Beat It (1983): The Single That Fused Pop and Rock

Beat It was released on February 14, 1983, as the third single from Thriller by Michael Jackson, produced by Quincy Jones. The track became a defining moment in pop history by merging mainstream pop with hard rock elements.

Featuring an iconic guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, Beat It broke genre barriers at a time when radio formats were heavily segregated. The song’s driving bassline, sharp percussion, and anti-violence message created a powerful crossover hit.

Its music video, heavily aired on MTV, became a landmark of 1980s visual culture, helping establish MTV as a global pop platform.

Beat It remains one of the most influential songs in modern pop music history, symbolizing the commercial and cultural dominance of Michael Jackson during the Thriller era.