Thriller (1982)
9 tracks, 42 minutes
Spotify • iTunes
Well this timing is awkward. Just a few days before writing this one, a new documentary, Leaving Neverland, came out on Channel 4, which details pretty comprehensively the allegations of child sexual assault committed by Michael Jackson. To be honest, we knew for a long time. He was not a good man, and he has that in common with some others that will be on this blog at some point. His reputation deserves to be tarnished with this knowledge forever, but at the same time, his importance and contributions to the world of music is indisputable.
This is a really important time to think about the meaning of legacy, and how much we can continue to revere those of people that have directly caused such suffering. There is a case to say that, if the art isn’t connected with the transgressions of its creator, then it should be excused from being tarred along with the name. This is a flawed argument, especially when it comes to Michael Jackson. For starters, it is because of his music and the popularity, riches and fame that it brought, that gave him the means, the access and the trust of people that was required to abuse children in the way that he did. It doesn’t even work to say that the music itself is innocent of the crime, as the subjects are unrelated – listen to ‘Human Nature’ with this knowledge in mind and try not to be creeped out.
I’m not sure it’s appropriate to talk about this album from a musical perspective at the current time. You know what it sounds like, and you can go and listen to it if you don’t – no-one is stopping you. It’s a great album, but that is less important than the human cost that its success, in part, enabled. It hurts, because I would not have chosen this album to write about if I didn’t think it was worthy, and I didn’t enjoy listening to it. I am sure I will listen to it again, and I’m sure I will gain enjoyment out of that experience. But it isn’t appropriate to write about this album with veneration. Not now, at least.
It’s important that we believe survivors of assault and rape, and it’s important that we don’t let our biases or tastes get in the way of their personal justice.
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