Michael Jackson achieves new chart milestone with two albums in top 10 of ‘Billboard’ 200.
Michael Jackson’s music continues to make waves even years after his passing. The recent Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” has reignited interest in the King of Pop’s music catalog, pushing two of his albums into the top 10 on the latest Billboard 200 chart. Thriller, released in 1982, secured the #5 spot, while Number Ones, a collection from 2003, claimed the #6 position.
Thriller is no stranger to success, having previously held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for an impressive 37 nonconsecutive weeks. However, this is the first time Number Ones has broken into the top 10, solidifying Jackson’s reputation as a hitmaker across the decades. With each decade from the 1970s onwards, Jackson has managed to secure at least one new top-10 solo album, a feat achieved by only a select few in the music industry, including Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and James Taylor.
Jackson’s journey to the top began in 1972 with his first top-10 album, “Ben,” which peaked at #5 on the charts. Prior to the success of Number Ones, Jackson’s last top-10 solo album was 2014’s compilation “Xscape,” which reached #2. The UK also witnessed a surge in Jackson’s popularity, with the 2005 compilation “The Essential Michael Jackson” claiming the #1 spot on the UK Official Albums chart for the first time in 17 years. Additionally, “Thriller” and “Bad” from 1987 both re-entered the top 10 for the first time in 14 years, landing at #6 and #8, respectively.
This resurgence in Jackson’s music serves as a testament to the timeless quality of his work and the enduring impact he has had on the music industry. Despite his untimely death, Jackson’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reaffirming his status as a legendary artist whose music transcends generations. As fans rediscover his iconic albums and new audiences are introduced to his music through projects like “Michael,” Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop remains as strong as ever.