Michael Jackson's Thriller is the first album to sell 30 million U.S. copies

One of 30 million copies of Michael Jackson &quot;Thriller&quot; sold in the U.S. so far

(Image credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that Michael Jackson's Thriller has become the first album to be certified 30-times platinum in the U.S., meaning it has sold more than 30 million copies domestically since its release in 1982. Most of those sales are from the '80s — it went from platinum just two months after its release to 20-times platinum on Oct. 30, 1984, Variety reports. RIAA chief executive Cary Sherman called the sales record "an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller's enduring spot in our hearts and musical history." With more than 100 million in sales globally, Thriller is recognized by Guinness World Records as the highest-selling album ever.

The album spawned a bunch of big hits, including the title track, "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," plus the Paul McCartney duet "The Girl is Mine." But to celebrate the milestone, watch below to hear the beautiful, vaguely creepy "Human Nature," written by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis. Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.