 The song became a success ; it was one of the best @-@ selling singles of 1983 and is one of the best @-@ selling singles worldwide . The song topped both the US and UK charts simultaneously . In other countries , it topped the charts of Switzerland and reached the top ten in Austria , Italy , New Zealand , Norway and Sweden . " Billie Jean " was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) in 1989 . Rolling Stone magazine placed the song in the 58th spot on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time . 
