Would an Album Like Thriller Be as Popular Today?

Michael Jackson's iconic album Thriller has stood the test of time, captivating audiences for decades. But if someone were to release an album like Thriller today, would it still be as popular? The answer is somewhat complicated, as it depends on how we define popularity in today's ever-evolving music industry. Let's explore the factors that make Michael Jackson's music stand out and whether they would still resonate in the current digital age.

Michael Jackson's Enduring Popularity

Michael Jackson, often referred to as the "King of Pop," is a cultural icon whose talents cannot be underestimated. Even after his passing, his music continues to define a generation. His unique singing style, coupled with his ability to captivate audiences, set him apart from other artists. In an era where streaming capabilities have transformed the music industry, it's easy to imagine that Thriller would have thrived in today's landscape.

The streaming numbers for Thriller would undoubtedly be unprecedented. The internet and digital platforms have made it possible for artists to reach a global audience instantly. With the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, Michael Jackson's music would likely have experienced a meteoric rise in both streams and downloads. The reactions to his music in today's environment would be even more enthusiastic, given the accessibility and portability of digital media.

The Absence of Digitization and Portability in the 1980s

However, the scenario of releasing Thriller in 1983 is quite different. Back then, the music industry operated under different constraints. Digitization and portability were yet to become widespread. In those days, the landscape was much more limited in terms of how music could be consumed.

Digitization: In the 1980s, there was no widespread use of computers, internet, or CDs and DVDs. Napster, Spotify, and Myspace, which have revolutionized the way we access and share music, did not exist. The only way to receive music was through broadcast radio, and recordings could be shared on cassettes or vinyl records. The process of copying music required physical effort, and it wasn't as convenient to listen to music across various devices.

Portability: Televisions were not portable, and before the advent of VCRs, viewers had to watch their favorite programs at specific times. Music, on the other hand, was one of the few things that could be easily taken on the go with devices like boomboxes and Walkmans.

The limitations of the 1980s meant that while Thriller was a groundbreaking album in its time, it benefited from the absence of competition from other entertainment forms. With the creation of Netflix, the 500-channel universe, and the proliferation of social media platforms, the music landscape today is much more saturated. Today, an album like Thriller would be competing with numerous other works of art, making it more difficult to achieve the same level of prominence it once had.

Conclusion

While an album like Thriller would certainly be received with great enthusiasm today due to the convenience of digital streaming and the portability of music, it would also face significant competition from other sources of entertainment. The saturation of the market and the evolving tastes of modern listeners suggest that Thriller might not reign as supreme as it once did, but it would still undoubtedly be a major hit. The music of Michael Jackson and his innovative approach to the industry have left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists worldwide.

Keywords: thriller, Michael Jackson, digital music