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rampant that he was voted the 10th most powerful man in America at the time. President Ronald

Reagan fawned all over him during Jackson’s famous White House visit in 1984. Everything and

everyone associated with Jackson, including musical prophet Quincy Jones — and a rotating cadre

of fl unkies and managers, became famous or experienced exponentially amplifi ed celebrityhood.

People honestly believed that some supernatural powers wafted off the Thriller album sleeve. At

the pinnacle of Thriller’s impact, reports began fl ying out of hospitals that songs from Thriller were

actually helping to heal sick children.

What hasn’t changed is that 25 years later, everything that Jackson does or says still translates

into an automatic ratings bonanza. He is still a magnet for media attention, whether it’s the notorious

2005 child molestation trial, or widely disseminated reports that his stunning 2,500 acre ranch

— which includes a mastodon of a mansion, bumper cars and a primate center — is subject to

foreclosure because he defaulted on a $23 million loan. What will make headlines is if the reports of

a possible reunion tour turns out to be true. According to media assertions, the original Jackson 5

(minus youngest brother Randy) is clamoring for Michael to give his approval. Even sister Janet, who

carved out a legendary career on her own, is allegedly anxious to join the future project.

What can be said for sure is that Jackson is working on a comeback album, set for 2008,

which would mark the “real” 25th anniversary of the year that Jackson’s impact was felt

to the fullest degree. Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and Kanye West are the most

prominent producers who have been named thus far. But there are scores of

contemporary artists who would love to collaborate with Jackson even now — like

Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown. A few years ago, Jermaine

Dupri was asked about whom he’d still like to work with. “Michael Jackson,”

he said without hesitation. “I would love to just get inside his head.”

Tyrese once said that he wouldn’t care if Jackson beatboxed to his written

material, simply because, “It’s Michael Jackson.”

Former Gangsta rapper-turned-fi lmmaker Ice Cube recalled that, as

kids, he and his friends would rush home to catch the showing of the

“Thriller” video. And Quincy Jones says that during his travels around the

globe, he can’t tell if it’s 1983 or 2007 because nightclubs everywhere

still play “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”

Even after 25 years, Thriller and its creator still thrill like no

other.

Invincible: Why Thriller’s Success

May Never Be Surpassed

Michael Jackson’s Thriller stands

as a testament to the talent and

ambition of the man himself; but

moreover, it’s a watershed moment

for popular music. Much like

the Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely

Hearts Club Band established the

album as pop music’s greatest

creative vehicle, Thriller proved

that albums could be the driving

force in the way that popular

music was marketed. As certain

factors have resulted in a steady

decline in sales for the industry,

labels are looking for a savior. But,

we may not see another Thriller

for a long, long time. The planets

have to be aligned for something

as extraordinary as 25 million

albums sold, and here

are important facts to

consider …

The 1. dawn of music videos: MTV

was still a new,

undeveloped

phenomenon

in 1982. Most established stars had

dismissed the idea of shooting videos

for each single as shallow and

pointless, but Jackson embraced

the art form wholeheartedly. With

Thriller, Jackson turned each video

into a short vignette and in doing so,

almost single-handedly legitimized

the medium, redeeming the fl edgling

network and launching his career into

the stratosphere.

Motown 25:2. There are only

a handful of singular performances

that become cultural touchstones; and

Michael’s performance on the “Motown 25th

Anniversary” television special is one such

performance. At once exhilarating and

mesmerizing, this has become one of those

‘Where were you when …’ moments that

defi ne a generation. You can book shows

with big stars, but for that performance to

happen at that particular time was pure

serendipity.

Downloading:3. Album sales have

declined steadily since 2000, with 2007 sales

dropping 20 percent below 2006’s numbers.

With more and more listeners looking online for

their music options, it’s hard to imagine an album

that would have the sales numbers of Thriller

simply because there are too many other options

to purchasing an album. –todd williams

REMEMBER THE TIMEHere’s a quick look at the pop culture landscape

of 1982:

Hit Singles”Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor

”Down Under” – Men At Work

”Truly” – Lionel Richie

Top-Grossing Films E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Rocky III

Porky’s

Notable happenings– Bryant Gumbel

begins his 15-year stint

as co-anchor of the

“Today Show.”

– Louis Gossett,

Jr earns the “Best

Supporting Actor”

Oscar® for An Offi cer

and A Gentleman

Coolest catchphrase: ”Whatchu talkin’ bout?” – Arnold Jackson (Gary

Coleman), “Diff’rent Strokes”

Biggest fads:Rubik’s Cube – skinny ties – Calvin Klein Jeans

– big hair

Most regrettable fashion statement:The Jheri curl

23 www.rollingout.com/december 06, 2007