Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller (CD+DVD)

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Product Description

Where Off the Wall was pretty much straight good times, Thriller introduced dread into Michael Jackson's solo work. By 1995's HIStory, this element curdled into overwhelming self-regard and out-of-touchness, but here it's bracing. While Thriller offers its share of cute ("The Girl Is Mine," a duet with Paul McCartney that was the album's first single; "P.Y.T."), the most memorable cuts remain "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," all of which meld musical imagination and worried-mind lyrics.

There's also the title track, which takes a cue from Parliament's concept pieces in employing Vincent Price to warn that nonfunky forces will "terrorize y'all's neighborhood." Thriller, of course, continues to battle with the Eagles' first greatest-hits package for the title of biggest-selling U.S. long-player ever. Bonus material on this edition includes "Someone in the Dark," from Jackson's E.T. children's album, and a Quincy Jones interview in which the producer cites "My Sharona" as the inspiration for "Beat It"--and, even better, the real-life Billie Jean's claim that Michael was "the father of one of her twins." --Rickey Wright

Product Details

Customer Reviews

Review by Renfield, 2010-07-12

Of course there's no doubt that Thriller is one of the best pop albums of all time. I own three versions- the original vinyl (that my parents bought on the first day back in 1982) and the CD which I bought back in 2005. Of course, having recently gotten my new vinyl player, I found this and Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins at Urban Outfitters today, so I figured I should check it out! I've had good luck with Picture Disc before. In fact, Iron Maiden: Flight 666 blew my mind with how beautiful it sounded, especially for Picture Disc.

The sound here is DREADFUL. Every time Jacko hits a high note, the sound goes all staticky. There seems to be some sort of weird muffle effect on "The Girl is Mine". By the time the intro for "Human Nature" struck, I was so tired of picking out every flaw in the sound that I frustratedly turned it off and pulled out the first edition vinyl, which sounded crisp, clear, and depthy. Plus the remixes just make me cry single tears. Will I Am? Fergie? Ugh. Stay away from this edition and search out a copy of the original vinyl if you want this on vinyl.

Review by Jess, 2010-07-09

Horrible mastering for vinyl. Did they not put limiters on the sound editing when recording? This album sounds great on cd format but when played in a vinyl record Michael's vocals and guest artists like WillIam go static when they hit high notes. Sounds terrible.

Review by a b b y, 2010-06-28

Thriller is one of those albums everyone owns. While I think Off the Wall is Michael Jackson's best this is the best selling album of all time if it deserves to be or not. The best part of Thriller was the videos that went along with it. Beat It, Billie Jean, and Thriller were all classic. You would have to be hiding under a rock to have not seen those videos and hear the songs.

The good side to Thriller is that it is a great pop album. Billie Jean is Michael Jackson's best song and still keeps people wondering who it is about. Beat It is another one of his signature songs, Human Nature is beautiful, and Wanna Be Startin Somethin is a strange but one of the best songs on the album. Any of the songs on the album could of been singles and would of done well. The Girl Is Mine is cute but it isn't something I try to admit I like.

The bad side to Thriller is it really is an over hyped hit album. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) is one of the weaker songs along with The Lady In My Life which doesn't come close to Baby Be Mine (brilliant song). Thriller is boring but we can forgive it because the video is beyond mind blowing. This album really wouldn't have been anything without the videos.

In conclusion, does Thriller deserve to be the best selling album of all time? No. But yes it is a great pop album and deserves the five stars for being so important.

5 / 5 Stars

R.I.P. MJ

Review by Matt, 2010-06-25

All of Michael Jackson's great songs from his Thriller album. Crystal clear sound. Brings back memories from the 80's.

Review by MCGOODIE, 2010-05-11

Because this man put so very much into EACH and EVERY PERFORMANCE; we the public here in America FORGOT HOW EXECELLENT an overall entertainer he really was.

RIP Mike!

Your music, film, etc... really will live on forever.