Before all the quirkiness and the Wacko Jacko headlines, Jackson owned the title “King of Pop.” Red leather jackets, silver gloves, the moonwalk, and the epic video for “Thriller” pretty much sums up this twenty-five year-old’s earliest MJ memories. If there was a height to both his mass appeal and critical acclaim, Thriller is the apex. His sophomore effort is now twenty-five and today’s major players have dusted off the album and given it a brand new shine.

Thriller 25 is a collection of the original tracks produced in ‘82, along with ‘08 remixes of the album’s noted hits. The legendary Quincy Jones produced the follow up to Michael’s Off the Wall, the album that turned the sugary sweet lead of the Jackson 5 into a solo pop icon. Together, they created a brand new sound. The pop scene is ever changing, but Quincy Jones’ work set the bar high and laid the groundwork for superstar creators Timbaland and Pharrell. Thriller 25 kicks off with the original lineup. The classics - “Billie Jean,” Beat It” and “the timeless “Thriller” - are there as usual, but the understated tracks seem to captivate even more the second time around. “Human Nature,” a gentle melody with Michael’s pure brand of soul, shows the male “falsetto” voices of today how it’s really done. “Lady of My Life” follows in the same tenderness: “And baby through the years, even when we’re old and gray/ I will love more each day.” “Baby Be Mine,” brings back the musicality of dance/soul of the 80s. Each track has such tangibility, that it’s easy to picture a young Michael recording in the studio.

Akon’s spin on “Wanna Be Starting Something” kicks off the second half of the remakes. He’s the only producer on the album who duets with the King of Pop. “Pretty Young Thing 2008″ is a standout. The rare slow version of “PYT” is a sweet B-side and Will.I.Am’s electronic synth sounds, simple finger snaps, and old school drums bring it back to life. “Billie Jean 2008″ shines in all of Kanye’s infectious intensity, with the heavy drum pattern that fuels “Stronger.” This remix doesn’t feature a verse from rap’s outspoken one— even he knows not to mess with perfection. The album ends with a closing note from Vincent Price, complete with his familiar haunting laugh.

Thriller was all about transformation. Michael transformed into an icon, dominated pop radio and pioneered the role of dance and cinematography in music videos. That standard of excellence brought the best out of today’s current hit makers, who were aware that the only way to touch Thriller is to perfect it. Thriller 25 blends old with new effortlessly, and the result is a stroll down memory lane with a modern twist.

Bubbles would be proud.

Michael Jackson - Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)