Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' is projected to move approximately 52,000 album-equivalent units this week, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It trails Olivia Rodrigo's 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,' which is expected to generate around 56,000 units.
With only 4,000 units separating the two albums, 'Thriller' has a shot at reclaiming the No. 1 spot. A victory would give the 1982 classic its 38th week atop the Billboard 200 and its first return to the summit since 1984, and its first No. 1 week in the 21st century.
Originally spending 37 weeks at No. 1, 'Thriller' also spawned seven Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hits, including 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It' and its iconic title track.
HITS Daily Double credits the latest boost to Halloween streaming activity and newly released vinyl editions. Traditional sales are projected to contribute 17,500 units, with streaming and track-equivalent activity making up the remainder.
The forecast is preliminary, and Billboard's final rankings have yet to be announced. But the mere possibility of a return to the top more than four decades after its release underlines the enduring power of the best-selling album of all time.
