CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: Thriller (1982 Epic)
Tracks: 9
Artist website: http://www.michaeljackson.com
OVERVIEW
Thriller is the break through album. The album that for many years was at the top. It was a bench mark that many dreamed of toppling. Every person has heard at least one song from this album at some point in their life. It’s left an indelible mark on pop culture and culture in general. The influences of this album will last for generations.
UPDATE 2016:
When MJ died in 2009, I was sad because I had always been a fan of his music. I was especially sad that he had not “returned to form” as an artist and that his output in the late 1990’s was unable to touch the the genius of his output from the 1980’s. At the time of his passing, I dedicated an entire issue of the TWR webzine to him and reviewed “Dangerous” and “Bad” as well. I got to see Jackson in concert in Singapore in 1996. It was a concert experience I’ll never forget, but is sadly not even in the top 5 of all concerts I’ve seen. Of the MJ material that has been released posthumously, the only thing I’ve enjoyed is “Love Never Felt So Good”, which was penned in 1983. The 80’s were a magical time and that was Jackson’s era.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lady In My Life, The Girl Is Mine
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Wanna Be Starting Something
There isn’t a disco on this planet that can go one night without playing this song at some point! Everyone has heard this one at least once. It’s that funky track that just never stops being a people pleaser.
Track 2 – Baby Be Mine
This track has always been a favorite of mine. The hooks in this song are brilliant. It’s perhaps a lesser known song in Jackson’s catalog, but it’s a great track.
Track 3 – The Girl Is Mine
A duet with Paul McCartney. What a great song. Very nice groove. Not to mention the superb use of stop time.
Track 4 – Thriller
This is the song that did it all. Perhaps the best known song in Jackson’s catalog. Absolutely brilliant!
Track 5 – Beat It
The guitars! Eddie van Halen and Michael Jackson created magic in this track.
Track 6 – Billie Jean
The smoothest song ever! Attempted by many, but never done with the same style and integrity than Jackson.
Track 7 – Human Nature
Pretty melody. It took me a long time to appreciate this song as I didn’t like it as a child.
Track 8 – P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
I love this track. I have always loved this song. It’s the groove.
Track 9 – The Lady In My Life
One of the least respected ballads, but incredibly beautiful. My favorite song on the album.