Popular Music: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’

Popular Music

Music widely appealing to the general public, evolving over time reflecting societal, cultural, and technological changes.

Pop music

Other term for Popular Music

Genres of Pop Music

Categories like Rock, Pop, Hip-hop/Rap, Electronic/Dance, R&B/Soul, and Country, each with distinct characteristics and origins.

Rock

Originating in the 1950s, characterized by electric guitars, drums, and strong rhythms. Subgenres include classic rock, punk rock, and alternative rock.

Pop

Short for "popular," features catchy melodies, simple song structures, and often incorporates elements of dance music.

Hiphop/Rap

Originating in the Bronx in the 1970s, characterized by rhythmic speech over beats, often addressing social issues and personal experiences.

Electronic/Dance

Emerging in the late 20th century, utilizes synthesizers, drum machines, and digital technology to create energetic, danceable tracks.

R&B/Soul

Rooted in African-American culture, emphasize vocal prowess, emotion, and groove.

rhythm and blues

What is the meaning of R&B?

Country

Originating in the Southern United States, features storytelling lyrics, acoustic instruments, and themes of love, heartbreak, and rural life.

"Thriller"

A song by Michael Jackson from the album "Thriller" (1982), blending pop, R&B, and funk genres, produced by Quincy Jones.

Musical Elements

Fusion of genres, layered instrumentation, dynamic arrangement, vocal performance, and production techniques in "Thriller."

Lyrics

Narrative structure, themes of fear and thrills, dialogue with Vincent Price, iconic catchphrase, and double entendre in the lyrics of "Thriller."

Cultural Impact

"Thriller" music video phenomenon, fashion and style influence, dance craze, record-breaking success, and cultural icon status of the song.

1982

“Thriller” album came out in the year ____

Pop, R&B, Funk

Three main genres of Thriller

November 30, 1982

Release date of Thriller

Epic Records

Thriller is from what label?

Quincy Jones

Producer of Thriller

5 minutes and 57 seconds

Length of Thriller

8

How many Grammy Awards including Album of the Year did Thriller win?

Multi-tracking and Layering

Quincy Jones's innovative production techniques

Synthesizers, Guitars, Drums, and Brass

The song “Thriller” features a rich tapestry of instrumentation, including:

narrative

The lyrics of "Thriller" follow a ________ structure, akin to a horror movie, describing a suspenseful encounter with the supernatural. 

imagery

The _______ evokes a sense of danger and mystery, drawing listeners into the world of the song.

Vincent Price

The spoken-word section by ____________, known for his roles in horror films, adds a chilling dimension to the song. His sinister narration heightens the sense of unease and contributes to the song's eerie atmosphere.

Cause this is thriller, thriller night

The chorus of "Thriller" features the iconic catchphrase, "________________________," which has become synonymous with the song's legacy. It is instantly recognizable and often quoted in popular culture.

double entendre

The lyrics of "Thriller" contain a _____________, with references to both the thrill of romance and the terror of horror. This duality adds complexity to the song's narrative, allowing listeners to interpret it in multiple ways.

John Landis

The music video of Thriller is directed by

December 1983

The music video of Thriller premiered in _________ as a short film, elevating the status of music videos as an art form.

Michael Peters

The dance moves, choreographed by ____________, are still performed in tribute to the King of Pop.

Billboard Hot 100

"Thriller" broke numerous records, including becoming the first album to generate seven ____________ top-ten singles.

King of Pop

Its unprecedented success solidified Michael Jackson's status as the ___________ and elevated him to global superstardom.

leather jacket

Michael Jackson's red ____________ and white sequined glove became iconic symbols of the "Thriller" era. 

Michael Jackson

Also known as the “King of Pop”