Music is the universal language that brings people together. Whether you’re into rock and roll, country, pop, R&B, or any genre in between, there’s no denying that an exceptional album has the power to evoke emotions, tell a story, and take you on a journey.
That might explain why some albums achieve astronomical sales and etch themselves forever into our cultural landscape. In this article, I present to you the 19 best-selling albums of all time.
These albums not only sold millions (or even tens of millions) of copies globally but also left enduring impacts on the music industry and beyond.
They come from artists spanning different years and genres, from icons who became household names to those who captured lightning in a bottle with their masterpieces.
As we delve into this list, reflect on your musical tastes. Perhaps some of these top sellers are already part of your collection.
19 Best-Selling Albums of All Time
In the world of music, certain albums have not only struck a chord with listeners but have also become massive commercial successes.
These albums have sold millions upon millions of copies worldwide, solidifying their status as some of the best-selling albums of all time.
Let’s take a closer look at these iconic records that have been cherished by fans across generations.
Thriller
- Released: November 30, 1982
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Genre: Pop, R&B, rock
- Total Sales: Over 66 million copies worldwide
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is arguably one of the most influential albums in music history.
Released in 1982, it became an instant sensation and went on to break numerous records.
The album showcased Jackson’s versatility as an artist by blending pop, R&B, and rock elements seamlessly.
With iconic tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track “Thriller,” the album captivated audiences with its infectious melodies and groundbreaking music videos.
“Thriller” holds several records, such as being the best-selling album of all time in the United States with over 33 million copies sold.
It also holds the record for being the first album to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles.
The impact of “Thriller” on pop culture cannot be overstated – it revolutionized music videos and elevated Jackson’s superstar status to unprecedented heights.
Back in Black
- Released: July 25, 1980
- Artist: AC/DC
- Genre: Hard rock
- Total Sales: Over 50 million copies worldwide
AC/DC’s “Back in Black” is a landmark album that solidified the band’s place in rock history.
Released just months after the tragic death of their lead vocalist Bon Scott, this album introduced Brian Johnson as his replacement and marked a return to glory for AC/DC.
The album showcased their trademark hard-hitting sound with tracks like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and the title track “Back in Black.”
Known for their energetic performances and catchy riffs, AC/DC became synonymous with rock anthems that resonated with generations of music lovers.
“Back in Black” has enjoyed massive success since its release, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Its impact can be seen in its consistent chart presence and continued popularity, proving that rock music has an enduring appeal.
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Rumours
- Released: February 4, 1977
- Artist: Fleetwood Mac
- Genre: Rock, pop rock
- Total Sales: Over 45 million copies worldwide
Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” is a testament to the power of emotionally charged songwriting and exquisite harmonies.
The album was born out of personal turmoil within the band, with members going through breakups and complicated relationships. This raw emotion is palpable throughout the album’s tracks.
Known for their distinctive sound and intricate arrangements, Fleetwood Mac created a masterpiece with “Rumours.”
Iconic tracks like “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain” have become anthems for generations.
The album’s blend of rock and pop sensibilities resonated with listeners across different genres.
“Rumours” was not only a commercial success but also critically acclaimed, receiving widespread praise for its songwriting and musicianship.
It continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest albums ever made.
Jagged Little Pill
- Released: June 13, 1995
- Artist: Alanis Morissette
- Genre: Alternative rock, post-grunge
- Total Sales: Over 33 million copies worldwide
Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” is an iconic album that catapulted her to superstardom.
Released in 1995, this album was a breath of fresh air in the alternative rock scene.
With its confessional lyrics and razor-sharp vocals, Morissette captured the essence of emotions such as anger, betrayal, and empowerment.
“Jagged Little Pill” was met with critical acclaim for its honest songwriting and raw energy.
Songs like “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” and “Hand In My Pocket” became instant anthems for a generation grappling with personal struggles.
The album’s success solidified Morissette’s place as one of the most influential female artists in music history.
Saturday Night Fever
- Released: November 15, 1977
- Artists: Various Artists (Bee Gees prominently featured)
- Genre: Disco
- Total Sales: Over 45 million copies worldwide
“Saturday Night Fever” is not just an album; it’s a cultural phenomenon that defined an era.
Released in 1977, this soundtrack album serves as a time capsule from the disco era.
It features songs by various artists, with the Bee Gees taking center stage with their distinctive falsetto harmonies.
The soundtrack’s infectious disco beats and catchy melodies instantly swept listeners off their feet.
Tracks like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” became disco classics that continue to be played and loved today.
The success of the album was further fueled by the movie of the same name, starring John Travolta, which became a box office hit.
“Saturday Night Fever” not only revitalized the disco genre but also brought it into mainstream popular culture.
It remains one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time and a testament to the enduring power of dance music.
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The Bodyguard
- Released: November 17, 1992
- Artist: Various Artists
- Genre: Soundtrack, R&B, pop
- Total Sales: Over 45 million copies worldwide
“The Bodyguard” soundtrack is an iconic album that gained immense popularity due to its association with the hit film of the same name.
Released in 1992, the album features songs performed by various artists, with Whitney Houston taking center stage as the lead vocalist.
The soundtrack includes memorable tracks like “I Will Always Love You,” which became one of Houston’s signature songs and a global phenomenon on its own.
Other notable songs include “I Have Nothing,” “Run to You,” and “Queen of the Night.”
These emotional and powerful ballads showcased Houston’s extraordinary vocal talent and elevated her status as a pop icon.
“The Bodyguard” soundtrack was an enormous commercial success and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
It spent a record-breaking 20 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying its place in music history.
The album’s popularity was not only fueled by Houston’s exceptional performances but also by the film’s success and endearing love story.
Millennium
- Released: May 18, 1999
- Artist: Backstreet Boys
- Genre: Pop, teen pop
- Total Sales: Over 24 million copies worldwide
The Backstreet Boys’ “Millennium” album captured the hearts of pop music fans around the world in the late 1990s.
Released in 1999, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time, catapulting the band to international fame.
“Millennium” features hit tracks like “I Want It That Way,” “Larger Than Life,” and “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.”
These catchy tunes showcased the band’s harmonies and infectious pop melodies.
The album showcased their growth as artists and their ability to blend upbeat pop anthems with heartfelt ballads.
The success of “Millennium” transformed the Backstreet Boys into global superstars.
With synchronized dance moves, boy-next-door charm, and undeniable vocal talent, they became one of the defining acts of late ’90s pop music.
Abbey Road
- Released: September 26, 1969
- Artist: The Beatles
- Genre: Rock
- Total Sales: Over 31 million copies worldwide
The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” is a masterpiece that solidified the band’s place in music history.
Released in 1969, it stands as one of their most iconic albums and showcases their musical genius.
The album features timeless tracks like “Come Together,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and the iconic medley on Side B that seamlessly combines multiple songs.
“Abbey Road” is characterized by its innovative production techniques, intricate harmonies, and diverse musical styles.
The album marked a significant milestone for The Beatles as it was the last one they recorded together before their breakup.
It remains an enduring testament to their creative brilliance and has influenced countless musicians over the years.
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Gold: Greatest Hits
- Released: September 21, 1992
- Artist: ABBA
- Genre: Pop, disco
- Total Sales: Over 30 million copies worldwide
ABBA’s “Gold: Greatest Hits” is a compilation album that embodies the infectious energy and catchy melodies of the Swedish pop group.
Released in 1992, it became an instant success and remains one of the best-selling albums in history.
The album features ABBA’s most popular hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Waterloo.”
With their irresistible pop hooks and engaging performances, ABBA captivated audiences during the peak of the disco era.
Their music has since transcended generations and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.
“Gold: Greatest Hits” serves as a comprehensive introduction to ABBA’s discography, showcasing their talent for crafting unforgettable pop songs.
The album solidified their status as one of the most successful bands of all time and ensured a lasting legacy in music history.
Hotel California
- Released: December 8, 1976
- Artist: Eagles
- Genre: Rock
- Total Sales: Over 42 million copies worldwide
The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is an album that defined the sound of 1970s rock music.
Released in 1976, it showcased their trademark harmonies and laid-back California vibe.
The album’s title track, “Hotel California,” is considered one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
With its intricate guitar solos and thought-provoking lyrics, “Hotel California” captured the imagination of listeners around the world.
The album also featured hits like “New Kid in Town” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” showcasing the band’s versatility in writing both tender ballads and hard-hitting rockers.
“Hotel California” received critical acclaim for its impeccable musicianship and cohesive production.
It explored themes of desperation, excess, and disillusionment – which resonated with listeners during a time when rock music was evolving.
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The Wall
- Released: November 30, 1979
- Artist: Pink Floyd
- Genre: Progressive rock
- Total Sales: Over 30 million copies worldwide
Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” is a concept album that takes listeners on an introspective journey through the mind of its protagonist, Pink.
Released in 1979, this groundbreaking album explored themes of isolation, war, and identity.
“The Wall” featured iconic tracks like “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” and “Comfortably Numb,” which showcased Pink Floyd’s musical prowess and Roger Waters’ emotive songwriting.
The album seamlessly blends elements of progressive rock with symphonic arrangements and experimental soundscapes.
The album’s theatricality is further emphasized by its accompanying film, released in 1982.
Together, they created a multimedia experience that solidified Pink Floyd’s place as pioneers in both music and visual storytelling.
Led Zeppelin IV
- Released: November 8, 1971
- Artist: Led Zeppelin
- Genre: Hard rock, blues rock
- Total Sales: Over 37 million copies worldwide
Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth studio album – commonly referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV” – is a masterpiece that showcases the band at their creative peak.
Released in 1971, this album features some of their most iconic tracks and encapsulates their signature heavy blues-rock sound.
From the opening riffs of “Black Dog” to the epic finale of “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin crafted an album that would define hard rock for generations to come.
With its mystical lyrics, intricate guitar work by Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant’s powerful vocals, every track on this album became an instant classic.
“Led Zeppelin IV” received widespread acclaim for its songwriting and musicianship.
It remains one of the most influential albums in rock history, with its impact felt across multiple generations of musicians and fans alike.
Come On Over
- Released: November 4, 1997
- Artist: Shania Twain
- Genre: Country pop
- Total Sales: Over 40 million copies worldwide
Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” played an instrumental role in bringing country music to mainstream audiences around the world.
Blending country with pop elements, Twain created a unique sound that resonated with fans on both sides of the genre spectrum.
Released in 1997, this album featured hits like “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
The infectious melodies and Twain’s powerful vocals catapulted her to superstardom, transcending traditional genre boundaries.
“Come On Over” became the best-selling country album of all time and one of the top-selling albums overall.
Its crossover appeal contributed to country music’s commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, making Twain a trailblazer in the genre.
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Bat Out of Hell
- Released: October 21, 1977
- Artist: Meat Loaf
- Genre: Hard rock, glam rock
- Total Sales: Over 43 million copies worldwide
Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” is a theatrical masterpiece that blends grandiose rock anthems with heartfelt ballads.
Released in 1977, this album became a sensation worldwide, with its unique mix of hard rock and glam influences.
With hit tracks like “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and the title track “Bat Out of Hell,” Meat Loaf showcased his powerful vocal range and storytelling ability.
The album’s epic soundscapes captivated listeners, while its larger-than-life performances made it a staple of live shows.
“Bat Out of Hell” achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Its theatricality set it apart from other albums at the time, making it a unique entry in the world of rock music.
Supernatural
- Released: June 14, 1999
- Artist: Santana
- Genre: Latin rock, pop rock
- Total Sales: Over 30 million copies worldwide
Santana’s “Supernatural” is a groundbreaking album that brought together the worlds of rock, pop, and Latin music.
Released in 1999, it marked a comeback for Carlos Santana and introduced a new generation to his unique guitar style.
Featuring collaborations with various artists like Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, and Lauryn Hill, “Supernatural” was a fusion of genres that resulted in chart-topping hits.
The album’s iconic track “Smooth,” featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, became an instant sensation and remained at the top of the charts for weeks.
With its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, “Supernatural” showcased Santana’s ability to create timeless music that transcends cultural boundaries.
The album went on to win numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)
- Released: February 17, 1976
- Artist: Eagles
- Genre: Rock
- Total Sales: Over 42 million copies worldwide
The Eagles’ “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” is an iconic compilation album that encapsulates the band’s early success.
Released in 1976, it features some of the most memorable tracks from their first four albums.
From the heartfelt balladry of “Desperado” to the foot-stomping energy of “Take It Easy,” this album showcases the Eagles’ versatility as songwriters and musicians.
Hits like “Hotel California,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Take It to the Limit” have become timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences decades later.
“Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” represents a golden era for the Eagles, capturing the essence of their musical style and contributions to the rock genre.
Its immense popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of their songs and solidifies their status as one of the most influential bands in music history.
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Appetite for Destruction
- Released: July 21, 1987
- Artist: Guns N’ Roses
- Genre: Hard rock, heavy metal
- Total Sales: Over 30 million copies worldwide
Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” is a gritty and raw album that catapulted the band into superstardom.
Released in 1987, it became an instant hit with its rebellious attitude and explosive sound.
From the iconic guitar riff of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” to the aggressive energy of “Welcome to the Jungle,” this album showcases Guns N’ Roses at their best.
The band’s hard rock roots blended with punk influences created a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences craving authenticity.
“Appetite for Destruction” holds the distinction of being one of the best-selling debut albums of all time.
It marked a turning point in rock music and paved the way for Guns N’ Roses’ meteoric rise in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
The Eminem Show
- Released: May 28, 2002
- Artist: Eminem
- Genre: Hip hop
- Total Sales: Over 27 million copies worldwide
Eminem’s “The Eminem Show” is a landmark album that solidified his place as one of hip hop’s most influential artists.
Released in 2002, it showcased Eminem’s unique lyrical prowess and honest storytelling.
With tracks like “Without Me,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” and “Sing for the Moment,” this album delves into themes like fame, personal struggles, and social commentary.
Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery and clever wordplay captivated listeners and left a lasting impact on the genre.
“The Eminem Show” received critical acclaim for its depth and maturity, further establishing Eminem as an artist unafraid to tackle controversial topics.
The album’s commercial success solidified his position as one of the best-selling artists of the 2000s.
Tapestry
- Released: February 10, 1971
- Artist: Carole King
- Genre: Folk rock, soft rock
- Total Sales: Over 25 million copies worldwide
Carole King’s “Tapestry” is a seminal album that defined the singer-songwriter genre.
Released in 1971, it showcased King’s exceptional songwriting skills and emotive voice.
With tracks like “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” this album resonated with audiences on a deeply personal level.
King’s introspective lyrics and soulful melodies created an intimate connection between the artist and the listener.
“Tapestry” swept up numerous awards, including Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
It remains one of the best-selling albums by a female artist and solidifies Carole King’s place among music royalty.
These best-selling albums represent milestones in music history, each offering a unique blend of talent, creativity, and cultural impact.
From Santana’s fusion of Latin rhythms with rock to Eagles’ timeless hits to Eminem’s groundbreaking rap style, these albums continue to inspire generations of music lovers today.
Their success is a testament to the power of great songwriting and captivating performances that stand the test of time.
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FAQs about Best-Selling Albums of All Time
Which album is the best-selling of all time?
The best-selling album of all time is Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” with over 66 million copies sold worldwide.
What genre is most represented among the best-selling albums?
Pop and rock are the most represented genres among the best-selling albums, showcasing their enduring appeal.
Are there any country albums on the list of best-sellers?
Yes, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” is one of the best-selling country albums of all time, with over 40 million copies sold.
Do any newer albums make the list of best-sellers?
Yes, examples include The Eminem Show by Eminem and Supernatural by Santana, which have achieved global success in recent years.
Can you provide a breakdown by decades for the best-selling albums?
While it varies across decades, classic rock and pop albums from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s dominate the list of best-selling albums.
Conclusion
With their massive sales and enduring popularity, these best-selling albums of all time have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking “Thriller” to AC/DC’s powerhouse “Back in Black,” these albums have transcended genres and captivated audiences across generations.
If you’re a fan of rock, pop, or country, these iconic albums offer something for everyone.
So plug in your headphones, press play, and enjoy the timeless tunes that have become a part of music history.
