Thriller Review: The Biggest Pop Album Ever Made
9.5/10 — Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)
Pros
- Hit after hit
- Jackson's electrifying vocals
- Quincy Jones's polished production
Cons
- 'The Girl Is Mine' is weak
Produced by Quincy Jones, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time and produced seven top-ten singles. Its videos changed how music was marketed.
What works
‘Billie Jean’, ‘Beat It’ and ‘Thriller’ are flawless, ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’’ is a powerhouse funk workout, and Jackson’s vocals are fantastic. The production is razor-sharp and still sounds fresh.
Where it falters
‘The Girl Is Mine’ with Paul McCartney is the weakest moment, and a couple of tracks are slighter.
Verdict
A glossy, endlessly entertaining pop landmark.
