Michael Jackson Hits #1 On The Billboard Charts

While there are a handful of spinetingling ditties that apparate on Spotify playlists around Halloween time, nothing is more iconic than Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”  It seems that Americans can’t resist the thrill of this classic pop hit and the single was resurrected on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, starting at No. 3 and then quickly sliding up to the No. 1 spot. In total, over the decades, “Thriller” has strangled the top spot for a total of six weeks.

While “Thriller” reigns supreme on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, the Michael Jackson legacy hit didn’t stop there. The ghoulish anthem has climbed to No. 11 on the Digital Song Sales ranking, which encompasses a wide range of musical styles beyond R&B or pop.

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is one of only two songs that have secured the No. 1 position on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart. While it may seem surprising that Jackson, one of the most iconic artists of all time from any genre, only has two songs on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, the chart was introduced after the singer’s prime. So the fact that he has two singles topping the chart is a pretty impressive feat, considering most of his chart toppers were released during a different musical era. 

The other Michael Jackson track to claim the No. 1 spot on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart is “Don’t Matter to Me,” featuring rapper Drake, which was released in 2018, nine years after the “Thriller” singer’s death. In addition to reaching No. 1, “Thriller” has also claimed six top-ten positions on this particular chart, another impressive accomplishment.

“Thriller” was originally released in 1982 as the title track of Michael Jackson’s album, Thriller. The music video for the song, directed by John Landis, became a cultural phenomenon and is still celebrated for its iconic dance sequence and horror-inspired visuals. The song’s distinctive sound, with its eerie Vincent Price narration and infectious melody, has solidified its place as a Halloween anthem that continues to send shivers down listeners’ spines and spread jack-o-lantern-like grins across their faces.

Michael Jackson, often referred to as the King of Pop, left one of the most memorable marks on the music industry that only artists like Elvis or The Beatles have come close to. Jackson’s unmatched talent and unique style earned him a dedicated fan base that spans generations. Despite his passing in 2009, Jackson’s music continues to enchant and captivate audiences, especially during the Halloween season, when “Thriller” takes center stage.

Whether it’s the iconic zombie music video or the infectious beat, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is more than just a Halloween song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that proves that some songs never die.