Google Play is giving away Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album for free

Still don’t have Michael Jackson’s seminal “Thriller” album? Well, you’re in luck if you’re a Google Play user.

To mark the 33rd anniversary of the best-selling record of all time, the digital retailer is giving it away for free, starting Friday.

For the next week, Google Play is offering free downloads of Jackson’s classic album to U.S. users. Google Play’s version of the album will include a bonus track of a home demo recording of “Billie Jean.”

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According to Google, “Billie Jean” is the most-listened-to song from the album, followed by “Beat It” and the bone-chilling title track that’s long been a Halloween staple.

Originally released Nov. 30, 1982, “Thriller” became a phenomenon.

The follow-up to his wildly successful “Off the Wall,” the album spawned seven Top 10 singles and won eight Grammys, including Album of the Year. Jackson’s innovative music videos, particularly the mini film that backed the title track, defined MTV and proved key in helping break racial barriers in pop music.

A year before his 2009 death, the pop icon reissued “Thriller” to mark the album’s 25th anniversary. Featuring remixes with Kanye West, Fergie and Akon, “Thriller 25” sold 3 million copies in 12 weeks.

“Thriller,” along with “Off the Wall,” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.

For more music news follow me on Twitter: @gerrickkennedy

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