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.
Ian Phillips
July 2006
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This item is a preprinted signed Photo. What is a preprinted photo? A preprint is a copy ... more
of an original autograph, so the signature is part of the photo when printed - i.e. preprinted. Why choose a preprinted item? Price and Quality. You can pay hundre...
Postage & Packaging: £3.91 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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
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..
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
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..
![Thriller [Remastered] - Michael Jackson](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/303/product-5968303.jpg)
![Overall user rating: Thriller [Remastered] - Michael Jackson](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars50.gif)
exceptional by (14%):
very helpful by (86%):
![Bad [Remastered] - Michael Jackson](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/340/prod_small-5968340.jpg)
![Dangerous [Remastered] - Michael Jackson](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/348/prod_small-5968348.jpg)
![Thriller [Remastered] - Michael Jackson - review by jamesbellini](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars30.gif)
![Thriller [Remastered] - Michael Jackson - review by Seresecros](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars40.gif)
