After 43 Years ‘Thriller’ Still Outpaces Modern Music

December 2, 2025

Forty-three years after its release on November 30, 1982, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album continues to dominate global music culture with celebrations spanning from London to Tokyo this past weekend. The album, which originally sold over 100 million copies and produced seven Hot 100 singles, has remarkably maintained its commercial vitality, with "Billie Jean" recently reaching new chart peaks and the album itself appearing across multiple Billboard rankings after 700 weeks. Jackson has achieved the unprecedented distinction of scoring top ten hits across six different decades, with "Thriller" jumping to No.

Who is affected

Music listeners and fans across multiple continents (London, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C.)
Shoppers at record stalls in Brixton
Street musicians and Metro performers in Paris
Teen dancers in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park
Older and younger listeners on D.C.'s U Street
Jaafar Jackson (lead actor in upcoming biopic)
Cast members including Colman Domingo, Lorenz Tate, and Nia Long
Global audiences consuming Jackson's posthumous projects

What action is being taken

People worldwide are celebrating the album's anniversary this weekend by playing the music
Shoppers are purchasing vintage vinyl at record stalls
A street musician in Paris is blending Jackson's melodies into performances
Teens in Tokyo are practicing the zombie routine in Yoyogi Park
Streams are surging each October during the familiar seasonal ritual
Fans are revisiting "Thriller" this weekend

Why it matters

"Thriller" represents an unprecedented achievement in music history that fundamentally rebuilt the rules of pop music and continues to demonstrate commercial and cultural relevance four decades later. The album's significance extends beyond nostalgia—it remains actively competitive on modern charts, with Jackson becoming the only artist to score top ten hits across six different decades. The continued global resonance, reflected in over $2 billion in ticket sales from posthumous projects and the album's 700-week presence on the Billboard 200, demonstrates how certain artistic works can transcend their era and maintain universal appeal across generations and cultures worldwide.

What's next

The biopic "Michael" will hit theaters next spring
The film is already generating global attention as the next chapter in Jackson's story

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint