Background

Jackson's previous album Off the Wall (1979) received critical acclaim[14][15] and was a commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.[16] The years between Off the Wall and Thriller were a transitional period for Jackson, a time of increased independence. The period saw him become deeply unhappy; Jackson said, "Even at home, I'm lonely. I sit in my room sometimes and cry. It's so hard to make friends ... I sometimes walk around the neighborhood at night, just hoping to find someone to talk to. But I just end up coming home." When Jackson turned 21 in August 1979, he hired John Branca as his manager. Jackson told Branca that he wanted to be the biggest and wealthiest star in showbusiness. He was upset about what he perceived as the underperformance of Off the Wall, feeling it had deserved the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. He also felt undervalued by the music industry; in 1980, when Rolling Stone declined to run a cover story on him, Jackson responded: "I've been told over and over that black people on the cover of magazines doesn't sell copies ... Just wait. Some day those magazines are going to be begging me for an interview. Maybe I'll give them one, and maybe I won't."

Recording

Music and lyrics

Cover

The cover for Thriller features Jackson in a white suit that belonged to photographer Dick Zimmerman. The gatefold sleeve reveals a tiger cub at Jackson's leg, which, according Zimmerman, Jackson kept away from his face, fearing he would be scratched.[46] Another picture from the shoot, with Jackson embracing the cub, was used for the 2001 special edition of Thriller.[47]

Release and sales

Critical reception

Influence and legacy

Reissues and catalog sales

Track listing

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

See also

Notes

^ Thriller has sold 105 million copies globally.[4] Although sales estimates for Thriller have been as high as 110 million copies,[5] these sales figures are unreliable according to various music specialists.[6][7][8] Representatives for Sony and Jackson's estate say thathas sold 105 million copies globally.Although sales estimates forhave been as high as 110 million copies,these sales figures are unreliable according to various music specialists.