Drive through the center of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, or other major cities and you'll spot something that you likely haven't seen in a long time — promotional posters for a Michael Jackson release.
Long before Jackson was accused of pedophilia, skin bleaching, multiple plastic surgeries, and countless other crimes and eccentricities he was heralded as a child prodigy turned musical genius. Although his break through album, 1979's Off the Wall, was critically acclaimed, it was seen as a one-time wonder. Surely, no one guessed that Jackson and producer Quincy Jones would walk away with eight Grammys and more than 100 million sales for their efforts.
It's easy to become jaded about Thriller because so many of the songs and stylings have worked their way into the public consciousness. Jackson dancing to videos from the album, wearing a red jacket, sparkly glove and white socks, have been replayed and parodied ad nauseum. It's not until you put on Thriller 25 that you reconnect the depth of the music.
The opening chords of "Wanna Be Startin' Something," with the afro-funk beat and Jackson's pure, clear vocals still send a bit of a chill through the listener as do the classics "Billie Jean," and of course "Thriller," which spawned the much-heralded video. What's interesting is that some lesser known songs from the album, such as "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) and "The Lady In My Life," come across as almost undiscovered jewels thanks again to Jackson's vocals and the incredible guitar chords.
When the album was first released, Jackson's duet with Paul McCartney on "The Girl is Mine," was derided as cornball. In truth, it has always seemed somewhat odd, especially on an album with the sexual overtones of songs such as "Billie Jean." Although the duet is still pretty syrupy, it has aged enough so it comes across as a fairly decent pop song which may not have been as derided if it hadn't shared the spotlight with so many masterpieces from the same album.
Article comments
1 - Chello
I am extremely proud of MJ. It is great that before the release of his new studio album, he is setting the records straight with Thriller 25 - its the musical genius that made him famous and not the contravercy!
2 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to Advance.net and Boston.com.
3 - Michael Brown
If for anything else, the music world is in desperate need of replenishment from an original pioneer. Over the last decade, we have seen solo r&b artists imitate his dancing style, which further resurfaced within any generation, the subliminal demand of society, in spite of his recent challenges,for his return. The world truly needs to appreciate the musical force of Michael Jackson being re-introduced, for the next three years, because besides Prince and Madonna, in terms of Pop R&B lore, the presence of magnetism and magic has long been gone. God Bless, Michael, continue your course with prayer and diligence.
4 - Sperber
Great review! Thanks for your thoughtful comments on Mr. Jackson.
Sperber
5 - t3cul
The king of pop will slowly rise just like the morning sunshine. Excellent article!
6 - emotional
it is interesting that as i read the comment policy that personal attacks are not allowed. MJ has been the target of personal attacks for years. no one likes to be personally attacked..yet it has been 'ok' to attack MJ. anyway..it's nice that finally, there are some nice critiques about an MJ album. it would just be nice if nothing about his personal life were even mentioned, in any form.
7 - Nancy
Thanks to all of you for writing. I appreciate your comments.
I certainly understand the last writer's comments about Michael Jackson's personal life. Unfortunately people hold such strong opinions about the rumors surrounding him, it is important to make mention of them -- even in a review such as this.
Best to all of you.
8 - Sherry
This review makes me nostalgic enough to go check out Thriller all over again.