Michael Jackson Returns To The Top 10 — And One Hit May Be Responsible
Michael Jackson's The Essential rises on two U.K. charts, possibly boosted by renewed interest in ... More 'Billie Jean,' which re-enters the singles streaming list. PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 31: Michael Jackson performs at the Super Bowl XXVII Halftime show at the Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
More than a decade has passed since Michael Jackson died, but his grip on pop culture – and the charts, to a lesser extent – remains firm. Whether through re-releases, compilations, or viral moments that breathe new life into old hits, the icon seems to always find a way to live on the charts. This week, one of his most successful retrospectives grows again, and it seems that it was powered in large part by the neverending appeal of just one song.
Jackson's The Essential is on the rise again in the U.K., gaining on two different rankings. The decades-old compilation appears on both the Official Albums Streaming chart and the all-encompassing Official Albums list — and it's headed north on both of them.
On the streaming-focused roster, The Essential earns a coveted spot inside the top 10, as it advances from No. 12 to No. 9. That movement shows that fans are still pressing play on the superstar's biggest hits in huge numbers via platforms like Spotify.
Over on the main albums list, which blends sales and streaming activity into one ranking, the collection improves as well. It pushes forward two spaces, rising from No. 19 to No. 17.
Only one of Jackson's songs appears on a singles ranking this frame in the U.K. 'Billie Jean,' arguably one of his most recognizable and beloved cuts, re-enters the Official Streaming chart at No. 88.
Sometimes, when a single track from a compilation goes viral or enjoys a spike in attention, it can often lift the entire album it's featured on. That may be what's happening here, as 'Billie Jean' returning to the streaming tally shows that there's renewed interest in the cut – perhaps enough to help The Essential ascend on multiple tallies, especially one focused on the most-played full-lengths.
While The Essential returns to the top 10 on one roster, it stops short of its all-time peak. On the Official Albums Streaming chart, the compilation has previously climbed as high as No. 7, so its current placement at No. 9 is close, but not quite a new best.
That's not the case on the broader Official Albums chart, where Jackson's collection has enjoyed even greater success in the past. At No. 17 this week, it still has a fair way to go before it can hit No. 1, as it's already conquered the tally.
'Billie Jean' also has some room for growth. In total, the smash has spent just four frames on the Official Streaming chart, and its highest position remains No. 85. With the song now back at No. 88, it's within reach of a new peak. If its current upward momentum continues, 'Billie Jean' could reestablish a new best showing, decades after it was first released.
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