As the mastermind behind some of the most memorable Urban hits of the last 25 years, it’s pretty safe to say GRAMMY-winning producer Timbaland has a trusted ear when it comes to music.
However, that status wasn’t enough to stop turned heads and raised eyebrows when the 49-year-old took to social media over the weekend to praise The Weeknd‘s latest album, ‘DAWN FM,’ as ‘beyond great.’ So ‘great,’ in fact, he likened the January 7-released project to Michael Jackson‘s 1982 classic, ‘Thriller.’
In a short, but sweet clip (seen above), Timbo ecstatically gave Weeknd’s fifth studio album some hefty praise.
“This album is different. This sh*t right here is on some ‘Thriller’ sh*t,” he said before later continuing, “This sh*t is amazing.'”
At a reported 70 million copies sold worldwide, ‘Thriller’ is not only the best-selling album of all time but also one of the most critically acclaimed recordings ever produced – a historic position that makes comparison not something many take lightly.
As expected, Tim’s reference to Jackson’s magnum opus sparked stark criticism on some corners of social media. See what we mean below.
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Don’t compare “Thriller” to this. One of the best albums ever made. An album of versatility and harmonic blends and striking instrumentation to an album ppl need to be reminded is out? With the Weeknd ad the lead vocals?
Timberland has officially loss his credibility When Thriller was released the entire entertainment industry was changed forever, from America to China and even Russia. Most of the world won’t even listen to the Weekend album and that is on purpose because of his annoying singing voice.
Trying to compare the Weekend horrible vocals and album to the iconic and legendary production and music arrangements paired with Michael Jackson iconic and one of kind vocals on Thriller is literally delusional.
Timbaland*
@Tino
This!
Honestly I’m tired of Timbaland’s opinions. It’s always some dumb a$$ sh** with him.
Thriller is good but NOT flawless. The first single was a trash cash-grab duet 🤷🏿♂️🤷♂️ fight me.
ANYWHO it’s never good for the GP’s sake to compare anything to Thriller. But just the fact that Quincy Jones was involved probably was Abel’s intentions to get this compared. I mean come on. He’s modeled his entire vocal identity as an offbrand MJ. It took me many years to respect this man’s craft though and he’s clearly improved every single time.
With that said this is my favorite album of his and the only one WORTHY of comparison to MJ.
The Girl is mine would be been better a solo record with just MJ or perhaps replaced with that unreleased song Hot Street or Got The Hots. The album is Pop perfection especially from a musical perspective with every cord and note crafted to Michael’s vocals. The musician on that album is flawless and with the visuals giving it more life. But to each and their own.
You are not about to argue with anyone over Thriller. The most awarded and best selling album of all time.
who’s arguing? y’all are not about to sit up here and pretend that TIMBALAND is not just as big as QJ was in his prime. If he says something and it’s actually stamped by Quincy…
Anyway
These comparisons have got to stop. The album is good but in no shape or form is it a modern day Thriller. It has MJ vibes no doubt especially on Out of Time but does not equal up to such an album. There is nothing new brought to the table that Thriller did not already bring not just to the industry but world itself. There’s no Billie Jean, Human Nature, Wanna Be Starting Something, Beat it or Thriller tracks that took the world by MJs glove and moonwalk shoes. Everything is a vibe but not complete essences of those tracks. The album is at best a good album but can’t be compared. I can tell thankfully Abel is inspired by MJ but is not a copycat 💯
LOL Timbaland go to clear your ears !
I actually think it’s one of his worst albums. No way is it better than STARBOY!
YOU HAVE BAD TASTE IN MUSIC AND MEN. STARBOY IS HER WORST AND THIS ONE IS HIS BEST. YOU H**/A*** C***
I just don’t get it.. with the weeknd and billie not actually singing songs but people saying it’s the best albums.. comparing it to thriller like come on.. I hear no versatility in the weeknd , yet people consider him amazing.
Goodmorning
THRILLER IS DATED BADLY. IT DOESN’T DID A THING FOR ME ANYMORE. DAWN FM IS THE REAL DEAL
Wasn’t Tim in drug rehab not too long ago allegedly? No wonder Tim has no career anymore…when did he last produce a hit? He’s big weird.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion ppl of this generation literally take everything so literal 🙄
Tim literally produced “ suit and tie “ which was the worst song of the 2010’s, so he clearly has no taste left. Career has the rona
Timbaland has high sugar but he’ll be aight, eventually. Have him tell it Janet doesn’t have enough hits for his ghetto versuz (with a z). But this non singing, no range, no soul having, 80s dance music making without the dancing, is comparable to the greatest performer ever? BTW, Thriller is undeniably an R&B album. He needs his insulin.
I had the same thought. I believe when the weekend went in to produce the album he thought of the thriller album & off the wall album
Aside from The Weeknd’s earlier work, his whole entire POP/Mainstream career is modeled after MJ.
There is absolutely no innovation. The Weeknd is simply picking up where MJ left off. Now if OR when The Weeknd raise Dance/POP to higher standards…. is when the comparisons can began.
He 1st need to shake the Music Industry up with his NEW album & videos.
I’ll say this NO this album is not the modern THRILLER! BUT there were times where I heard songs that reminded me of the “Thriller Era” meaning I could tell it had a huge INFLUENCE from THRILLER but I do believe it’s not an accurate comparison to compare both bodies of work. But with that being says I by far think this is THEE BEST Weeknd album! I never could get into his other albums! I liked songs here and there but this is the FIRST body of work of his that I really f***** with!!! And I looooooove JIM CARREY So he definitely pulled me in with that!!! I think it’s an amazing body of work but I’d rather leave it on its own than to say it’s THRILLER!!!
Yes! His best album by far. This album is actually upbeat & has good 80’s vibes. Not the dark depressing beats & lyrics.
Timbaland… this isn’t an accurate comparison, sure at times it sounds like thriller, because The Weeknd is recycling MJ melodies and harmonies from that era. You can’t make the Thriller compassion without acknowledging the cultural impact Thriller made and the barriers MJ broke for black singers in the 80’s, Whitney Houston and Prince would have had a much harder time breaking into MTV. Thriller is the ultimate R&B to Pop crossover album and he simultaneously revolutionized the music video format, MVs look the way they do now because of MJ and his genius as a visionary and performer. The Weeknd has nothing to innovate because it’s already been done.