M. Jackson Reaches Number 1 In UK Album Charts

Jackson`s albums `Thriller`, `King of Pop`, `Off the Wall` and `The Essential` also re-entered the top 20.

Pop star Michael Jackson's greatest hits album "Number Ones" became Britain's top-selling album this week, after his death on Thursday spurred interest in his back catalogue, lifting five albums into the top 20.

Britain's Official Charts Company said on Sunday "Number Ones" shot up to the top spot from 121st last week, knocking electronica-infused rock group Kasabian's "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum" into second place.

Jackson's albums "Thriller", "King of Pop", "Off the Wall" and "The Essential" also re-entered the top 20.

The singer fared slightly less well in the singles charts, where "Man in the Mirror" was his highest entry at number 11, though "Thriller", "Billie Jean", "Smooth Criminal", "Beat It" and "Earth Song" also entered the top 40.

In total, Jackson's music accounted for more than 300,000 album and single sales in the space of just two days.

Synthpop duo La Roux's single "Bulletproof" was the new entry at number one, pushing French house DJ David Guetta's anthem "When Love Takes Over", featuring vocals by Kelly Rowland, down to number two.