Michael Jackson's Thriller is the Best '80s Album of All-Time

They don't call him the King of Pop because he resembles soda. Michael Jackson's 1982 smash hit album, Thriller, still has music enthusiasts raving in 2009. From "Billie Jean" to "Pretty Young Thing", you're definitely going to be starting something playing this album!

Let's start with the obvious: "Thriller". Amazing costumes, music as dark as the night with clear cut pop edges to make it shine, the music video to "Thriller" catapulted Michael Jackson's early 80's release to superstardom proportions.

Next up, enter Paul McCartney in "The Girl is Mine"; a classic yet unexpected duet only these two geniuses could pull off appropriately. Note to self: while listening to "The Girl is Mine", do not think about future grievances that will befall the two artists after the recording.

Rihanna used the chorus for "Wanna Be Startin' Something" in her 2007 smash hit "Please Don't Stop the Music", reigniting the catch phrase "mama-se, mama-sa, mama-coo-sa". Before she got her hands on the beat, Michael Jackson "borrowed" the wording from Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango. Either way you look at it, Michael scored big time with this hit - the longest song on the Thriller album. In fact, if you want to hear this song in all its six minute and three second glory, you'll have to buy this album. Radio stations only play the four minute and seventeen second version.

"Beat it...beat it....no one wants to be defeated". Come on, I know you're singing along right now. It's a classic! Guess what? It's also on this album. This contagious tune makes you feel like getting up, finding an old glove and breaking it down. Throw in a little "Billie Jean" and you've got yourself an award-winning playlist.

There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that those of you who do not own Thriller are missing out on pop culture entirely. Run, don't walk, and get it before the white glove comes after you.