It is widely considered that Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” may well be the most cherished album across all genres of recorded music.
Indeed, Michael Jackson’s most successful work isn’t the most revolutionary album in history. It doesn’t have the unifying theme found in classic concept albums. Yet, it’s challenging to locate a more impressive compilation of pop hits.
Throughout this album, Jackson offers a diverse mix, encompassing funk, disco, soft ballads, heavy rock, and smooth “quiet storm” music. The lyrics span topics such as New York City life, uncertain paternity, and gang-related issues. Notably, Vincent Price adds an exceptional guest rap performance. This album promises a wild, engaging journey, and you’ll likely enjoy nearly every moment of it.
Ranking Michael Jackson’s classic songs is harder than it looks
Considering that, arranging the songs from this album can be quite challenging since most music enthusiasts have firm preferences for it. However, I don’t foresee causing much controversy if we set aside “The Girl Is Mine” from our ranking process.
5. “Human Nature”
This song isn’t particularly flamboyant or well-known on the album, but it provides an opportunity for Jackson to highlight his angelic vocal qualities. The song’s theme of yearning to taste the “Big Apple” might seem surprisingly innocent given its subject matter, yet Jackson manages to make it work effectively.
4. “Thriller”
Many Halloween tunes (such as those by Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie) can be a bit too frightening for most trick-or-treaters. “Monster Mash” leans more towards being harmless, while “Thriller” offers the perfect balance of spooky and fun, making it a suitable choice for as long as children are out asking for treats like candy corn or Snickers.
3. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”
This blend of disco and new wave could very well be the most musically distinct point on the album. Somehow, the King of Pop managed to make robotic voices suitable for a song about romance. It’s unfortunate that he didn’t film a video for this track using his famous flair for extravagant music videos, but the song remains popular nonetheless.
2. “Beat It”
The intro of “Beat It” stands out enough to earn its status as a timeless track. Some pop artists seamlessly fit within rock ‘n’ roll (like Lady Gaga), whereas others struggle to find their place in the genre (such as Demi Lovato). Jackson brilliantly transformed an Eddie Van Halen riff into something uniquely his own.
1. “Billie Jean”
In a similar vein to many celebrated pieces of art, “Billie Jean” transforms an idea that might seem unappealing on the surface into something universally relatable. It’s quite rare to find other dark post-disco songs delving into themes such as a man questioning whether he fathered a child with a fan or groupie.
As a devoted admirer, I’d say that this song was initially intended to resonate only with Michael Jackson, seemingly destined for obscurity. Yet, it has remarkably transformed into his magnum opus, captivating audiences for generations to come. For at least the next hundred years, its enchanting melody will continue to echo through our ears.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- RAVEN2 redeem codes and how to use them (October 2025)
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Delta Force Best Settings and Sensitivity Guide
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Boss Rush Season 2-2 Guide and Tips
- Ninja Arashi 2 Shadow’s Return expands the hit ARPG sequel with more content, ahead of Ninja Arashi 3’s launch later this year
- Kingdom Rush Battles Hero Tier List
- BBC spy drama with James Norton dubbed “the story that shocked Britain” is now on Netflix
- Vampire’s Fall 2 redeem codes and how to use them (June 2025)
2025-08-07 13:00