Beat It was released by Michael Jackson in 1982 as a single from his album Thriller, and it quickly became one of the defining pop-rock hits of the decade. Its driving rhythm, sharp guitar work and confident vocal delivery helped it cross radio formats and stay in cultural rotation for decades. Online, drum-focused versions have become popular with editors because the beat alone is instantly recognisable, letting creators borrow the song's energy for sports clips, dance edits and meme montages without needing the full vocal track.