Michael Jackson, 'Thriller: 25th Anniversary Edition'

Why it’s a classic: “Thriller” is an architectural digest of pop music. Its sounds—and the related dancing and visuals—remain a source of stylistic pillaging for an impossibly wide range of artists throughout the world. And it’s super funky.

Why it’s back: A quarter-century seems appropriate to commemorate the bestselling album of all time, and present-day digital technology affords a sharp clarity to these re-mastered originals and new versions. That Jackson currently has some staggering bills to pay and much to gain from a positive image boost might have influenced the release just a little bit, too.

Verdict: If you already own the original and are not particularly an audiophile, this doesn’t add much. “Thriller” itself is still a brilliant presentation that enhances any music collection, but the new tracks are a mixed bag. Kanye West’s remix of “Billie Jean” starts with promise, but never takes off from an early plateau. Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas is a natural selection to work with Jackson, but the results seem rushed. Of these bonus beats, the most successful is “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” with Akon and Will, but the original still kicks its shaking booty. Will’s fellow Pea Fergie isn’t a cozy fit. Her imitative wailing alongside Jackson for “Beat It 2008” is unnecessary. Jackson would’ve been better served simply re-recording that song by himself or, better yet, including Moby’s genius techno/reggae remix of it, which was part of Jackson’s “Visionary” box set.

X-Factor: More than any of the album’s actual music, the zombie dance from the “Thriller” video is firmly part of the new zeitgeist. Fans from San Francisco to Amsterdam (and many places in between) have been caught on YouTube executing the deadly choreography. And groups take over locations from parks to subways with surprise “flash mob” performances to terrorize y’all’s neighborhoods.

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