Michael Jackson’s musical legacy continues to resonate with audiences decades after his passing. His track “Chicago,” which first debuted in 2014 as part of the posthumous album *Xscape*, has made a notable comeback, landing at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marks his 52nd entry on the chart as a solo artist and his very first foray into the 2020s, solidifying his unique position in music history.
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The success of “Chicago” has been attributed to a surge of interest on streaming platforms, particularly following the release of the biographical film surrounding the late pop icon’s life. TikTok has also played a significant role in reigniting the song’s popularity, allowing it to reach a new generation of fans who may not have been familiar with Jackson’s extensive discography. This resurgence has resulted in the track accumulating an impressive 10.7 million official on-demand streams during the week of May 22-28, a 30% increase compared to the previous week.
With “Chicago” entering the charts, Jackson has now achieved the remarkable distinction of being the first artist to have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 across every decade since the 1970s. His chart journey began with the hit “Got to Be There” in 1972. Over the decades, he has amassed a total of 11 entries in the 1970s, 20 in the 1980s, 12 in the 1990s, four in the 2000s, and another four in the 2010s. “Chicago” now marks his entry into the 2020s.
Notably, “Chicago” isn’t the track’s first time on the charts; it originally did not achieve significant success upon its initial release. During that period, it was overshadowed by other singles from the same album, including “Love Never Felt So Good,” which peaked at No. 9, and “Slave to the Rhythm,” which reached No. 45. Nevertheless, the song has gained renewed life thanks to the current trend of revisiting classic tracks, propelled by the ongoing interest in Jackson’s work.
The revival has been impressive, especially as “Chicago” saw its streaming numbers soar. Records show a jump from 3.8 million streams during the week of May 9 to 8.3 million by the end of May, indicating a sharp and growing interest in the song. Under Billboard’s chart regulations, older songs can enter the Hot 100 if they demonstrate significant growth in consumption while ranking within the top 50, providing the necessary criteria for Jackson’s latest entry.
“Chicago” is now the second-highest-charting track from Jackson currently on the Hot 100, following his iconic hit “Billie Jean,” which sits at No. 19. The song holds precedence over other well-known tracks on the chart, such as “Human Nature” at No. 31 and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” at No. 43.
In a further testament to Jackson’s enduring appeal, another milestone was reached on the Hot 100 dated May 23 when six of his songs charted simultaneously. These included “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Dirty Diana,” and “Rock with You.” Each of these acclaimed tracks enjoyed their own successful runs in the top 10, with five of them having reached the No. 1 position at the time of their original releases.
The resurgence of “Chicago” exemplifies not only the timelessness of Jackson’s music but also the potential for older catalogues to be reexamined and celebrated in the age of social media and streaming. As the biopic continues to draw attention and listeners flock to Jackson’s songs, his influence remains firmly embedded in the fabric of popular music today.
With “Chicago” now recognized as a commercial success, fans and newcomers alike are reminded that Michael Jackson’s contributions to the musical landscape are far from forgotten, and his artistry continues to inspire and connect across generations.