VARIOUS, VARIOUS – JUNE 25: Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1988. Michael Jackson’s … [+]
Michael Jackson’s music remains incredibly popular all around the world. More than a decade after his death, the superstar regularly racks up impressive streaming and sales figures with his bestselling albums and most successful tunes. This week, one of his most famous singles is back, as it’s become a global win all over again.
“Billie Jean” reappears on both of Billboard’s global charts this frame. The tune barely returns to the two lists, as it lands in the lowest reaches of the tallies… but the fact that the 40-plus-year-old song is still streaming and selling well enough to rank among the most-consumed tracks in the world is impressive.
The single breaks back onto the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. at No. 198. That’s the loftiest placement for “Billie Jean” on either of the two worldwide tallies this frame.
The same cut is also present on the Billboard Global 200. On that ranking, it lands one slot lower than on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., as it comes in at No. 199 this period.
The Billboard Global 200 is the chart company’s weekly ranking of the most-consumed tunes in the world. The list uses a methodology that combines streams and sales to show what the world is listening to. The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. operates similarly, although all data from America is excluded.
“Billie Jean” has never cracked the upper half on either ranking. On the Billboard Global 200, the single has peaked at No. 137. It’s performed nearly as well on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., where it’s risen as high as No. 146.
Jackson dropped “Billie Jean” in 1983, and it didn’t take long before it became not just another hit, but a career-defining smash. The tune was selected as the second official promotional cut from his Thriller album. It shot right to No. 1 on the Hot 100, and has gone on to stand out as one of the powerhouse’s most recognizable releases.
