Regardless of what you think about Michael Jackson, there’s no denying that 1982’s Thriller left a crater in popular culture it’s impossible to ignore. Jackson’s sixth album spawned seven globally beloved singles and scooped eight Grammys, eight AMAs and near-unanimous acclaim. Its sales smashed all previous records and before long, it was recognised as being the best-selling album of all time.
The legacy of Thriller’s extraordinary commercial success means that in retrospect, the album is essentially a greatest hits. It's a set that includes Billie Jean, Beat It, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, the Paul McCartney-guesting The Girl is Mine, and of course, that Halloween-staple title track.
