Thriller's success is attributed to breaking down racial barriers in music, appealing to a broad audience through genre blending, and revolutionary music videos which captured a global audience.
The historic success of Thriller can be attributed to several factors that resonate with the context provided in the passage. First, the album benefited from an era where rock and roll began to break down racial barriers in music. As White youths sought out African American musicians for their authenticity and contribution to the genre, Michael Jackson's Thriller arrived with a sound that appealed to a broad, multicultural audience. Additionally, Jackson's own crossover appeal and exceptional talent in blending pop with funk and rock influences, further propelled the album's success. Finally, the groundbreaking music videos, particularly for the title track "Thriller," revolutionized how music was promoted and consumed, capturing a worldwide audience and enhancing the album's appeal.