Thriller

Michael Jackson's Thriller brings pop songwriting together with funk, R&B, and rock influences. Rhythmic tracks such as Billie Jean sit alongside the guitar-driven Beat It, while the title song gives the album a theatrical horror theme. Jackson's vocal performances and the carefully arranged production connect these different styles, making the record suitable for listeners interested in dance-oriented pop as well as the overlap between mainstream pop and other genres. The album is widely recognized as the best-selling album of all time.

Its accompanying music videos, particularly the extended film for Thriller, are also central to its cultural impact. Those visual productions helped establish a close connection between the songs, choreography, and screen storytelling. The record's continuing influence rests on both the music and that presentation, rather than on a single signature sound or one celebrated track.