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Rating:
25 years ago, a black man was destined to leave his mark on musical history. 25 years ago, no one would have bet on the worldwide success of an African American with a natural flair for dance, who had made a decent fortune among whites with disco music, destined to fade away in the new trends of the '80s.
However, after producing a pearl, or rather, 9 pearls of funky-dance with the legendary Quincy Jones, encapsulated in the masterpiece called "Off The Wall," this black man pulled an Album with an uppercase A out of his hat. "Thriller" is, in fact, one of those few albums that manages to unite "black" music, joyful and danceable, with the more moderate and rock-like "white" music of the time. "Thriller" is indeed universal. It bridges the two cultures, offering if not a "new" genre, a refined and complete pop. Approaching perfection, then. I take on the task of reviewing my first record, even if I know that you'll come saying "Jackson here" and "Jackson there." However, a distinction should be made between the person and the artist. Anyway, as I was saying, the naiveties are really small puddles compared to the ocean of musical virtues this album offers.
Starting with the first track, you can discover how Jackson and Quincy skillfully integrated black roots with white standards: "Wanna Be Startin' Something" is indeed a pure high-dance-rate track that takes the roots of the previous record and excellently opens the dances (where the famous "mamase mamasa mamaccussa" was borrowed by Rihanna in her "Don't Stop The Music"). A mandatory presence in a Michael Jackson album. In "Baby Be Mine", Jacko lets us hear his warm voice in an engaging R&B. The least famous track of the record but considered a masterpiece by some professional musicians like Rodney Jerkins and Pharrell Williams. "The Girl Is Mine" represents the only naivety of the record. The lyrics are somewhat trivial, as is the background music, but overall the song is listenable even if below Jacksonian standards. The first heavy hitters of the album arrive with the first of the triad, "Thriller": the legendary video that supports the song is a triumph of special effects (relatively revolutionary at that time) with choreography that has remained in history. The song itself is a mix of dance music, rock, and R&B. As a final act, Vincent Price's rap confirming the dark atmosphere is the album's horror touch. Historic piece.
"Thriller" is a complete album because nothing is missing: many genres can be found at the highest levels. "Beat It" is the rock of the album. The harsh lyrics contrast with Michael's sweet voice. It's noteworthy that the electric guitar solo is played by Eddie Van Halen (who, when Jackson's then-agent called him, hung up twice because he didn't believe it was true). However, the song that will be most remembered from Thriller is not the title-track and not even "Beat It," but another track, which has been aired by radio stations and in discos all over the world. Of course, I'm talking about "Billie Jean." The initial drumbeat is simply legendary and there are no genres to categorize this pearl, and I honestly don't even bother to try. "Billie Jean" is one of those songs that will be remembered as long as music exists. Immortal. "Human Nature" is a journey into the human mind and its deepest questions. The lyrics and melody make it a high-level piece, one of the best of the album. "P.Y.T." is a funky track with participation from Michael's sisters: Janet and LaToya. The piece is a mix of R&B with slight rock intrusions, and despite the slightly cheesy lyrics, it is still a very good song.
The album concludes with "The Lady In My Life," a soul where Michael showcases his interpretative skills with a warm and sensual voice. 25 years ago the album came out and only after a year was it known how relatively much it sold. Anyway, despite those criticizing Jackson, I warmly recommend the album that should not be missing from your collection.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
01 Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (06:02)
Chorus
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
1St Verse
I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever, but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
Chorus
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
2Nd Verse
You love to pretend that you're good
When you're always up to no good
You really can't make him hate her
So your tongue became a razor
Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
You got my baby cryin'
Chorus
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
3Rd Verse
Billie Jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', spyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
Chorus
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
Ad-lib
If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
If you can't feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
You'll be always tryin'
To stop that child from cryin'
Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
Now baby's slowly dyin'
Chorus
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Ad-lib
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what's true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you
Help me sing it, ma ma se
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa
Ma ma coo sa
(Repeat/fade-out)
04 Thriller (05:57)
It's close to midnight
And something evil's lurkin' in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed
'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one's gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller
Thriller night
You're fighting for your life
Inside a killer
Thriller tonight, yeah
You hear the door slam
And realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination
Girl, but all the while
You hear a creature creepin' up behind
You're outta time
'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
There ain't no second chance
Against the thing with the forty eyes, girl
(Thriller)
(Thriller night)
You're fighting for your life
Inside a killer
Thriller tonight
Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time
(They're open wide)
This is the end of your life
They're out to get you
There's demons closing in on every side
They will possess you
Unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time
For you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night
I'll save you from the terror on the screen
I'll make you see
That this is thriller
Thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more
Than any ghost would ever dare try
(Thriller)
(Thriller night)
So let me hold you tight
And share a
(killer, diller, chiller)
(Thriller here tonight)
'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more
Than any ghost would ever dare try
(Thriller)
(Thriller night)
So let me hold you tight
And share a
(killer, thriller)
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
[Rap]
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'awl's neighborhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
(Thriller, thriller)
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
(Thriller night, thriller))
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Ooh, babe, I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Thriller night, babe
[Rap]
The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
for no mortal can resist
the evil of the thriller
05 Beat It (04:18)
They told him don't you ever come around here
Don't wanna see your face, you better disappear
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man (Uh)
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad
Just beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it)
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong it's your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Uh!
They're out to get you, better leave while you can
Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it (Uh)
You have to show them that you're really not scared (Uuh)
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare (Uh!)
They'll kick you, then they beat you,
Then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad
Just beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it)
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong it's your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Chorus
Just beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it)
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong it's your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it (x 12)
(Guitar solo)
Beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it)
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong it's your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
(Oooh, right!)
(wooohooo)
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated (Oh, lord)
Showin' how funky (Eeh, eeh) strong it's your fight (Eeh, eeh)
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it), beat it
No one wants to be defeated (Oh, no)
Showin' how funky (Eeh, eeh)strong it's your fight(Eeh, eeh)
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, (beat it), beat it, (beat it)
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong it's your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right (Who’s wrong)
Just beat it, (beat it) (Wooohooo)
Beat it, beat it, beat it
06 Billie Jean (04:54)
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
I said don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
She said I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round
She told me her name was Billie Jean, as she caused a scene
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
People always told me,
"Be careful of what you do,
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts."
And mother always told me,
"Be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth."
Now Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one
But the kid is not my son
No, no.
For forty days and for forty nights
The law was on her side
But who can stand when she's in demand
Her schemes and plans
'Cause we danced on the floor in the round
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice
(Do think twice)
She told my baby we'd danced till three, then she looked at me
Then showed a photo my baby cried his eyes were like mine (oh, no!)
'Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby
People always told me,
"Be careful of what you do,
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts."
(don't break no hearts!)
But she came and stood right by me
Then the smell of sweet perfume
This happened much too soon
She called me to her room
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son (No, no)
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one (ad lib)
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one
She says He is my son
She says I am the one
Billie Jean is not my lover...
07 Human Nature (04:06)
Written & Composed by Steve Porcaro & John Bettis
Looking out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
Chorus
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are ev'rywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare
Chorus
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way
(Instrumental section)
Looking out
Across the morning
The city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street
Chorus
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
I like livin' this way
(Repeat Chorus - Ad-lib/fade-out)
08 P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (03:59)
Where did you come from lady
And ooh won't you take me there
Right away won't you baby
Tendoroni you've got to be
Spark my nature
Sugar fly with me
Don't you know now
Is the perfect time
We can make it right
Hit the city lights
Then tonight ease the lovin' pain
Let me take you to the max
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
And I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
And I'll shake you there
Anywhere you wanna go
Nothin' can stop this burnin'
Desire to be with you
Gotta get to you baby
Won't you come, it's emergency
Cool my fire yearnin'
Honey, come set me free
Don't you know now is the perfect time
We can dim the lights
Just to make it right
In the night
Hit the lovin' spot
I'll give you all that I've got
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
And I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
I'll take you there
Breakdown
Pretty young things, repeat after me
(Michael) Sing na na na
(P. Y. T.'s) na na na
(Michael) na na na na
(P. Y. T.'s) na na na na
(Michael) Sing na na na
(P. Y. T.'s) na na na
(Michael) na na na na na
(P. Y. T.'s) na na na na na
(Michael) I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
And I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
And I'll take you there
I want to love you (P. Y. T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin' (T. L. C.)
Tender lovin' care
I'll take you there
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Other reviews
By RingoStarfish
‘Thriller’ is a masterpiece of musical construction, a Nietzschean will to power in wanting to become the number one.
The Thriller project encapsulates in itself any strategy feasible to make one’s music a universal language, comprehensible to all.
By tommithebest
"Thriller, Michael Jackson's masterpiece album... is undoubtedly something unimaginable, an incredible album in its completeness and variety."
"Billie Jean... the true dragging pearl of 'Thriller', perhaps the greatest success of all time for Michael Jackson, a real gem."
By lucumine74
The answer to all these questions is just one, Thriller.
Billie Jean... alone it is worth the price of the record, the iconic track of the 80s, I bow to such greatness.
By ronnie92
Thriller is such a rare musical phenomenon with no precedent.
If along with the superstar status, you add 9 beautiful tracks that deserve to be injected into the heritage of anyone who has turned on a radio in the last 25 years, then you can surely think that this is not a rare phenomenon, but a unique one.
By jif09
Thriller is still the best-selling album of all time, with approximately 110 million copies sold.
A truly unique album that will always remain a true benchmark for any contemporary pop work.
