2. Relationship with Media and Society
Perhaps one of the most important reasons why Thriller has enjoyed such long-standing success is the, often forgotten, impact it had on society OUTSIDE of the realm of pop culture. Whilst the video and song are indeed prime pieces of pop culture genius that, basically, reshuffled the whole deck, Thriller also formed an interesting relationship with the mainstream technology of the time. The video is credited, specifically, for helping ignite the movie / VHS rental business.Before Thriller hit the screens, it was virtually unheard of for music videos to be released on videotape and, given that VHS tapes were quite expensive at the time, the outcome was the beginning of the VHS rental industry. People wanted Thriller in their home, whenever they wanted it, even though it was played on a loop on MTV. Even more important than this is the social-barrier breaking the video is responsible for. Radio play primarily consisted of White pop singers songs before Michael Jackson and, because Thriller became the benchmark for future music videos, the song couldnt NOT be played on the radio. Thus, Jackson's contributed to end of this social ill be sheer brute of force. Again whilst Bad Romance cant really be awarded that sort of achievement (yet!) its relationship with the Internet (and Gagas) is without a doubt responsible for its worldwide, commercial success. Becoming as successful as it did placed it within the 10 Ten Most Watched Youtube Videos, amassing half a BILLION hits. Not bad for an artist whod only been out for a year? So much for the sophomore album slump.