Thriller's Impact: Did the Video Make the Album as Legendary as It Is?

There is no denying that the iconic music video Thriller played a significant role in bringing Michael Jackson and the album Thriller to new heights of fame and legacy. However, it's important to explore the extent to which the video contributed to the album's enduring status as a landmark in music history.

The Role of the Video

I certainly don’t think it hurt: the video was so well done and unique that it propelled both the album and Michael Jackson's fame to new levels. Thriller is the only dance from a music video that was performed in unison across the entire planet. For many, when they think of the album, they immediately envision the video. The success of the video certainly enhanced the album's popularity and cemented its place in cultural memory.

The Album's Merits

Despite the video’s impact, the album would have still been legendary. It seemed to come out at the perfect time, and every song on the album is fantastic—quite a unique accomplishment. Albums like the Beatles' early records and U2's early albums also stand out, but they can't match Thriller in terms of video quality. Indeed, Beat It, Billie Jean, and Thriller stand out as three of Michael Jackson's finest contributions to pop music.

The Solo Artist Factor

The album's success also lies in its being a solo project. Jackson's singular vision and genius make the album more outstanding and original than anything produced before or after. The video for Thriller was groundbreaking, presenting a level of choreography and direction that had never been seen before in music videos. This video initiated a new standard for how music videos should be conceived, shot, and choreographed. Its influence is still evident today, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

The Album Without the Video

While the video undoubtedly played a crucial role, it is worth considering whether the album would have been less popular without it. Despite Michael Jackson’s already significant fame, the video made a difference. It was a central part of the album's marketing strategy and it created a monumental cultural event. The entire country was anticipating the premiere of the video, and it was seen as a premier video that everyone wanted to see. Without it, the album's promotional strategy would have lost a key element.

The Legacy of Thriller

The album's success wasn't just due to the music. It was a comprehensive effort that included the album, the videos, and the innovative production techniques. The video didn't just influence the success of the single Thriller; it changed the course of music videos and the music industry as a whole. Videos became a necessity, rather than an optional add-on, for musicians. MTV, too, became a global institution thanks to Thriller and Michael Jackson's influence.

In conclusion, while the video certainly helped to elevate the album and Michael Jackson to unprecedented levels of fame, the album's legacy is multi-faceted. It was a combination of Michael Jackson's musical genius, the groundbreaking video, and the album's overall quality that made Thriller a modern masterpiece. The impact of Thriller on music history cannot be understated, and its effects continue to resonate today.