Michael Jackson – Beat It (Pop! Vinyl)

A defining feature of the track is its high-energy guitar work. Van Halen's legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen performed the famous guitar solo as an unpaid favor, laying down the part in just a couple of takes. Session guitarist Steve Lukather handled the rhythm guitar, and Jeff Porcaro played the drums. Jackson even built part of the rhythmic foundation by beating out the tempo on a wooden box and recording his voice layered over scatted melodies.

The accompanying music video, directed by Bob Giraldi and self-financed by Jackson for $150,000, became a cultural landmark. The visual narrative drew inspiration from West Side Story, depicting two rival street gangs squaring off before Jackson steps in to unite them through choreography. To ground the video in realism, Giraldi and Jackson cast real members from the Los Angeles Crips and Bloods alongside professional dancers and breakdancers.

Upon its release, "Beat It" achieved massive commercial and critical success. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, staying at the top for three consecutive weeks, and earned Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Alongside "Billie Jean" and the title track, "Beat It" helped Thriller become the best-selling album in history. It also played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers on MTV and radio programming, solidifying Jackson's status as a global pop icon.