Thriller

Definition

Thriller is a genre-defining album by Michael Jackson released in 1982 that revolutionized pop music, blending various styles such as rock, funk, and disco. This album not only became a cultural phenomenon but also set the standard for future pop records, showcasing the power of cross-genre collaboration and innovative production techniques. Its influence extends to various aspects of music, including iconic music videos and live performances that transformed the visual representation of pop music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Thriller' became the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide.
2. The title track 'Thriller' features a distinctive spoken-word segment by actor Vincent Price, adding an element of theatricality.
3. 'Thriller' won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, solidifying Jackson's status as a music superstar.
4. The album's release was accompanied by an innovative marketing campaign that included the famous music video for 'Thriller,' which introduced elaborate choreography and storytelling to music videos.
5. Michael Jackson worked closely with producer Quincy Jones on 'Thriller,' whose expertise in arranging and sound engineering helped elevate the album's production quality to new heights.

Review Questions

• How did Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' influence the development of pop music in the 1980s?
  • 'Thriller' played a crucial role in shaping the pop music landscape of the 1980s by successfully blending various musical styles like rock, funk, and disco. This fusion allowed it to reach a wider audience and set new standards for future pop albums. Additionally, its innovative use of music videos as a promotional tool influenced how artists engaged with fans and presented their music visually.
• Discuss the significance of the music video for 'Thriller' and its impact on pop culture.
  • The 'Thriller' music video is significant for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and choreography within the medium. It transformed music videos into an art form that combined film techniques with musical performance. The video's lasting impact on pop culture can be seen in how it set a precedent for future artists to produce visually stunning and conceptually rich videos, leading to an explosion of creativity in the industry.
• Evaluate the contributions of Quincy Jones as a producer on 'Thriller' and how they affected its success.
  • Quincy Jones's contributions as a producer on 'Thriller' were vital to the album's monumental success. His expertise in arranging and sound engineering allowed for a polished production that highlighted Jackson's vocal abilities and incorporated various musical styles seamlessly. This collaboration not only defined the sound of 'Thriller' but also established a new benchmark for quality in pop music production, influencing countless artists and producers in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Music Video: A short film that integrates a song with imagery, often used to promote songs and artists, notably popularized by Michael Jackson's groundbreaking visuals for 'Thriller.'

Pop Music: A genre of popular music characterized by a strong melody and simple lyrics, which gained immense popularity in the late 20th century with artists like Michael Jackson leading the way.

Cross-Genre Collaboration: The blending of different musical genres in a single work or performance, exemplified by 'Thriller's' combination of pop, rock, and funk influences.