Thriller is one of the most famous and successful albums of all time. Released in 1982, the album was an instant hit, selling over 20 million copies in the US alone. It spawned seven top 10 singles, including the iconic title track, which remains one of the most recognizable songs in the world. But why is thriller so famous?

The success of thriller can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, the album featured some of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, such as “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”. These songs were catchy and memorable, and they quickly became hits.

Secondly, the album was produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, who had previously worked with Michael Jackson on his 1979 album Off the Wall. Jones’ production skills and Jackson’s vocal talent combined to create a sound that was both innovative and commercially successful.

Thirdly, the music video for the title track was a groundbreaking piece of art. Directed by John Landis, the video featured a zombie dance sequence and a host of celebrity cameos. It was the first music video to be inducted into the National Film Registry, and it helped to popularize the concept of the music video.

Fourthly, the album was heavily promoted by MTV. When the network started playing the “Thriller” video, audience ratings increased tenfold and album sales more than doubled. This helped to make “Thriller” the number 1 LP of all time, with current sales worldwide estimated at 110 million.

Finally, the album was a reflection of the times. It was released during the height of the Cold War, and the lyrics of many of the songs reflected the fear and paranoia of the era. The album also addressed issues such as racism and social injustice, which resonated with many people.

In conclusion, thriller is one of the most successful and influential albums of all time. Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the iconic songs, the production of Quincy Jones, the groundbreaking music video, the promotion by MTV, and the reflection of the times. It is no wonder that “Thriller” is still so popular today, 31 years after its release.