Michael Jackson’s Smash Single Dances To A New Chart Peak

Michael Jackson’s Thriller single “Billie Jean” jumps to a new high of No. 106 on the Billboard Global 200, more than 40 years after its release. VARIOUS, VARIOUS – JUNE 25: Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1986. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

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Michael Jackson’s catalog is one of the most valuable in music history. Thriller is still the bestselling proper studio album of all time in the United States, and countless singles from his career rank among the most beloved hits ever made. More than a decade after his passing, his music continues to attract huge audiences worldwide, keeping him on the charts week after week — sometimes with a compilation, other times with a single track that still connects globally.

This frame, one of Jackson’s most celebrated cuts, “Billie Jean,” reaches a larger audience than ever on a worldwide tally.

“Billie Jean” Dances to a New Peak

“Billie Jean” rises from No. 187 to No. 106 on the Billboard Global 200 this week, which tracks the most consumed songs worldwide. That jump marks a new all-time high for the decades-old tune, more than 40 years after it was released.

“Billie Jean” Also Gains on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S.

The same single also improves from No. 173 to No. 127 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. The related tally operates in much the same way as the Billboard Global 200, only all streams and sales from American consumers are left out of the weekly calculation. “Billie Jean” has climbed higher before, as it’s previously topped out at No. 96, but the latest surge shows just how popular it remains outside of the U.S.

“Billie Jean” Nears Two Years on Billboard Global 200

“Billie Jean” makes it to this newly-established high point as the track celebrates 103 weeks on the Billboard Global 200. If it can hang on one more frame, which seems all but certain, it will reach a full two years on the tally. On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. list, “Billie Jean” has now racked up 90 weeks in total.

Only “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” Have Hit Both Global Charts

Only two of Jackson’s cuts, “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” have managed to appear on both of Billboard’s worldwide rankings. “Thriller” has previously peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 60 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

“Billie Jean” Defined Michael Jackson’s Career

Originally featured on Thriller, “Billie Jean” helped cement Jackson’s status as the King of Pop and a certified hitmaker. The cut was a global commercial powerhouse, it broke racial barriers on MTV, and it’s remembered as one of the most famous tunes by a man who is credited with creating many of the most beloved pop and R&B tracks of the past half-century.