Now that the King of Pop is close to becoming the King of Paupers according to some ’well-wishers’, it’s a good time to look back at what was, perhaps, his greatest album - Thriller. Now that so much water has flowed underneath the bridge, one can look beyond the hype and hoopla, and arrive at a more realistic judgement.
So what does one discover... now that distance lends a more balanced perspective to what one sees? To be perfectly honest, I still see Thriller as being Jackson’s lifetime best album. Nothing - not even one song in the albums that followed - can come anywhere close to the sheer innovation, creativity and impact of the songs on Thriller. In the final analysis, I feel this is what Jackson will be remembered by. And may I add here, that in my humble opinion, his last few albums will inevitably be consigned to the Dustbins of History... the sooner the better.
I think the reasons underlying the success of Thriller are very clear: for starters, Quincy Jones was at his creative peak. Michael himself was a different person back in those days. He had his own face, and his very own style of dancing. His voice was in great shape. Most importantly, the eccentricities and megalomania hadn’t set in.
And the music spoke for itself. It didn’t need hype. It didn’t need gigantic, monstrous statues floating down the Thames. It didn’t need convoluted marketing gimmicks. It was destined to win.