Michael Jackson Scores A Bestseller In America — Even As Sales Fall

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is once again a top seller on vinyl and on the pure sales chart, despite ... More weekly sales falling more than 12%. VARIOUS, VARIOUS – JUNE 25: **IMAGE RESTRICTED – NOT AVAILABLE FOR USE IN A NORTH AMERICAN MAGAZINE COVER UNTIL JULY 11, 2009** Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1995. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) Even if Thriller by Michael Jackson never appeared on a Billboard chart again, it would still likely forever be remembered as one of the most successful albums of all time. Since its release, the title has become a constant bestseller and a must-own on vinyl. It was a true blockbuster when it was first unveiled decades ago —the kind seen only once in a generation – and it remains one to this day. Fans have never stopped listening to Thriller in the years since it arrived. After disappearing from a handful of Billboard tallies only recently, the album is back once again. Just a few days ago, Thriller surged and is now a bestseller once more – even though it’s not technically selling as well as it did just last week. Thriller Appears on Five Billboard Charts This Week Jackson’s classic lives on five Billboard tallies at the moment, and the album returns to two charts this frame — ones dedicated solely to pure purchases for full-lengths — as it once again ranks among the bestselling releases in America. Amazingly, Thriller is a top 20 success on both rankings. Jackson’s masterpiece nearly reenters the top 10 on the Vinyl Albums chart, breaking back in at No. 12, just beneath that tier. It also lands once again at No. 18 on the Top Album Sales tally. A Sales Dip Doesn’t Stop Thriller ’s Return These placements are especially impressive considering the fact that Thriller is actually down in terms of pure sales. Two weeks ago, the project sold just under 3,700 copies, according to Luminate. Last week, it moved a little more than 3,200 — a 12% drop week-over-week. And yet, it still manages to blast back onto the two lists after Record Store Day releases vacated dozens of spots, opening up real estate for time-tested favorites to return. Thriller Has Never Hit No. 1 on the Sales Chart Despite being one of the bestselling releases of all time, Thriller has never managed to reach the highest position on the Top Album Sales chart, Billboard’s list of the bestselling projects in the country. In the 447 frames it’s been present on the list, it has thus far peaked at No. 2 — though it has conquered the Vinyl Albums roster. It’s worth mentioning, though, that when Thriller was new, the Billboard 200 – the main albums tally – was not built using a consumption methodology, but rather around pure purchases. So, for quite some time, Jackson’s behemoth was the bestselling release in the country. Michael Jackson’s Thriller is a Big Winner Everywhere The same hit-packed set also appears on another trio of consumption-based rankings this week. Though it drops on all three, Thriller still manages to find space on the Top R&B Albums (No. 13) and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts (No. 42), as well as the Billboard 200 (No. 126). Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/05/03/michael-jackson-scores-a-bestseller-in-america—even-as-sales-fall/