Album dossier / 1982

Thriller

Michael Jackson · Pop/R&B

Recorded at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles starting April 1982, Thriller reunited Michael Jackson with producer Quincy Jones, songwriter Rod Temperton, and engineer Bruce Swedien, the team behind 'Off the Wall.' Swedien recorded with the studio lights out at Jackson's request and used his own 'Acusonic Recording Process' -- syncing multiple 24-track tape machines -- to capture many overdubs in true stereo for extra depth and clarity. Standout moments came together under real pressure: Eddie Van Halen was brought in to cut an uncredited guitar solo on 'Beat It,' Vincent Price nailed his spoken-word rap on the title track in two takes after Rod Temperton wrote the verses in a taxi the night before, and the finished album was remixed one track a day over eight days just before its December 1982 release to fix technical issues. It has remained the best-selling album in history for more than four decades.