P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

P.Y.T.'s harmony balances pop accessibility with funk sophistication. The core progression in B minor uses extended voicings (7th chords) that reflect Quincy Jones's jazz background, while the VI–VII–i cadence in the chorus is pure pop-funk efficiency. The use of F#7 as a true dominant (borrowed from harmonic minor) rather than the natural minor's F#m gives the turnarounds extra tension and resolution. At 126 BPM, it's one of Jackson's fastest tracks, and the harmonic simplicity lets the synth-bass groove and layered vocals carry the rhythmic energy.

The song's origin traces back to Quincy Jones's then-wife, Peggy Lipton, who brought home lingerie with the words 'pretty young thing' printed on it. Intrigued by the phrase, Jones asked several songwriters to build a song around the title. Michael Jackson and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes co-wrote and recorded their own demo, but Jones found it too slow — he wanted a fast, high-energy track. When James Ingram presented his uptempo demo, Jones immediately said 'that's it' and sent Ingram home to complete the lyrics. Jones then suggested extending the bridge and adding a chant section, earning himself a co-writing credit. Jackson embraced the final version, saying he loved the 'code' in the lyrics and that words like 'tenderoni' were fun, rock 'n' roll-type words that couldn't be found in the dictionary.

Written by James Ingram and Quincy Jones, 'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)' became the sixth top 10 hit from the best-selling album of all time. Its infectious synth-driven funk groove, layered backing vocals from Janet and La Toya Jackson, and Jackson's effervescent delivery make it one of Thriller's most danceable and enduring tracks.