The All-TIME 100 Albums: Thriller by Michael Jackson

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The All-TIME 100 Albums

45 of 101

By Josh Tyrangiel Published: November 13, 2006

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ALBUM: Thriller

YEAR RELEASED: 1982 LABEL: Sony ARTIST: Michael Jackson

TIME 100 ALBUMS PODCASTS

PODCAST: Welcome to the All-TIME 100 Albums - the musical compilations of the last half-century that need no introduction. That said, listen in below as music critics Josh Tyrangiel and Alan Light introduce the list and talk about the top albums of the 1950s and '60s.

PODCAST: We know. Twenty-nine of the 100 greatest albums of all time come in the 1970s, and Pink Floyd isn't there. Play this podcast to learn why we picked the titles we did, and if you have something to say, tell us about it using the talkback link below.

PODCAST: Maybe it's a Sign O' The Times that you're listening to critics' audio recordings about great music, but this podcast about how we chose the best albums of the 1980s really is a Thriller. Give it a listen below.

PODCAST: Here's music even the younger set will know by heart. Listen to selected clips from the 1990s through present day as music critic Josh Tyrangiel discusses his picks.

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How good is Thriller? Put it on right now and you'll be amazed at how easily the most frightening public image of the late 20th century melts away. Michael Jackson was 24 when he released what was to become the best-selling album of all time (until it was eclipsed in the late '90s by The Eagles Greatest Hits, 1971-1975), and there's no whining about celebrity, no messiah complex [EM] just nine immensely catchy tracks, seven of which went Top 10. The Quincy Jones[EN]produced hooks remain awe-inspiring, and while Jackson had few ambitions beyond global domination, it's worth noting that "The Girl Is Mine" made interracial love pop and Eddie Van Halen's "Beat It" guitar solo bridged arena rock and soul four years before Run-D.M.C. met Aerosmith.