Adele 's '21' was threatening it, it really was. Though critics might look on aghast, in commercial times the British singer can now say that she has sold more copies of her second LP than Michael Jackson sold of 'Thriller' in the Uk - an astounding feat and one that runs completely at odds with the general feeling that the music buying market is shrinking. That said, mind, many are pointing to the phenomenal success of '21' as to the reason why the industry didn't shrink more than it had last year, so folks'll be hoping there's another album in her this year.
The Bbc reports that '21' has now sold 4,274,000 copies in the Uk, 500 more than Jackson's 1982 classic. "To add to her many landmark records, Adele's achievement in overtaking Thriller in the all-time sales list is truly remarkable," said Martin Talbot from the Official Charts Company. "Thriller has long been recognised as one of the most iconic albums of all-time. There is now no doubt that 21 can be spoken of in the same breath."
'21' has been in the Uk charts for 66 weeks since its release 15 months ago and long ago wrapped up the crown of the biggest selling album in the Uk in the 21st century. Jacko's estate can still rest easy though, 'Thriller' remains the most successful album worldwide, having sold an estimated 70 million copies globally.