by Global anticipation for the release of Thriller 25, the newly expanded deluxe 25th anniversary edition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the world’s top-selling album of all-time, is already reaching a fever pitch across the planet with surprise hit singles, an ongoing 40-episode “ThrillerCast” podcast event, the premiere of the “Thrillicious” Sobe Life Water ad campaign at the Super Bowl, the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael Jackson at the NRJ Music Awards at Cannes and a host of upcoming events and surprises. Thriller 25 will be available on U.S soil Tuesday, February 12 and available around the world the week of February 11. The album debuts seven bonus tracks including new collaborations with Akon, Fergie, will.i.am and a Kanye West remix of “Billie Jean 2008.” The first single from Thriller 25, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008” featuring Akon, is a surprise smash hit impacting Pop, Rhythm and Urban radio stations across America with the single becoming the #1 On Demand song online for all Clear Channel Radio station web sites since its release on January 18. Originally released in the US 25 years ago on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records, Thriller, Michael Jackson’s sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, rocketed the former child-star lead singer for the Jackson 5 into the stratosphere of international superstardom. Introducing the “robot” and the “moonwalk” into the international lexicon of clubland dance moves via the pulsing sounds of Thriller, Michael Jackson revolutionized all aspects of mainstream pop culture — from radio airwaves to the newly emerging art form of music videos — becoming the world’s most popular entertainer in the process. The original Thriller spent an astounding 80 consecutive weeks in the American Top 10, 37 of those at #1. Seven of the album’s original nine tracks became Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 while Individual singles from Thriller reached #1 chart positions in the US, the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada. Thriller has been certified 27x platinum by the RIAA, giving it Double Diamond Award status in the US.
