Published October 28, 2026
Looking through my album collection, I was trying to see what Halloween-themed records I might have—then it hit me: Thriller.
Growing up, my mom had this iconic CD that felt more like a Halloween mixtape. Thriller was one of my favorite ones on it. I also grew up watching 13 Going on 30, so the nostalgia really hits in multiple ways.
There will never be another song like this, or, I would say, another album like it; only Michael had Bad and Dangerousfollowing this, and they were equally divine in their own way. So let me say this: there will never be another Michael.
Those close to me know this is truly Michael's year in my life. I grew up loving him, but this year my love grew deeper. I now have many Michael vinyls because I wanted to hear his music the way he imagined it and experience the connection vinyl can provide to the moment it was recorded.
I'm so excited to share this experience with you today, so hold my hand because
This is Thriller.
First Impressions
Looking at the album cover, I immediately notice the white glow surrounding Michael Jackson. At first, you might assume it comes from the light above, shining down and through his name, but as you look more closely at how the light falls, it becomes clear that the light doesn’t simply illuminate Michael — he seems to be producing it himself. It has a divine quality.
It’s wild to look at this photograph and realize just how young he is. He’s no longer a teenager, but he’s still clearly a young man on the cusp of adulthood. Looking closely at his eyes, I wonder if a tear might be beginning to form. I can’t help but wonder whether the photoshoot was difficult for him at first. Was there some insecurity behind that expression, or was it all part of the story he wanted to tell through the album? Knowing Jackson's story, it could be either.
When you open the album, you’re greeted by a photograph of Michael holding a real tiger in his lap, and it’s genuinely adorable. Yet, even in this image, that same look remains. What was happening in that moment? Was he completely comfortable, or was there something else behind the expression? Also, of course, Michael Jackson has a tiger with him... I wonder if he was another resident at Hayvenhurst.
The inner sleeve reveals even more personal touches, including Michael’s own drawings. Among them is a sketch for “Thriller,” as well as a cartoon of himself and Paul McCartney fighting over a woman, illustrating their song “The Girl Is Mine.” Michael Jackson was an artist in more ways than one. Beyond his musical abilities, his drawings reveal how he visualized his music in his own unique way.
There’s something particularly charming about his cartoons, which have a quality reminiscent of the animation and illustration styles of the 1950s through the 1970s. Their playful, exaggerated appearance seems to offer a glimpse into his inner child.
The album also includes an acknowledgments section that begins: “Our very special thanks and love to some very special people who cared, supported and gave way beyond the call of duty.” Among the names are E.T., Janet Jackson, Vincent Price — identified as “THE RAPPER” — and Steven "Carl" Spielberg. I wish I could've been in the room for all these personal jokes between Jackson and the team that put together Thriller.
The acknowledgments end with a particularly touching sentiment: “and if we have overlooked anyone involved in this project, please accept our apologies. We have not overlooked you in our hearts.” What a lovely note.
Now let's listen!
Listening Experience
I couldn’t help thinking about the movie Michael going into this, but as soon as the first song started playing, it was just the real Michael and me.
Admittedly, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” isn’t my favorite song, even though it's exceptionally catchy. However, I gained a new appreciation for it while listening to the vinyl and hearing different aspects of the instrumentation come through. The layers of musical chaos reminded me of being in the city, surrounded by the different sounds and energy of everyday life. It was really cool to experience.
I really enjoyed listening to “The Girl Is Mine,” featuring Paul McCartney. I could’ve sworn McCartney wrote it, especially because of expressions like “doggone,” but it was Michael! I also realized that certain lyrics were much more poetic than I’d ever given them credit for. Lines like “Every night she walks right in my dreams” and “Sending roses and your silly dreams” took on a different quality when I really listened. I loved the banter between Michael and Paul, too. They both sounded so charming and flirtatious, sexy and playful at the same time. Honestly, they made me blush! The recording quality also made it feel like Michael and Paul were right there with me, which was an incredible experience.
“Thriller” was incredible. Goosebumps, tingling, outstanding. One thing that still makes me laugh is the note in the album credits referring to Vincent Price’s “rap” at the end of the song. Something Vincent Price "rapped" brought together a theme I hadn’t quite picked up on before. I'll get into that in a moment.
“Billie Jean” and “Human Nature” shared a quality with “Thriller”: they made me feel as though I was experiencing something truly otherworldly—something divine, iconic, and once in a lifetime. There’s something about these songs that transcends time. You feel like you’re experiencing a moment outside of time.
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” literally made me get up and dance! It’s one of those songs that has always made me feel good, even when I’m feeling blue. The song credits also include a cute little note identifying the P.Y.T.s in this order: Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Becky Lopez, and Bunny Hull. I love little details like that.
Thinking back on the movie, I went into this listening experience assuming Thriller was simply a collection of songs Michael wrote around that time, and that the album got its title because it sounded like the coolest choice. Maybe that was part of the intention, but something different stood out to me this time around that I hadn’t noticed before.
Thriller is a fitting title for this album because, in its own way, every song explores a different kind of thrill that comes with being alive.
There’s the thrill of starting something new—the thrill of falling in love and fighting for the person you want.
The thrill of watching a scary movie.
The thrill of figuring out the right thing to do in the middle of a conflict.
There’s the complicated thrill of conflict within a relationship—not exactly enjoyable, but a thrill nonetheless.
There’s the simple joy and thrill of being human and appreciating those moments that make life worth living.
There’s the thrill, the electricity, of looking out across a city at night and taking in its energy. Of seeing that someone who catches your eye feeling the same about you. That spark.
As Vincent Price “raps” in “Thriller,” “No mortal can resist the evil of the thriller.” Maybe that’s the point. We’re drawn to the thrill of things, whether those experiences are good for us or not. The challenge is learning not to let that desire control us or shape our lives for the worse. We can’t always control the thrills that come our way, but we can choose how we respond to them. Depending on where we position ourselves in the thriller of life, our stories can still have pretty happy endings.
Michael, you are so full of layers and different facets. You were an incredible artist, and I’m so grateful I get to keep listening to your music even though you’re no longer here. Through that music, you’ll live on forever.
I’m still counting on you to save that table for us in heaven, and I hope the name tag you make for me reads: “Rachel, forever a P.Y.T.” ❤️