Top 30 Best Selling Albums of All Time
Which are the world’s best-selling albums of all time? What is your favorite genre of music? Is it hip-hop, pop, rock and roll, jazz, soul, dance, electronic, instrumental, opera, choirs, or country music?
Or are you like me, who loves every category of music?
Do you listen to legendary rock and roll bands such as The Beatles, Eagles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin?
Then, you do have great taste in music, I must say.
And, in this list, you’ll find out just how many of the 30 best-selling albums have sold in total and how they compare to other artists’ albums.
Also, the greatest grossing albums of all time in U.S. history are presented below based on the authentic data of certified units sold according to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
Quick Overview
| Album | Artist | Copies Sold |
| 30. Backstreet Boys | Backstreet Boys | 14 million |
| 29. “21” | Adele | 14 million |
| 28. The Beatles “1962-66” | The Beatles | 15 million |
| 27. Supernatural | Santana | 15 million |
| 26. Dark Side of the Moon | Pink Floyd | 15 million |
| 25. Greatest Hits | Journey | 15 million |
| 24. Born in the U.S.A. | Bruce Springsteen | 15 million |
| 23. Legend | Bob Marley & The Wailers | 15 million |
| 22. Metallica | Metallica | 16 million |
| 21. Physical Graffiti | Led Zeppelin | 16 million |
| 20. Saturday Night Fever (Soundtrack) | Bee Gees | 16 million |
| 19. Jagged Little Pill | Alanis Morisette | 16 million |
| 18. The Beatles” 1967-1970″ | The Beatles | 17 million |
| 17. Greatest Hits | Elton John | 17 million |
| 16. Boston | Boston | 17 million |
| 15. The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) | Whitney Houston | 18 million |
| 14. Appetite for Destruction | Guns N’ Roses | 18 million |
| 13. No Fences | Garth Brooks | 18 million |
| 12. Come On Over | Shania Twain | 20 million |
| 11. Rumors | Fleetwood Mac | 20 million |
| 10. Cracked Rear View | Hootie & The Blowfish | 21 million |
| 9. Double Live | Garth Brooks | 21 million |
| 8. The Wall | Pink Floyd | 23 million |
| 7. Led Zeppelin IV | Led Zeppelin | 23 million |
| 6. Greatest Hits Volume 1 & Volume 2 | Billy Joel | 23 million |
| 5. The Beatles (White Album) | The Beatles | 24 million |
| 4. Back in Black | AC/DC | 25 million |
| 3. Hotel California | Eagles | 26 million |
| 2. Thriller | Michael Jackson | 34 million |
| 1. Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) | Eagles | 38 million |
Best Selling Albums
The information and details has been compiled through various reliable sites on the web such as Business Insider.
30. Backstreet Boys- “Backstreet Boys”
Certified units: 14 million
The album is the debut album of a renowned American boy band Backstreet Boys.
At first, Jive Records released the album on May 6, 1996, in Germany. Since its debut, the album has gained massive popularity.
Later, in 1997, the band redeveloped the album Backstreet Boys with the compilation of its 1996 same-titled album’s songs and named it Backstreet’s Back.
Backstreet’s Back (1997) album was a massive hit and sold over 14 million certified units.
Moreover, the greatest singles of the album include I’ll Never Break Your Heart, Quit Playin’ Games (with My Heart), and Anywhere for You.
29. Adele- “21”
Certified units: 14 million
At first, XL Recordings officially released Adele’s second studio album, “21,” on January 24, 2011, in Europe.
Later, Columbia Records released the album on February 22, 2011, in North America.
Moreover, the album is based on Adele’s journey after her breakup with her then-partner, relating to her heartbreak, soul-searching, and forgiveness with the influence of country and blues music.
Likewise, the hit singles of the album are Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, and Set Fire to the Rain.
Further, the album won her a Grammy and BRIT Awards for the Best Album of the Year and Best British Album of the Year respectively.
Thus, with the total certified units of 14 million, Adele’s “21” is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
28. The Beatles- “The Beatles 1962-1966”
Certified units: 15 million
“The Beatles 1962-66”, also known as the “Red Album,” has managed to add its name to the top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, “1962-66” comprises the compilation of the greatest songs of the British legendary rock band Beatles.
Likewise, Apple Records released the album on April 2, 1973.
Moreover, an iconic English musician George Martin produced the sensational album, 1962-66.
Further, the hit sings of the album are Love Me Do, Norwegian Wood, Michelle, and Yellow Submarine.
Thus, with the total certified units of 14 million, Beatle’s “1962-66” is one of the celebrated albums globally.
27. Santana- “Supernatural”
Certified units: 15 million
The illustrious Latin American rock band Santana’s Supernatural is one of the 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Arista Records produced the eighteenth studio album of Santana, Supernatural, on June 15, 1999.
Moreover, Santana broke the record of Best Rock Album, surpassing Michael Jackson, achieving 8 Grammy Awards and Album of the Year in just one night.
Further, the album comprises of hits songs which include Smooth, Maria Maria, and Put Your Lights On.
Thus, with total certified units of 15 million, Supernatural is one of the world’s greatest albums of all time.
26. Pink Floyd- “Dark Side of the Moon”
Certified units: 15 million
Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album of the epic late 60s British psychedelic and philosophical band Pink Floyd.
Harvest Records released Floyd’s blockbuster album on March 1, 1973.
Moreover, the album expresses concepts based on greed, dispute, mental illness, time, and death.
Further, the greatest tracks in the album include Time, Brain Damage, and Us and Them.
In addition, the United Kingdom certified the album with 14× platinum, and the album peaked at US Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts for 958 weeks.
Also, Dark Side of the Moon is the greatest albums ever in the history of music.
Thus, with the total certification units of 15 million, Dark Side of the Moon is one of the commercially successful albums of all time.
Interesting Facts: The Library of Congress preserved Dark Side of the Moon as a culturally, historically, and aesthetically valuable art in The National Recording Registry of U.S. in 2013.
25. Journey- “Greatest Hits”
Certified units: 15 million
Greatest Hits is the compilation album of America’s renowned 70s rock band, Journey.
Columbia Records officially released the album on November 15, 1988.
Greatest Hits is one of the mega-hit albums listed on the Billboard’s Catalog Albums chart for around 1,325 weeks.
Furthermore, the RIAA certified the album with 15× platinum in 2008.
In addition, the greatest tracks of the album include Only the Young, Faithfully, and Be Good to Yourself.
Thus, with the total certification units of 15 million, Greatest Hits is one of the commercially successful albums of all time.
24. Bruce Springsteen- “Born in The U.S.A”
Certified units: 15 million
Born in the U.S.A is the seventh studio compilation album of the fabulous American rock artist Bruce Springsteen.
Likewise, Springsteen wrote the music and recorded it with his phenomenal band, E-Street.
Moreover, Columbia Records officially released the album on June 4, 1984.
Further, the album comprises its international top seven singles which include Dancing in the Dark, Cover Me, Born in the U.S.A, I’m on Fire, Glory Days, I’m Goin’ Down, and My Hometown.
Thus, with the total certification units of 15 million, Born in the U.S.A is a colossally successful album of all time.
23. Bob Marley & The Wailers- “Legend”
Certified units: 15 million
Island Records officially released the album in May 1984.
Similarly, the LP record of the album comprises the greatest hit singles collection of Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Moreover, Legend is the second longest-running album of all time, with a total span of 695 non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 charts.
Whereas it is the third longest-running album of all time with a total span of 994 weeks on the top 100 UK Albums Charts.
Thus, with the total certification units of 15 million, Legend is one of the commercially successful albums ever in music history.
22. Metallica- “Metallica”
Certified units: 16 million
Elektra Records officially released the album “Metallica” on August 12, 1991.
Also, the album differs from Metallica’s four prior albums due to its alteration from thrash metal to slower, heavier, and refined harmony.
Likewise, the album topped Billboard’s 200 charts for four consecutive weeks and peaked at No.1 in 10 countries.
Also, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album with 16× platinum in 2012 and thus was one of the highest-grossing albums in the Nielsen SoundScan era.
Moreover, renowned as The Black Album, it comprises mega-hit singles of the band, which include Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, and Sad but True.
Thus, with total certification units of 16 million, Metallica is one of the commercially successful albums ever in music history.
21. Led Zeppelin- “Physical Graffiti”
Certified units: 16 million
Physical Graffiti is one of the top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Physical Graffiti is the sixth studio album of the iconic British rock band of the late 60s, Led Zeppelin.
Likewise, Swan Song Records officially released the album on February 24, 1975.
Also, the double album Physical Graffiti comprises folk, hard rock, and progressive rock genre of music.
Moreover, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified the album 16× platinum as the highest-grossing albums since its debut.
Further, the greatest hits in the album include Kashmir, The Rover, and In My Time of Dying.
Thus, with total certification units of 16 million, Physical Graffiti is one of the commercially successful albums of all time.
20. Bee Gees- “Saturday Night Fever” (Soundtrack)
Certified units: 16 million
The album is the soundtrack from a popular 1977 American dance film, Saturday Night Fever.
RSO (Robert Stigwood Organization) Records released the soundtrack on November 15, 1977.
The second highest-selling soundtracks of all time, Saturday Night Fever, got 16×Pplatinum certifications from the U.S.
Moreover, the album ranked No. 1 in the UK charts and different country charts for consecutive 18 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively.
Further, the greatest singles from the album include How Deep is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive, and Night Fever.
Thus, with total certifications of 16 million, Saturday Night Fever (Soundtrack) is one of the most commercially successful albums ever in music history.
19. Alanis Morisette- “Jagged Little Pill”
Certified units: 16 million
Canadian pop-rock singer Alanis Morisette recorded her first international album, Jagged Little Pill, from March 1994- April 1995.
Likewise, Maverick Records officially released the album on June 13, 1995.
Treasuring post-grunge and alternative rock sensation, the album conceptualized aggressiveness and failed relationships.
Later, the U.S. certified Jagged Little Pill with double diamond and also won Morisette 9 Grammy, making her the first 21-year-old younger Canadian artist to achieve such grand success ever in music history.
Further, some of the hit singles from the album are You Learn, You Oughta Know, and Ironic.
Thus, with total certification units of 16 million, Jagged Little Pill is the commercially successful album of all time.
18. The Beatles- “The Beatles 1960-1970”
Certified units: 17 million
Blue album is the compilation album from the greatest songs of the iconic British rock band, The Beatles spanning from 1960 to 1970.
Likewise, Apple Records officially released the psychedelic Blue album on April 2, 1973, accompanying the Beatle’s Red Album on a double vinyl format.
The album ranked at No. 1 in the U.S. albums chart and No.2 in the UK albums chart.
Later, the band relaunched the Blue Album on a disc format, which ranked at No.4 in the UK albums chart.
Moreover, the hit singles from the Blue Album include Hey Jude, Let It Be, and Across the Universe.
Thus, with total certification units of 17 million, The Beatle’s “1960-1970” is the commercially successful album of all time.
17. Elton John- “Greatest Hits”
Certified units: 17 million
An illustrious British rock artist Elton John’s eleventh studio album Greatest Hits managed to add its name to the top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Gus Dudgeon produced John’s first compilation album Greatest Hits comprising of ten singles from 1970-1974, including a new single for launching in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Likewise, DJM, MCA, and Polydor Records officially released the pop-rock genre of the album in November 1974.
Moreover, the album ranked at No.1 in the U.S. and UK albums chart for ten successive weeks and eleven weeks, respectively.
In addition, the U.S. also certified Greatest Hits with a diamond making it the first album of Elton to achieve such grand success.
Further, some of the greatest singles in the album are Your Song and Daniel.
Thus, with total certification units of 17 million, Elton John’s Greatest Hits is one of the most commercially successful albums of all time.
16. Boston- “Boston”
Certified units: 17 million
Boston is the first studio album of America’s illustrious rock band, Boston.
Epic Records officially released the album Boston on August 25, 1976, in the U.S.
In addition, RIAA awarded Boston with Album of the Year as the best-selling album of the 70s.
Moreover, some of the hit singles from the album include More than a Feeling and Long Time.
Thus, with total certification units of 17 million, Boston is one of the most successful albums of all time.
15. Whitney Houston- “The Bodyguard” (Soundtrack)
Certified units: 18 million
The album is the soundtrack from the self-titled film released in 1992.
Likewise, Arista Records officially released the soundtrack on November 17, 1992.
Moreover, the first side and second side of the album (in its authentic LP and CD formats) features songs recorded by America’s best-selling artist, Whitney Houston, including other pop artists.
In addition, the U.S. certified The Bodyguard with 18× platinum in 2017 and awarded a Grammy as the Best Album of the Year.
Further, some of the greatest singles from the album are I Will Always Love You and Someday (I’m Coming Back).
Thus, with total certification units of 17 million, The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) is one of the most successful albums of all time.
14. Guns N’ Roses- “Appetite for Destruction”
Certified units: 18 million
The album is the greatest debut studio album of the eminent American heavy rock band of the 80s, Guns N’ Roses.
In addition, Mike Clink produced Appetite for Destruction, and Geffen Records officially released the album on July 21, 1987.
Later, the record topped the Billboard 200 as the greatest albums of all time.
Moreover, the hit singles from the album include Sweet Child O’ Mine, Paradise City, and Welcome to the Jungle.
Thus, with total certification units of 18 million, Appetite for Destruction is one of the commercially successful albums ever in music history.
13. Garth Brooks- “No Fences”
Certified units: 18 million
No Fences is the second studio album of America’s phenomenal country artists of the 60s, Garth Brooks.
Allen Reynolds produced No Fences, and Capitol Nashville officially released the album on August 27, 1990.
Later, the album topped the U.S. Top Country Albums Chart and ranked at No.3 on the Billboard 200.
Moreover, Brooks relaunched his first internationally successful album, No Fences in Europe, with the inclusion of four tracks from his first studio album.
Further, some of the hit singles from the album are Unanswered Prayers and Wild Horses.
Thus, with total certification units of 18 million, No Fences is a commercially successful album of all time.
12. Shaina Twain- “Come On Over”
Certified units: 20 million
Come on Over is the third studio album of the prominent Canadian country artist of the 60s, Shaina Twain.
Likewise, Mercury Records officially released the first highest-grossing album by a female Canadian on November 4, 1997.
Moreover, Come on Over topped the Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart for 50 consecutive weeks achieving numerous Grammy nominations.
Furthermore, some of the hit singles from the album include Come on Over, You’ve Got a Way, and Love Gets Me Every Time.
The iconic album sold over 20 million certified units globally.
11. Fleetwood Mac- “Rumors”
Certified units: 20 million
The illustrious British-American rock band of the 60s, Fleetwood Mac’s eleventh studio album Rumors is one of the top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Warner Bros. Records officially released the album on February 4, 1977.
Likewise, Fleetwood Mac and the notable American record producers Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut created the first internationally grand successful album, Rumors.
Moreover, the UK, Canada, and Australia certified the album with a Diamond.
Whereas the U.S certified Rumors with 20× platinum, including preserving the album in National Recording Registry as a “culturally, historically, and aesthetically valuable” creation.
Furthermore, some of the hit singles from the album are Go on Your Way and Dreams.
Thus, with total certification units of 20 million, Rumors is a commercially successful album of all time.
Rumors album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.
10. Hootie & The Blowfish- “Cracked Rear View”
Certified units: 21 million
A prominent American rock band of the 80s, Hootie & The Blowfish’s first studio album, Cracked Rear View, is one of the top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
Atlantic Records officially released the album on July 5, 1994.
Moreover, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. certified the record with a diamond, gold, and 21× platinum, respectively.
Further, the greatest singles from the album include Hold My Hand, Let Her Cry, and Drowning.
Thus, with total certification units of 21 million, Cracked Rear View is a commercially successful album of all time.
9. Garth Brooks- “Double Live”
Certified units: 21 million
Capital Nashville officially released the album on November 17, 1998.
Especially, Double Live comprises the compilation of recordings of Brooks’s musical tour from 1996 to 1998.
Moreover, it was certified 21×Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Further, some of the hit singles from the record include We Shall Be Free and The River.
Thus, with total certification units of 21 million, Double Live is one of the most iconic albums of all time.
8. Pink Floyd- “The Wall”
Certified units: 23 million
An iconic British progressive rock band of the 60s, Pink Floyd’s eleventh conceptual studio album, The Wall, is the eighth best-selling albums of all time.
Likewise, Harvest and Columbia Records officially released Floyd’s second-best-selling rock opera on November 30, 1979.
Especially, the whole album is a metaphor for the figurative wall that the band created by separating themselves from society’s jeopardizing norms and values.
Moreover, Canada and America certified The Wall with a double diamond and 23× platinum, respectively.
Further, Another Brick in the Wall and Comfortably Numb are the greatest hit singles from the wonderful album.
Thus, with total certifications of 23 million, The Wall is one of the most successful albums of all time.
7. Led Zeppelin- “Led Zeppelin IV”
Certified units: 23 million
An evocative British blues-rock band of the late 60s, Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, is the seventh best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Zeppelin’s phenomenal lead guitarist, Jimmy Page, originally produced the album.
Likewise, Atlantic Records officially released Led Zeppelin IV on November 8, 1971.
Moreover, the album treasures the signature song of the band, Stairway to Heaven.
In addition, Black Dog and Rock & Roll are other notable singles from Led Zeppelin IV.
Furthermore, Canada and America certified the album with double diamond and 23× platinum, respectively.
Thus, with total certification units of 23 million, Led Zeppelin IV is a commercially successful album of all time.
6. Billy Joel- “Greatest Hits Volume I and II”
Certified units: 23 million
An eminent American pop rock artist of the 70s, Billy Joel’s “Greatest Hits Volume I and II” is the sixth best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Columbia Records officially released the album on September 2, 1985.
Later, RIAA certified the album with a double diamond.
In addition, Joel’s “Greatest Hits Volume I and II” is America’s sixth most certified albums accompanying Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin IV.”
Moreover, the greatest singles of the album include You’re Only a Human ( Second Wind) and The Night is Still Young.
Thus, with total certification units of 23 million, The Greatest Volume I and II is a commercially successful album of all time.
5. The Beatles- “The Beatles (The White Album)”
Certified units: 24 million
An iconic British pop-rock and psychedelia band of the 60s, Beatle’s first and only double album, White Album, is the fifth best-selling album of all time.
Besides, Apple Records officially released White Album on November 22, 1968.
Later, RIAA certified the album with 23× platinum.
Moreover, some of the hit singles from the album are Back in the U.S.R.R and Dear Prudence.
The album has sold over 24 million, making it one of the commercially successful albums in the history of music.
4. AC/DC- “Back in Black”
Certified units: 25 million
A prominent Australian heavy metal band of the 70s, AC/DC’s seventh studio album, Back in Black, is the fourth best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Atlantic Records and Albert Productions officially released Back in Black on July 25, 1980.
Moreover, the U.S. certified the album with 25× platinum on December 9, 2019.
Further, some of the hit singles from the album include Back in Black and Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.
Thus, with total certification units of 25 million, Back in Black is among the commercially successful albums of all time.
3. Eagles- “Hotel California”
Certified units: 26 million
A renowned American soft rock band of the 70s, Eagle’s studio album “Hotel California” is the third best-selling albums of all time.
Asylum Records officially released the album on February 22, 1977.
Likewise, the band’s members Don Felder composed the music, Joe Walsh created the ending musical piece, Glenn Frey and Don Henley wrote the lyrics.
Moreover, the album is celebrated for its mega-hit same-titled single, Hotel California, and noted for the ending guitar solo.
In addition, the U.S certified Hotel California with a 16x platinum and was awarded a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1978.
Further, other hit singles from the album include New Kid in Town and Wasted Time.
Thus, with total certification units of 26 million, Hotel California is among the commercially successful albums in history.
2. Michael Jackson- “Thriller”
Certified units: 33 million
The everlasting King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller, is the second-best-selling albums of all time.
Besides, Epic Records officially released the album on November 30, 1982.
Likewise, Thriller treasures songs with darker themes influenced by soul, funk, and pop-rock sensation.
In addition, Thriller is the first album of Jackson to peak at the U.S Billboard Top LPs and Tapes Chart.
Moreover, the U.S certified Thriller with 34×Platinum and preserved it into the National Recording Registry and National Film Registry as a “culturally, historically, and aesthetically valuable” form of art.
Thus, with total certification units of 33 million, Thriller is a commercially successful album of all time.
“Thriller” broke the world record of winning eight Grammys and eight American Music Awards in 1984.
1. Eagles- “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)”
Certified units: 38 million
The epic American rock band of the 70s, Eagle’s compilation album from 1971-1975 entitled “Their Greatest Hits” is the number album in the list of top 30 best-selling albums of all time.
“Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” garnered 38 million certified units globally.
Besides, the collection comprises hit singles from Eagle’s initial four albums spanning from 1971 to 1975.
Likewise, Asylum Records officially released the album on February 17, 1976.
In addition, Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) topped the Billboard Hot 200.
Likewise, the singles These Nights and Best of My Love from the collection ranked at No.1 on Billboard Hot 100.
The album was certified 12x platinum in 1990, 14x in 1993, 22x platinum in 1995, and 26x platinum in 1999.
The Library of Congress preserved Eagle’s album “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” in National Recording Registry in 2017, as a culturally, historically, and aesthetically valuable creation ever made in music history.
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