Thriller (song)

Thriller (song)
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Name	Thriller
Artist	Michael Jackson
Album	Thriller
Released	November 30, 1982
Recorded	1982
Studio	Westlake Recording Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre	Funk, disco, post-disco
Length	5:57 (album version), 3:42 (7" edit)
Label	Epic
Writer	Rod Temperton
Producer	Quincy Jones

Thriller (song). The title track from Michael Jackson's epochal 1982 album, "Thriller" was released as the seventh and final single in late 1983. Composed by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, the song is a hallmark of post-disco and funk that became inextricably linked to its groundbreaking cinematic music video. Its release strategy and accompanying short film cemented the track's status as a cultural landmark, further propelling the already record-shattering success of the parent album.

Background and release

The song was conceived by British songwriter Rod Temperton, a key collaborator on Jackson's previous album *Off the Wall*. Initially titled "Starlight," the track was meticulously crafted during sessions at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles under the direction of producer Quincy Jones. Its release as a single was a strategic decision by Epic Records and Jackson's management to extend the commercial lifespan of the album, which had already spawned several global hits like Billie Jean and Beat It. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1983, supported by the imminent premiere of its expensive, narrative-driven music video on MTV.

Composition and structure

Musically, the track is built on a distinctive funk and post-disco foundation, characterized by a driving bassline and sharp rhythm guitar stabs. The arrangement features atmospheric sound effects, including howling wind, creaking doors, and thunder, engineered by Bruce Swedien. A notable shift occurs with a Vincent Price narration, where the tempo changes and is underscored by a orchestral motif composed by Elmer Bernstein. The song's structure eschews a traditional pop chorus, instead relying on its ominous, repetitive hook and the iconic spoken-word segment performed by the horror film actor.

Music video

Directed by John Landis, the nearly 14-minute music video premiered on MTV on December 2, 1983, and revolutionized the medium. Co-financed by Jackson and MTV, the short film featured elaborate make-up effects by Rick Baker that transformed Jackson and his date, played by Ola Ray, into zombies. The video's narrative, a homage to classic horror films like An American Werewolf in London, concluded with a disclaimer from Jackson distancing himself from the occult. Its premiere was a major media event, and its subsequent home video release, *Making Michael Jackson's Thriller*, became a best-selling VHS tape.

Critical reception and legacy

Upon release, critics praised the song's production and its ambitious music video, with many noting it transcended typical promotional video conventions. Publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times highlighted its cultural impact. The Video Music Awards honored it with multiple awards, and institutions like the Library of Congress selected the video for preservation in the National Film Registry. It is consistently cited as the greatest music video of all time by outlets such as MTV and *Billboard*, and its choreography, particularly the zombie dance sequence, has been imitated globally.

Commercial performance

The single was a global commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten in numerous countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, and France. Its chart performance was significantly bolstered by the unprecedented success of the music video. The parent album became the best-selling album of all time, with sales estimates exceeding 70 million copies worldwide. The single's release also drove massive sales of the *Making Michael Jackson's Thriller* VHS, which itself sold over 10 million copies.

Category:1982 songs Category:Michael Jackson songs Category:Epic Records singles