What do Michael Jackson, Eagles, and Whitney Houston all have in common?
They've all released albums that have sold millions upon millions of copies, cementing their place in music history and ensuring that their impact will be felt for generations to come.
Hi, this is Ramiro from GearAficionado, and in this article, we'll be taking a closer look at the 10 best-selling albums of all time, exploring the stories behind these iconic records, and celebrating the music that has touched the hearts and souls of so many people around the world.
So sit back, relax, and let's take a trip down memory lane as we explore the greatest albums of all time.
And if you want to listen to tracks on these best-selling albums, you can do it on your chosen streaming platform here.
1. Thriller - Michael Jackson
Heading this list, we have one of the greatest albums of all time, and it's not hard to see why. The album, which was released in 1982, shows hues of post-disco and rock tunes and features a collection of timeless hits, including Beat It, Billie Jean, and the title track Thriller.
This album not only revolutionized the pop music landscape of the 1980s, but it also played a major role in popularizing the concept of music videos, with the iconic Thriller video becoming a cultural phenomenon. Besides, the album's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, and it remains a touchstone for music fans around the world.
Thriller has sold 34 million certified copies only in the United States and over 50 million worldwide. Nevertheless, sales estimates show a result of almost 70 million copies sold, making it the best-selling album of all time.
Although the album was a huge success, it was also controversial due to the allegations of child sexual abuse against Michael Jackson, which have cast a shadow over the album in recent years. Despite these concerns, the record remains a classic album that continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
Its infectious pop hooks, innovative production, and amazing music videos helped establish Michael Jackson as one of the most outstanding performers of all time and cemented his place in music history. For fans of pop music and 1980s culture, Thriller is an absolute must-listen.
2. Back In Black - AC/DC
When it comes to classic rock, Back in Black by AC/DC is a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time. Released in 1980, the album was a tribute to the band's late lead singer, Bon Scott, and featured his replacement, Brian Johnson.
With hits like Hells Bells, You Shook Me All Night Long, and the track that gives name to the recording Back in Black, the album became an instant classic and solidified AC/DC's place in rock history. This amazing album has sold over 30 million certified copies worldwide (50 million claimed sales) and its timeless riffs continue to resonate with fans of all ages, and its influence can be heard in countless rock songs that followed.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of AC/DC or a newcomer to hard rock music, Back in Black is an album that deserves a place in your collection. Its thunderous riffs, driving rhythms, and unapologetic attitude make it a quintessential rock album that still holds up today.
3. The Bodyguard - Whitney Houston
Released in 1992, The Bodyguard is a true classic that has captivated audiences from all over the globe and the album featured Houston's stunning vocals on her hit song I Will Always Love You, among other powerful ballads, and memorable pop hits. The album was created as a soundtrack to the famous movie of the same name, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
The album was a commercial and critical success, lasting 20 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 45 million copies worldwide. The Bodyguard soundtrack stood out Whitney Houston's career, put her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, and also helped popularize the concept of movie soundtracks as standalone artworks.
Still today, this soundtrack remains a beloved album that has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The Bodyguard soundtrack is an album that everyone should listen to at least once.
4. The Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd
Next in this list, we have an iconic Pink Floyd album that has had an immeasurable impact on the world of music. Released in 1973, the album is a concept album that explores themes of life, death, and human emotion.
The album features incredible pieces such as Money and Time, and has become a classic often cited as one of the greatest records of all time.
The Dark Side of the Moon had gigantic success, spending a record-breaking 937 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 45 million copies worldwide. The album's innovative use of sound effects, haunting melodies, spoken word samples, and experimental instrumentation helped redefine the boundaries of rock music and opened up new avenues for artistic expression.
Some critics accused Pink Floyd of being too pretentious, while others criticized the album's themes as being too abstract and esoteric. However, for fans of progressive rock and music that challenges the status quo, this recording remains a seminal work that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
5. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) - Eagles
In this position, we have a greatest hits compilation by the American band Eagles. Released in 1976, the album is a must-have album for any fan of classic rock and features some of the band's most iconic hits, including Take It Easy, Desperado, and of course, Hotel California.
Their unique blend of country and rock music made Eagles one of the most beloved bands of the 1970s, and this album captures their incredible talent and musicianship. With more than 40 million certified copies sold all over the world, this album illustrates the band's ability to craft catchy and memorable songs that remain just as enjoyable today as they did over 40 years ago.
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) is an album that deserves a place in every music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Eagles or a newcomer to the world of classic rock, this album is a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire music lovers around the world.
6. Bat Out of Hell - Meat Loaf
Since its release in 1977 Bat Out Of Hell is a rock masterpiece that has become a cult classic. The album is a theatrical feat that fuses rock, pop, and operatic influences into an unforgettable musical experience.
The album showcases Meat Loaf's powerhouse vocals and Steinman's epic songwriting in songs such as Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad, Paradise By The Dashboard Light and Bat Out Of Hell, the track that gives name to the recording. Although the work was described as too theatrical for rock music, the album shows the captivating, operatic Meat Loaf’s style.
Selling over 40 million copies, this is the sixth best-selling album of all time. Besides, the album's striking themes of youthful rebellion, love, and loss struck a chord with audiences around the world.
7. Hotel California - Eagles
I bet you’ve never imagined that Eagles would have two of their albums in the top ten best selling records! Released in 1976, just like Their Greatest Hits (1971 - 1976), this album contains some of the most famous songs of the band like New Kid In Town and Life In The Fast Lane.
Eagles were at the height of their popularity when they released Hotel California and the track, with its haunting guitar riff and cryptic lyrics, became one of the band's most iconic songs and a staple of classic rock radio. Claiming 42 million sales, this album remains as a timeless classic that every rock lover should listen to.
8. Come On Over - Shania Twain
Come On Over is a groundbreaking album that took the music world by storm when it was released in 1997. The album marked a turning point in country music, fusing traditional country sounds with pop sensibilities and creating a new sound that appealed to fans across genres.
Featuring hit songs like Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, You're Still The One, and From This Moment On, this recording became the best-selling country album of all time and solidified Shania Twain's status as a superstar. Although it was accused of leaving aside her country roots and moving to commercial pop, for Shania’s fans the album was a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain today.
With 30 million certified copies, infectious melodies, catchy hooks, and empowering lyrics, this album is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and lift our spirits.
9. Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Released in 1977, the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours captured the heartbreak, drama, and tension that was brewing within the band at the time, resulting in a masterpiece that transcended musical genres and spoke to people around the world. Including hits like Dreams, Go Your Own Way, The Chain and Don't Stop, this work became one of the best-selling albums of all time and placed Fleetwood Mac's as one of the greatest bands of all time.
Although the band's personal relationships were falling apart during the recording of the album, the result of this creative tension was an album that resonated with fans on a deep and emotional level. With over 25 million certified copies sold and a mix of rock, pop, and folk influences, Rumours is an album that defies categorization and continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
10. Saturday Night Fever - Bee Gees
Last but not least, we have one of the most influential and iconic albums from the disco era. Saturday Night Fever cemented the sound and spirit of the disco movement and went on to become some of the most memorable and enduring hits of all time.
It was released in 1977 featuring wonderful, infectious, danceable songs such as Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman and Night Fever that highlighted Bee Gees as disco legends. Although some critics accused the album of promoting shallow and superficial values, Saturday Night Fever sold over 20 million certified copies all over the world.
What is even more, the album’s influence on the music industry can still be felt today, as artists continue to draw inspiration from the Bee Gees' unique sound and style. Thanks to its timeless appeal and enduring popularity this album is still nowadays a true classic.
