Is Michael Jackson Still a Thriller 25 Years Later?

In One Country Michael Jackson is Still the King of Pop

Richard Davis, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Dec 2, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

It's still a "thrilla" for some when they take the old vinyl out of the album sleeve and play the world's most popular album. Thriller, Michael Jackson's heavy hitter of all time went platinum 27 times over, so you know that probably once every second somebody has "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" playing.

Still a staple of radio stations of various formats, Thriller, which was released 25 years ago, is going to be reborn, according to singersroom.com. The 25th Anniversary of Thriller will be released to stores in February 2008.

During the 1980's, Michael Jackson was a recording juggernaut, an unstoppable pop song maker machine, with scorching platinum album sales. He even became a spokesman for Pepsi, though I do remember him almost literally burning up due to an accident while promoting the soft drink, speaking of scorched.

Doe the so-called "King of Pop" still have the power to draw fans? Some experts think his reign as King of Pop is long gone; while others think he will rightly take his throne again.

In at least one country he is still King.

It's been a long, strange and winding road for Michael Jackson.

Since the 1980's he has ventured far from rock and rhythm and blues mainstream, at least in his actions.

Several years ago Michael Jackson was accused of sexual molestation, and his other bazaar actions have led to him being labeled "Wacko Jacko" and other less complimentary things.

And the white, sequined one glove thing?

He also had a special affinity with Elizabeth Taylor, which was also the subject of the gossip rags.

Michael Jackson was born not far from me, in Gary, Indiana. We are in fact about the same age. As a family we used to visit my uncle, who at that time lived in a modest house in Gary. I can remember my cousins, Gary and Dean, talking about a local act of black kids who live close by, the Jackson 5.

Soon the Jackson 5 were larger than Gary and had a fan base across the world. Still, when "I'll be There" broke as a hit in 1970, I thought it was a female singing.

Little did millions of fans know of the alleged tortured lifestyle the Jackson 5 were living, with a relentless practice and touring schedule that allowed little time for the boys to be, well, boys or kids.

Much later this was exposed in the tabloids and general media.

So what can the world expect from the King of Pop?

Let's take a look at his worldwide song sales. Billboard's Hot 100 Charts show Jackson last having a number one single in the United States in 1995, with "You are Not Alone". He stayed at number one for one week. The R&B chart shows the same song charting number one for four weeks.

It seems that Michael Jackson is still at superstar status in...Spain. He charted with number one songs in 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2006.

The 25th anniversary Thriller will contain the entire original album, according to singersroom.com, eight additional tracks and a DVD featuring films from the Thriller.

Will the song buying public, which as been buying ever fewer CD's plunk down what is sure to be twenty dollars or more for an album that's just a bit more of a thrilla? Is it time for the King of Pop to come back, or to just beat it?

Published by Richard Davis

Born and raised in Chicago. Traveled a bit. Lived a little. Miles to go. View profile