# Thriller > 1982 studio album by Michael Jackson **Wikidata**: [Q44320](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44320) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(album)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thriller ## Summary Thriller is a musical album that encompasses several genres, including pop music, post-disco, rock music, contemporary R&B, and funk. This diverse range of styles contributes to its unique sound. The album's blend of genres has likely contributed to its widespread recognition and accolades.The album has received numerous awards, a testament to its impact and quality[1]. These awards include the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and the distinction of being a SNEP diamond album[1]. Such recognition highlights the significance of Thriller in the music industry.The combination of its genre-spanning sound and the prestigious awards it has received solidifies Thriller's position as a notable musical album[1]. The album's achievements are a reflection of its enduring influence and popularity.It remains a celebrated album, with its awards and genres continuing to be notable aspects of its legacy[1]. ## Summary *Thriller* is a 1982 studio album by Michael Jackson, released on Epic Records. It is widely regarded as one of the best-selling albums of all time and a defining work of pop music, blending genres like post-disco, rock, and contemporary R&B. The album's success, including the hit single "Thriller," solidified Jackson's status as a global superstar and revolutionized the music industry. ## Key Facts - **Release Date**: November 30, 1982 - **Label**: Epic Records - **Genre**: Pop, post-disco, rock, contemporary R&B, funk - **Notable Tracks**: "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Human Nature," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" - **Awards**: Grammy Award for Album of the Year (1984), Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1984) - **Sales**: One of the best-selling albums in history, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide - **Influence**: Revolutionized music videos, global pop culture, and the music industry's approach to marketing and production ## FAQs - **What genres does *Thriller* blend?** *Thriller* combines elements of pop, post-disco, rock, contemporary R&B, and funk, creating a unique and influential sound. - **Who produced *Thriller*?** The album was produced by Quincy Jones, who worked closely with Michael Jackson to shape its iconic sound. - **What makes *Thriller* significant in music history?** *Thriller* is significant for its groundbreaking music videos, record-breaking sales, and its role in defining the era of MTV and global pop dominance. - **Which songs from *Thriller* are the most famous?** The most famous tracks include "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." - **How did *Thriller* impact Michael Jackson's career?** *Thriller* catapulted Jackson to unprecedented fame, making him the first artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. ## Why It Matters *Thriller* is one of the most influential albums in music history, revolutionizing the industry through its innovative production, groundbreaking music videos, and unparalleled commercial success. It set new standards for album sales, global marketing, and cultural impact, shaping the careers of artists and the evolution of pop music. The album's success also paved the way for future music videos and the integration of visual storytelling with music. Beyond its commercial achievements, *Thriller* remains a cultural touchstone, reflecting the era's technological advancements and the intersection of music and media. ## Notable For - **Best-Selling Album**: *Thriller* holds the record for the highest sales of any album, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. - **Music Video Revolution**: The album's music videos, directed by John Landis, were groundbreaking and introduced a new era of visual storytelling in music. - **Grammy Wins**: It won Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. - **Cultural Phenomenon**: *Thriller* defined the 1980s pop landscape and influenced subsequent generations of musicians and producers. - **Global Impact**: The album's success transcended borders, making Michael Jackson a global icon and setting a precedent for international music markets. ## Body ### Release and Production *Thriller* was released on November 30, 1982, by Epic Records. The album was produced by Quincy Jones, who collaborated closely with Michael Jackson to create a sound that blended post-disco, rock, and contemporary R&B. The production process was meticulous, with Jackson and Jones experimenting with new recording techniques and instruments to achieve the album's distinctive style. ### Musical Style and Influence *Thriller* is notable for its fusion of genres, including post-disco, rock, and funk. The album features a mix of upbeat tracks like "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and more introspective pieces like "Human Nature." Its influence on pop music is profound, shaping the sound of subsequent decades and inspiring countless artists. ### Music Videos and Visual Revolution The music videos for *Thriller* were revolutionary, introducing a new level of creativity and storytelling. Directed by John Landis, the videos for tracks like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" became iconic, setting a standard for music videos that continues to influence visual media today. ### Commercial Success and Records *Thriller* achieved unprecedented commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums in history. It spent 37 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. The album's success also made Michael Jackson the first artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. ### Awards and Recognition *Thriller* was recognized with multiple awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. The album's impact on the music industry was further cemented by its influence on subsequent albums and artists. ### Cultural Legacy *Thriller* remains a cultural touchstone, reflecting the 1980s and the intersection of music and media. The album's success paved the way for future music videos and the integration of visual storytelling with music. Its legacy continues to inspire artists and producers, ensuring its place as a defining work of pop music. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/michael-jackson/13202) 2. MusicBrainz 3. AllMusic 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000056882) 6. [Top 200 Albums | Billboard 200 chart](https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1983-02-26) 7. BabelNet 8. [Daft Punk, une odyssée du Nouveau Monde. 2023](https://www.lemonde.fr/series-d-ete/article/2023/08/14/daft-punk-une-odyssee-du-nouveau-monde_6185331_3451060.html)