the album on a high with its cool, sparse, slightly claustrophobic production, coated by a jamming, funky vocal from Jackson, his delivery urgent, salacious and breathless. An array of nifty backing harmonies and an electric arrangement containing a wave of synthesizers, pounding percussion, blaring saxophones and slamming drum beats all add to its infectious quality.

'Baby Be Mine', containing undertones of sizzling, pulsating funk, driven by an insistent bass line, is further ignited by Jackson's shimmering vocals. It slows the tempo down from its predecessor, allowing for a smoother R&B arrangement, which, although clearly from the 1980s, still holds up very well today.

Jackson duet's with former Beatle singer Paul McCartney on the vibrant ballad 'The Girl Is Mine'. Both Jackson and McCartney are two such diverse, gifted artists, both among the most revered pop music artists of the twentieth century. They sound perfect together on record with both performances strong and ionate that complements the sweet, lush orchestrations.

The title track 'Thriller' is of course one of Jackson's many landmarks in his musical career. Bubbling with more pure, pulsating funk and swirling, eerie musical arrangements, this track is, without doubt, another classic to Jackson's credit. Jackson embodies his heart and soul into this track and 'Thriller' went on to become another Cross- Atlantic smash hit (and who can forget the video that accompanied it).

Even more compelling musically was the rip-roaring, totally awesome and tough 'Beat It'. From the dazzling, tempo-shifting introduction which brims with electronics, the track leads into a riotously funky affair where Jackson rides along a tidal wave of arrangements consisting of heavy, repetitive drum beats, synthesizers, electric keyboards and a tenor sax solo, not to mention that stunning electric guitar interlude at the bridge of the song. From the shimmering verses to the exalting chorus, 'Beat It' is quite simply another out and out pop classic that possibly, along with 'Billie Jean', stands as the cream of the crop on this album (and indeed his entire recording career).

'Billie Jean' is also THE definitive Michael Jackson classic! Beginning with a hooky groove that is immediately contagious and draws you in, it rapidly pumps out into raw funk that is delivered with an electric and an anguish-filled performance from Jackson of a song depicting a woman who claims the narrator is the father of her child. With undertones of paranoia creeping in, this astounding, timeless classic became a much deserved cross-Atlantic chart topper. Who can ever forget his breathtaking performance of the song on the 'Motown 25' TV concert special.

'Human Nature' is much more lush and exotic with its divine, sweeping instrumental. Though slightly sugary in its content, 'Human Nature' is another instantly memorable recording that is ignited by the smooth vocal approach of Jackson and sits comfortably alongside the hard-driving, raucous selection of tracks.

'P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)' continues in vastly similar vein, holding individual merits of its own, simmering in a soft, fuzzy funk arrangement, whilst things then wind down finishing on a fittingly sophisticated high with the gorgeous, sultry ballad 'The Lady In My Life', quite unlike anything else on the album. Jackson's evocative delivery conveys such style, energy and finesse and proved what a highly adept vocalist he was and shows how adaptable he could be when divulging into varying styles of music.

'Thriller', to date, has sold well over 60,000,000 copies worldwide and remains the biggest selling album in music history. Whatever thoughts and perceptions one might have had on Jackson's rather fragile, odd, child-look demeanour, there's simply no denying that when it came to talent Michael Jackson was/is right there at the top of the list. There will never be another Michael Jackson. He was a genius, his wonderfully-crafted music continuing to be a strong innovator among today's new and pop stars.

Ian Phillips