Thriller Is Released

In late 1982, Michael Jackson prepares to follow up Off the Wall, determined to create an album that cements his status as the biggest pop star in the world. He reunites with producer Quincy Jones, and together, they assemble an elite team of songwriters and musicians. Recording sessions take place from April to November at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with Michael pushing for a sound that blends pop, rock, R&B, and funk in a way that will appeal to the broadest possible audience.

On November 30, 1982, Thriller is released by Epic Records. The album debuts at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 but quickly climbs to No. 1, where it stays for an unprecedented 37 weeks. Critics praise Michael’s artistic growth, the album’s seamless production, and its innovative mix of genres. The lead single, “The Girl Is Mine,” a duet with Paul McCartney, is released in October and peaks at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting the stage for what’s to come.

In early 1983, “Billie Jean” is released as the second single, featuring an infectious bassline and Michael’s signature vocal intensity. It tops the Hot 100 for seven weeks and helps Thriller explode in popularity. When Michael performs the song on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in May, debuting the moonwalk, his star power reaches new heights. Around the same time, “Beat It,” featuring Eddie Van Halen’s blistering guitar solo, hits No. 1, further showcasing Michael’s ability to merge pop and rock.

By mid-1983, Thriller becomes the best-selling album of the year. With each single release, its dominance grows. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” reaches No. 5, “Human Nature” and “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” both land in the Top 10, and “Thriller” itself, accompanied by a groundbreaking 14-minute short film directed by John Landis, turns into a cultural phenomenon upon its December 1983 release. The video, with its horror-movie aesthetic and iconic dance sequence, is played heavily on MTV, breaking racial barriers and redefining the power of music videos.

As 1984 begins, Thriller continues its historic run. It wins a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, at the February ceremony. That same month, Michael’s Pepsi commercial shoot goes awry when his hair catches fire, causing injuries but further fueling the album’s media presence. By the end of the year, Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, surpassing 20 million copies sold in the U.S. alone and millions more worldwide.

Even as Michael moves on to new projects, Thriller never stops selling. Over the decades, its influence grows, inspiring countless artists and setting an industry benchmark that remains unmatched.