Michael Jackson Thriller Essay

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The Mechanics and Impact of Michael Jackson’s Thriller
The late singer Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, was an icon beyond imaginable expectations and vision. He catapulted into fame as a child music star with his brothers before becoming the most famous Jackson sibling to move on to have a solo career. Michael Jackson is undisputedly one of the most successful entertainers in all of music history. Not only did he single-handedly transform the face of pop music, he also- made a huge impact in the world of dance with signature moves like the Moon Walk. Jackson, a man of many talents, had thirteen number one singles, won seventeen Grammy Awards, and sold over one billion albums across the globe since he released his first solo …show more content…

1 hit singles that sold 30 million copies in the US alone (Mokoena). These original songs have significant meanings to not only Jackson, but are universally relevant due to the meaning behind the lyrics. For example, in the song “Human Nature” Jackson sings, “If they say - Why? Why? Tell ‘em that it 's human nature. Why, why does he do me that way?" (Jackson). The song takes on a deep and serious tone and although it doesn’t have a clear interpretation of the meaning of the lyrics, many can argue that the “he” in the song represents humankind and the “me” represents Earth. This specific part of the song is indicative that the human race has slowly begun to kill the Earth, which is why it is such a powerful song and instantly became a hit single. Another song titled “The Girl Is Mine” is an upbeat and joyful tune that Jackson recorded alongside Paul McCartney. The lyrics, “But we both cannot have her/ So it’s one or the other/ And one day you’ll discover/ That she’s my girl forever and ever” create emotions designed to make the listener cheer on Jackson on his quest to win the girl over McCartney …show more content…

Thriller starts off with “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin,’” which is perhaps the funkiest dance song ever written. “It starts at a frantic pace and never slows down for a second. It 's relentless in its intention to get you… [to] start dancing” (Walker). Then, later on in the album, “Beat It” comes on and with its pop-rock instrumentation and catchy lyrics, it puts the listener into a trance. The album continues with other catchy tunes and ultimately ends with “The Lady in My Life,” “a quiet album closer, considering everything that preceded it” (Durchholz). This final track is one of the greatest love songs to encompass a post-disco, yet pop-rock feel to it. Starting off with a sweet melody, this ballad builds to crescendo with Jackson’s harmonious ad-libs and screams and shouts, leaving the listener wanting for

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