Rock fans from the 80s, how did you react when Michael Jackson came out with "Beat It" ?

[Oliverlogan263]

Before "Beat It" and the Thriller album, Michael Jackson was into the soul funk genre. Firstly, being in Motown with his brothers, and then his successful solo album Off the Wall, which was disco funk and soul.

The thriller album came out with the idea of Michael Jackson, who wanted to create the best album ever after seeing his previous album Off the Wall didn't have the many nominations he wanted. His production teams composed hundreds of songs to select the best.

When "Beat It" came out, did you think it was a good rock song, or did he just try to touch the rock public, especially by inviting Van Halen for the solo guitar riff?

[exitseven]

I just though that it was funny to see little Michael Jackson from the Jackson 5 singing disco stuff.

[DryGermanGuy]

I liked this one better… 😂

https://youtu.be/bqZVihpOACE?si=xEmkMtvTEUIJ-U7n

[DizzyDesii]

I wasn't even close to being born yet 🤣 But im sure i wouldve enjoyed it

[FunkyMonkee]

I wasn't the least bit thrilled.
I liked him, a LOT better when he first started out with The Jackson 5.

[OfDeath]

I much preferred the Weird Al Yankovic knock off. However I don’t play it out of respect for the many victims who suffered child sexual abuse at the hands of Jackson.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Yes, it was great