Michael Jackson’s album Thriller is the most inspiring album of all time, according to a survey of British people.
The King of Pop’s classic record was identified as the album to have had the biggest impact on people’s lives.
To date, it’s sold around 66 million copies worldwide and features some of his biggest hits – including Billie Jean, Beat It and Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin.
The second spot went to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, while third place went to Abba and their Gold: Greatest Hits compilation.
Other records in the top 40 list include Definitely Maybe by Oasis, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and David Bowie’s Heroes.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults was commissioned ahead of the 2018 Hyundai Mercury Prize, which takes place on Thursday 20 September.
Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK president and CEO, said: “These results are a great example of exactly why we are a title sponsor of the Hyundai Mercury Prize.
“Music means so much to so many people in the UK, creating memories, inspiring changes and lifting moods.
“It’s so often a key part of the driving experience, too, with a quarter of those polled saying that it’s while driving that they listen to most of their music.
“I’m sure we can all relate to sitting in the car listening to the end of your favourite song, even as you’ve reached your destination.”
Ed Sheeran made the top 40 to thanks to his album X, and he’s joined by the Spice Girls for their debut album, Spice, and Robbie Williams for Escapology.
Queen are also in the top 40 for A Night at the Opera, alongside other rock bands including Led Zeppelin for Led Zeppelin IV and Black Sabbath for Paranoid.
Carried out through OnePoll.com, the research also found that three-quarters of British people have been inspired by a piece of music, while 81 per cent have an album they turn to during difficult times.
Two thirds of respondents said music makes them happier, half said it makes them less stressed or anxious and a third said it comforts them.
Forty-two per cent say they have experienced such a strong connection to a piece of music and have even felt as if the song was written about them personally.
Almost half said their home is the place where they tend to listen to their favorite music, however a quarter usually enjoy music in their car.
Top 40 most inspirational albums:
1. Michael Jackson – Thriller
2. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
3. Abba – Gold: Greatest Hits
4. Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
5. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
6. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon
7. Queen – A Night At The Opera
8. Meatloaf – Bat out of Hell
9. Oasis – Definitely Maybe
10. David Bowie – Heroes
11. Ed Sheeran – X
12. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
13. Nirvana – Nevermind
14. The Beatles – White Album
15. Madonna – Like a Virgin
16. The Beatles – Revolver
17. Paul Simon – Graceland
18. Led Zeppelin – IV
19. U2 – The Joshua Tree
20. Prince – Purple Rain
21. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
22. The Clash – London Calling
23. Spice Girls – Spice
24. Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
25. Black Sabbath – Paranoid
26. Amy Winehouse – Frank
27. Alanis Morissette – Jagged little Pill
28. Metallica – Master Of Puppets
29. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
30. Christina Aguilera – Stripped
31. Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
32. Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
33. Robbie Williams – Escapology
34. The Doors – L.A. Woman
35. Radiohead – OK Computer
36. The Mamas & the Papas – The Mamas & the Papas
37. Johnny Cash – American IV
38. Prince – Sign o’ the Times
39. Pulp – Different Class
40. Joni Mitchell – Blue
SOURCE: Independent
