On this day 41 years ago, Michael ‘The King of Pop’ Jackson released his iconic album Thriller. Produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, the album quickly rose to the top of the charts, not only reaching #1 on both the Hot 100 and Hip-Hop/R&B albums and singles charts, but also rose to #1 in other overseas countries that the album had qualified for.
Back then, you couldn’t go to any public place anywhere without hearing one or several songs from that album at the time, in real time. Its influence on the entertainment industry on a global scale was undeniable, and it continues to be a dominant force in said industry to this day.
Here are the 7 reasons why that album had a profound impact on not just the music industry, but on the entertainment industry and society as a whole. This impact can be seen in several ways:
1. Music video revolution: The 1983 Thriller music video was a 14-minute mini-film that was groundbreaking in its storytelling, special effects, and choreography. Directed by An American Werewolf in London’s John Landis, it pushed the boundaries of what a music video could be and led to a rise in demand for high-quality, cinematic music videos. This transformed the music video into an essential promotional tool for artists, and the success of the “Thriller” video helped solidify the influence of MTV in the music industry.
2. Album sales: “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide. Its success demonstrated the power of a multi-hit album and encouraged record labels to invest more in album projects rather than just focusing on singles. This shift in focus led to an increase in the production of high-quality albums and the rise of album-oriented artists.
3. Crossover appeal: “Thriller” had a broad appeal that transcended racial and genre boundaries. Michael Jackson, as an African American artist, was able to break down barriers in the predominantly white world of mainstream pop music. The success of “Thriller” helped pave the way for other African American artists to achieve mainstream success and contributed to the growth of popular music genres such as hip-hop and R&B.
4. Dance and choreography: The iconic dance moves featured in the “Thriller” music video, such as the famous “Thriller dance,” influenced generations of performers and fans alike. Michael Jackson’s exceptional dancing and innovative choreography elevated the importance of dance in popular music and inspired countless artists to incorporate complex choreography into their performances.
5. Fashion and style: Michael Jackson’s unique sense of style, including his signature red leather jacket and single white glove, became iconic symbols of the ’80s pop culture. His fashion choices influenced both fans and fellow artists, contributing to the overall look and feel of the decade.
6. Live performances: Michael Jackson’s live shows, particularly during his “Victory” and “Bad” tours, set new standards for production value and audience engagement. His concerts featured elaborate stage designs, state-of-the-art technology, and dazzling special effects. This raised the bar for live music events and influenced the way artists and promoters approached concert production.
7. Philanthropy and social activism: The success of “Thriller” made Michael Jackson a global superstar, allowing him to use his platform to raise awareness and funds for various humanitarian causes. This inspired other artists to become more socially conscious and use their fame to make a positive impact on the world.
In summary, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” left an indelible mark on the music industry, the entertainment world, and society as a whole. Its influence can be seen in various aspects, from music video production and album sales to fashion, live performances, and social activism. The album’s success helped break down barriers and create new opportunities for artists, while its cultural impact continues to resonate to this day.
Thriller’s impact on the industry is immeasurable, and its songs have stood the test of time. It has inspired countless solo artists and bands over the years, and its influence can still be heard in music today. It’s no surprise that the album has become a classic, and chances are you own it, whether digitally or physically.
In short, Thriller is a game-changing, history-making album that continues to be a powerful force in music today. Its impact on the industry and its timeless songs are a testament to Michael Jackson’s talent and influence.
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