Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1982)

I was 9 years old when Thriller hit the shelves at the end of 1982 and knocked the collective world on its ear. But really it started with the infamous “moonwalk” Mike performed during his March 1983 performance of Billie Jean during the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. That night would truly begin the legend of The King of Pop.

What can you say? Thriller was sonically amazing. The accompanying videos changed the way any and all videos where conceived, written, produced, directed, and presented thereafter. His costumes, the glove, the socks, the pant cuffs, the jackets, everything was mimicked and copied by the kids. Everyone would sport the one glove style whether it was a dingy winter mitten or a former cotton garden glove now adorned with glued on sequence or rhinestones. I knew more than one kid that rocked the famed multi-zippered “Beat It” style jacket (in red or black, it didn’t matter) and even a few “Thriller” editions. And of course many kids yearned to dance like him. A few gifted and dedicated souls like my good friend Ron genuinely perfected the art. Another friend, David, went on to professionally perform as a Michael Jackson impersonator in Vegas. Michael Jackson was just bigger than life. But it definitely wasn’t all circus hype. Thriller the album was insane. It’s not the greatest selling album of all time for nothing. Seven of the nine original tracks went on to become Top Ten singles.

But enough of what I remember, what do I think now? It’s a banger dude. The damn thing still rocks. Now I still loathe, The Girl Is Mine, (sorry, I just do) but the rest of the album is as solid as it was to me in the fourth grade. Billie Jean will always be my favorite track, but Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ and P.Y.T. still make me want to get up and dance. Thriller? C’mon now, I started doin’ the dance routine as soon as the chorus came on. LOL! The bottom line is if you don’t have this historic album in some shape or form (physical or digital), go out and get it. I promise you’ll be singing along, dancing, and grabbing your crotch like its 1983.

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