Billie Jean

The rhythmic foundation of Billie Jean is the first thing that grabs you. It's a constant, almost hypnotic pulse, built on a very distinct bass pattern and precise drumming. It's not a complex rhythm in itself, but the way it intertwines, with those synthesizer touches that come in and out, creates a very particular atmosphere. It's a sound that feels very of its time, but at the same time, has a freshness that makes it sound current. The lyrics, on the other hand, tell us a story of denial, of someone being pointed out for a paternity they flatly deny. Michael Jackson said he was inspired by his older brothers' experiences with groupies, and that the figure of "Billie Jean" was an amalgamation of those situations.

This song, released in January 1983 as part of the album Thriller, was written and produced by Michael Jackson himself along with Quincy Jones. The recording took place in 1982 at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles, California. Billie Jean became a resounding success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Black Singles charts in the United States, and topping the charts in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. It was one of the best-selling singles of 1983, contributing to Thriller's consolidation as the best-selling album of all time. Jackson's performance on the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, where he first introduced the famous "moonwalk" dance move, was a key moment that catapulted the song and its music video, directed by Steve Barron, to fame. This video was pioneering as one of the first by a Black artist to receive high rotation on MTV, marking a before and after in music promotion. The song has been recognized with two Grammy awards and an American Music Award, and has appeared on numerous lists of the greatest songs of all time.