Rating: 10/10
I don’t even know what I can say about this album that hasn’t already been said. It’s just an iconic piece of work. I don’t even think it needs an introduction but I’ll try my best. Michael Jackson’s Thriller ushered in the new sound of 80s R&B/pop with it’s glossy, slick, stellar production. I honestly think the production is my favorite thing about this album. Even if there were no vocals and the entire album was just instrumentals I would still be down to listen to it (however I’m glad that’s not the case because, even though it surely doesn’t need to be said, Michael is an outstanding vocalist who adds so much personality and flair to everything he sings).
This is one of my favorite albums of all time and I’m so excited to review it, so without further ado, let’s begin the ranking of all the songs on Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller, starting at my least favorite and working up to my favorite!
9. The Lady In My Life (Track 9)
I feel like it’s a pretty popular opinion that this is the worst song on the album (even though “worst” on Thriller would be best on most albums). Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great love song and it’s very subdued and romantic, and Michael sounds very soulful and passionate. It just pales a little in comparison to the other tracks. When I listened to this album the whole way through for the first time (I grew up with this album but I only really knew the big singles) this was the only song that I didn’t really enjoy that much. But alas, I guess that makes this extremely difficult ranking a tiny bit easier.
8. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Track 1)
This such a fun album opener and just a fun song in general. The drum beat and funky bassline is always a blast to listen to and the ridiculousness of the lyrics just adds to the joyful and uplifting feeling this song provides. It’s not one of my absolute favorites to listen to from the album, but I can appreciate it for it’s chaotic, carefree nature.
7. Baby Be Mine (Track 2)
Alright, we’ve now reached my favorites from the album. Every one of these songs is perfect to me in it’s own way. This song is a little more simplistic and less ambitious than other tracks on this album, which is why I have it relatively low on the ranking. But truly, I enjoy this song a lot and I’m really glad it’s on the album.
6. Human Nature (Track 7)
“Looking out across the nighttime, the city winks a sleepless eye. Hear her voice shake my window, sweet seducing sighs. Get me out into the nighttime, four walls won’t hold me tonight. If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite.” This song is so smooth and breezy and glittery, I love ittttt. Michael’s vocal performance is stunning and he carries the melody in a very curious and enchanting way. It’s lovely. I love the melody of this song, and this is probably my favorite track on the album in terms of lyrics. This song and the one above it are almost tied, but I have ‘Human Nature’ one spot lower because it doesn’t really go anywhere, it kind of stays in the same spot for the whole song. But that’s honestly just a nitpick.
5. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (Track 8)
‘P.Y.T.’ is such a fun, groovy little song. It just makes you want to dance, you know? The chorus is absolutely infectious and you can’t help but sing along with it, and the verses also make you feel like you’re giving a concert performance. I don’t know what else to say about this song. Just listen to it and jam. Trust me.
4. Beat It (Track 5)
This song is so fricking good, guys. It’s amazing. I mean, seriously, everything about this song is amazing? The opening bell sounds (I think that’s what they are?), the drum beat, the message, Michael’s vocals, the aggressive but fun alternating dynamics of the chorus, THE GUITAR SOLO. THE GUITAR SOLO GUYS. IT’S SO GOOD. Honestly, if you don’t like this song, I don’t trust you.
(Also, fun fact: I was in ballet when I was a lot younger, and one day our teacher asked us for songs for us to dance to during our break, and I suggested this song.)
3. Billie Jean (Track 6)
Okay, I know a lot of people would have this in the top spot, and I could agree that this is arguably the best song on Thriller from an objective standpoint, what with the fascinating lyrical premise, funky bassline, irresistible hook, iconic music video, and all the “hee-hee” moments. I just wanna say that my top 3 from this album are pretty much tied in my mind, but for the purpose of ranking the songs I have to sort them. But this song is incredible and undoubtedly a pop/funk masterpiece.
2. The Girl Is Mine (Track 3)
I’m well aware that this is one of the most unpopular songs on the album, and that was originally gonna have an effect on where I put it in this ranking (I would’ve had it 2 or 3 spots lower) but I’ve now realized that I’ve just gotta be honest – and if I’m being honest this song really is one of my absolute favorites from Thriller. Maybe it’s because of the beautiful melody and the sparkly, glossy production. Or maybe it’s because two of my musical heroes are duetting. (Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, HELLO??? THE POWER OF THAT DUO?) But whatever it is, it just really works for me, and this is probably my most listened-to song on the album (that may be because I hadn’t heard it prior to listening to Thriller in full, so it’s a lot more fresh to me than some of the other tracks). I know the lyrics are pretty cheesy, but it’s a fun song, and I just really don’t care.
1. Thriller (Track 4)
Oh my. Where do I even begin with this song? It’s just amazing in so many ways. It captures the spirit of Halloween and has an electric and spooky feeling to it without being something that would only be enjoyable around that time of year. The production is so big and loud and grand (the giant synths/horns at the beginning are just amazing and always get me pumped up), Michael’s vocal performance is so fun and enthusiastic, and the lyrics are so vivid and interesting. Plus, the spooky narration part at the end just gives me life. I feel like everyone on Earth knows this song, and rightfully so. It deserves to be known by everyone. It’s just epic and amazing and awesome.
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