... However the phenomenal success of Off The Wall (1979) was mereley mediocre in contrast to Thriller (1982). Again, the project was aided by the genius production skills of Quincy Jones.
Thriller (1982) even more than Off The Wall (1979), really conveys Jacksons extraordinary artistic vision ... Read review
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson'sThrilleris the bestselling album of all time, with 45 million worldwide ... more
sales powered by eight Grammy Awards. The 1982 album was also a success from which the pop superstar never really recovered--subsequent albums seemed to have...
worldwide sales powered by eight Grammy Awards. The 1982 album was also a success from which the pop superstar never really recovered--subsequent albums seemed to ha...
Print is manufactured to the highest quality on heavy duty art paper and is designed to be framed or hung as is for a more sophisticated piece of wall art. Certain ...
A review by IanPhillips on Thriller [Remastered] - Michael Jackson July 7th, 2006
Author's product rating:
Originality
Groundbreaking
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
The rip - roaring classic Billie Jean !
Disadvantages:
None !
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Off The Wall (1979) was an absolutely explosive album by the genius Michael Jackson. Produced by Quincy Jones, Off The Wall was a blockbuster success on both sides of the Atlantic and featured a wealth of hit singles, including the stunning Rock With You.
Expectations were high for Jacksons next studio project in 1982 and many cynics suggested that Off The Wall (1979) simply couldn't be bettered. However the phenomenal success of Off The Wall (1979) was mereley mediocre in contrast to Thriller (1982). Again, the project was aided by the genius production skills of Quincy Jones.
Thriller (1982) even more than Off The Wall (1979), really conveys Jacksons extraordinary artistic vision showing off his unparalled talents and shrewd choice of music. Jackson glides through all nine of the origanal recordings with effortless energy showcasing his highly versatile and rocketing vocal approach that neatly surfboards along the complex and dynamic musical arrangements.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' opens the album on a high with its cool, sparse production coated by a a jamming, funky performance from Jackson.
Baby Be Mine, containing undertones of red hot, pulsating funk is ignited further by Jacksons shimmering vocal delivery. Jackson duets with former Beatle singer Paul McCartney on the vibrant ballad, The Girl Is Mine. Both Jackson and McCartney are two such diverse, gifted artists that surprisingly sound so compatable together on record. Both performances are strong and passionate complimenting the lush orchestrations.
The title track, Thriller is of course one of wacko Jackos many landmarks in his musical career. With more undertones of pure, pulsating funk and swirling, eerie musical arrangements this track is, without doubt, another classic to Jacksons 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 that video that accompanied it).
Even more compelling musically was the rip-roaring, totally awewsome Beat It. From that dazzling, tempo-shifting introduction, the track leads into a riotously funky affair where Jackson rides along a tidal wave of musical arrangements consisting of heavy, repetitive drum beats, synthesisers, electric keyboards and a tenor sax solo not to mention that stunning electric guirtar interlude at the bridge of the song. From the shimmering verses to the exalting chrous, Beat It is quite simply another out and out classic that possibly,along with Billie Jean, stands as the cream of the crop on this album (or indeed his entire recording career).
Billie Jean is also, perharps THE definitive Michael Jackson classic. Beginning with a hooky groove that is immediately contagious, it rapidly pumps out into raw funk that is delivered with an electric and a sizzling, sexually charged performance from Jackson. This astounding, timeless classic became a much deserved cross-Atlantic chart topper.
Human Nature is much more lush and exotic with its divine, sweeping musical arrangements. Though slightly sugary in its content, Human Nature is another instantly memroable recording that is ignited by the smooth vocal approach of Jackson.
P.Y.T (pretty young thing) continues in vastly similar vein that holds individual merits of its own whilst things then wind down finishing on a fittingly sophisticated high with that gorgeous, sultry ballad The Lady In My Life. Jacksons' exuberant delivery conveys such style and finesse and proved what a highly adept vocalist Jackson is when divulging into varying styles of music.
Thriller, to date, has sold well over 40,000,000 copies worldwide and remains the biggest selling album in pop music history (if not THE biggest). Whatever thoughts and perceptions one might have on Jacksons rather fragile, odd, child-look demeanour, theres simply no denying that when it comes to talent Michael Jackson is right there at the top of the list and remains an upmost genius for his wonderfully-crafted music and continues to be a strong innovator amongst todays new generation of pop singers.
Advantages: Groundbreaking - No wonder it's the biggest selling album of all time Disadvantages: Not Enough Songs, but leaves you with a great taste for things to come
A little bit of background to this classic Michael Jackson album:
In 1982, Jackson released his second Epic album, "Thriller", which became the best-selling album in music history with more than 60 million copies sold worldwide. The album spawned seven hit singles, including "Billie Jean", which was the first music video by an black artist to receive regular airplay on MTV. "Thriller" spent 37 weeks at number one and remained on the Billboard album ... ...in the United States and is still the biggest selling album of all time...and guess what, I am not surprised!
Here is a rundown of each track and why it appeals to me;
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin" - Fast paced, beat orientated, simple and funky. It is it's simple yet outlandish and original rythm along with Michael's vocals on the song which make it a huge hit for me on the album. "Baby Be Mine" - Although it is probably the song i listen to the ...
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Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
very helpful
05.06.2006
A masterpeice. Review ofThriller [Remastered] - Michael Jacksonby
BillieJ7
Advantages: Envokes many emtions, not does get boring, great for night clubs and romantic nights in Disadvantages: None for me.
...and an uncut verse in Thriller by Vincet Price. This is simply breaktaking, awesome, and doggone funky. Here is my view on each track.
1) Wanna be startin' somethin'
Super catchy. Very disco! The breakdown at the end of the song is stunning, as are MJ's diverse vocals. A good one to sing along to as well. Get on the dancefloor!
2) Baby be mine
A more mid tempo number, to the style of Off The Walls 'Rock with you'. Fabulous intoduction, super ... ...with Paul McCartney, as they argue over 'the girl'. This is the song where Michael says 'I'm a lover, not a fighter'. My faveourite line is when Michaels sings 'no she said that I'm the one for her, cause she said I blow her mind'.
4) Thriller
Everyone knows this song, it's so infamous and of course has the video to match. I still find the begninng so creepy. The song builds up into a frenzy of velvet vocals, super groovy beats, and eeire sound ...
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Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
helpful
04.07.2009
A True Genius Review ofThriller [Remastered] - Michael Jacksonby
T1q234
Advantages: Every thing is great i could go on for ages Disadvantages: Nothing at all
This review is about a a great legend a true hero R.I.P Micheal Jackson, well today i will review one of the most successful albums of all time even now when he sadly passed away this album "Thirller" has topped the charts for 7 weeks, well everyone knows micheal Jackson but for most well here is a bit of detail, Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009), dubbed the "King of Pop", was an American musician and one of the most commercially ... ...and dance, along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for four decades, Well i think ive elexplained enough lets get started.
Originality
Well lets take into accout this guys age he released his first album at 21 and he started to show signs of revolutionary times for black people in the 70's, he showed signs of confidence and versitility in is own type of style and started to show this guys was ...
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Advantages: Classic songs to be part of any music fans collection Disadvantages: Already have the songs on a CD we brought years ago - only reason for re-release is MJ's passing..
If I had been sad enough to follow the "pop" charts, there wouldn't have been mention of MJ a couple of months ago. Now it seems everyone is taking advantage of his unfortunate demise - jumping on the bandwagon to squeeze pennies from the public through emotional blackmail. Thats right - don't buy a CD and you are a heartless person with no care for MJ passing away.
I'm not saying this isn't worth the money, MJ is indefinately the King of Pop, but ... ...CD my mum brought decades ago. The songs are classics, but is there any point in re-releasing the music simply in "celebration of MJ's career". These money grabbing marketing types will do anything to make money. To see an example of this just look at the picture OK magazine published a while ago: A closeup snapshot of a sweaty, delirious MJ on life support clearly not in the best of shape. Leave the poor guy alone damn it!
One last point is a hilarious ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful
Advantages: Michael Jackson - black and proud. An ace soul/funk/R&B album Disadvantages: Weak, sappy ballads
...There's a few artists I've never listened to properly. While Dylan, Mann, Wainwright, Springsteen, Presley and Shatner are all American icons who I've listened to pretty extensively in the past, I've been slack when it comes to exploring musicians like Cash, Jackson, Joplin and Hendrix. As I sat at the DreamDesk? and looked through my music collection, I made the decision that it was high time to start filling the gaps in my musical knowledge before it's too late and I get a job. With only a year to go until that awful day approaches, I quickly grabbed a copy of Thriller and got to listening.
MichaelJackson has a reputation currently as being a creepy manchild who is more likely to be dressing his child up as a lost boy whilst he takes the lead role in a family-only presentation of Peter Pan, but before he turned into the sort of man...
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Advantages: Bangers throughout Disadvantages: Nothing specific
...Coming directly off the hype of his breakthrough album ?Off The Wall?, the sixth solo MichaelJackson album was the classic ?Thriller? album in 1982. The biggest-selling album of all-time was, of course the point where the child star had reached superstardom as he came with a record filled with straight bangers (and many which would be cited alter on as classics of the era). It will be known as the greatest record to come from the most iconic name in Pop ever.
1. ?Wanna Be Startin? Somethin??
He gets the album with a banger of a tune to hype everyone up with a funky little jam which really gets people going as he is seen to throw together a killer joint as he sings in a rather ominous and intimidating song (not to be brought back in his until he returned with ?Bad?). It gets him riding some authentic Funk and showing progression from...
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Advantages: Lots of cracking tracks from the king of pop Disadvantages: none
...This is a classic Micheal Jackson album,in my opinion it was and is his best album to date.
The album included iconic and memorable tracks such as Billie Jean and Wanna be startin somethin.
For me there is not one song I dont like.Each song sounds different and makes me feel different in its own way.
The track listing is as follows:
1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' - 6:04 - A more upbeat dance sounding track from the king of pop,that was pretty original for its time,love how this song just manages to put me in a good mood everytime I hear it
2. Baby Be Mine - 4:20 A more soulful/pop sounding track,thats a bit laid back yet as it progresses gets a bit more poppy and upbeat.
3. The Girl Is Mine - 3:42 An easy going easy on the ears sounding track,with those sickly lovey dovey vocals and lyrics :-)
4. Thriller - 5...
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Label / Distributor: Epic / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Engineer: Bruce Swedien
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Performer
EAN: 5099750442227
Catalogue Number: 5044222
SPAR code: AAD
Additional notes
Album Notes: Personnel includes: Michael Jackson (vocals, percussion); Paul McCartney (vocals); Vincent Price (spoken vocals); Steve Lukather (guitar, bass); Eddie Van Halen, Dean Parks, Paul Jackson (guitar); Larry Williams (flute, saxophone); Jerry Hey (trumpet, flugelhorn); Bill Reichenbach (trombone); David Paich (piano, synthesizer); Greg Phillinganes (Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer, programming); Steve Porcaro (synthesizer, programming); David Foster, Rod Temperton (synthesizer); Tom Bahler (Synclavier); Louis Johnson (bass); Ndugu Chancler, Jeff Porcaro (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Brian Banks (programming); LaToya Jackson, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Oren Waters, Becky Lopez, Janet Jackson (background vocals). Producer: Quincy Jones. Reissue producer: Bruce Swedien. Principally recorded at Westlake Audio, Los Angeles, California. Originally released on Epic (38112). Digitally remastered by Bernie Grundman (Bernie Grundman Mastering, Los Angeles, California). The finest example of perfect disco pop, and a record that should be prescribed to musical snobs and manic depressives. The album is a true ambassador of what pop music can be. Jackson whoops and dances through a suite of unforgettable melodies that should be danced to with a smile on your face. Each track offers at least one musical hook, whether it is the beauty of 'Human Nature' (who can resist the 'dada dada da da da') or the 'whoo whoo' of 'Billie Jean'. It's all too good.
Album Reviews: Vibe (12/99, p.164) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century Rolling Stone (11/89) - Ranked #7 in Rolling Stone's "100 Best Albums Of The 80s" survey. Q (1/03, p.56) - Included in Q Magazine's "100 Greatest Albums Ever" Q (1/00, p.138) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...The music stands undimmed by time....delivers some of the greatest ever pop-soul-dance-whatever...hardly a weak moment, and still no one goes 'aow' quite like Michael Jackson."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
2.: Baby Be Mine
3.: Girl Is Mine - Jackson, Michael & Paul McCartney
4.: Thriller
5.: Beat It
6.: Billie Jean
7.: Human Nature
8.: PYT (Pretty Young Thing)
9.: Lady In My Life
10.: Someone In The Dark (bonus track)
11.: Billie Jean (original demo recording/bonus track)
12.: Carousel (bonus track)
13.: Bille Jean (original demo, bonus track)
14.: Interview With Quincy Jones (bonus track) (3)
15.: Interview With Rod Temperton (bonus track)
16.: Interview With Quincy Jones (bonus track) (4)
17.: Voice-Over Session From "Thriller"
18.: Interview With Rod Temperton (bonus track) (2)
19.: Interview With Quincy Jones (bonus track) (5)