In reply to Jasmine (The Real Jasmine).

So true. When Bad was out in 1987-88, it was extremely difficult for an artist to score more than 2 weeks at #1, so Michael Jackson's 5 #1s from that album only totaled 7 weeks at #1. The playing field is totally different.

Likewise with some of the other records. When Physical ruled the Hot 100 for 10 weeks in 1981-82, it was a monumental achievement, helped by the September release (which caused the single to peak during the holidays) and slowed playlists during Christmas. Records started racking up long reigns starting with Soundscan. Immediately, you saw Boyz II Men, Whitney, and Mariah Carey surpass longstanding records quick succession.