Bestselling albums of all time

Bestselling albums of all time

When Apple launched iTunes in 2003, the way people digest music changed forever. Instead of buying CDs, records, or cassettes, fans were able to pay for their favorite song without having to purchase the full album. When Spotify launched in 2008, it revolutionized the music industry even more, allowing listeners to surf through artist catalogs and create their own playlists without having to buy each track. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, streaming accounted for 84% of all recorded music revenue in 2023. What's more, permanent digital downloads of full albums have also been on a downward trend in recent years—online album sales brought in just $205 million last year compared to the $14.4 billion music streaming services earned.

But before the 21st century, albums were king. Artists ranging from the Eagles to Britney Spears soared to superstardom thanks to album sales. And before the age of the playlist, greatest hits albums were the only way fans could listen to their favorite songs by an artist all in one place (unless you had the time and patience to make a mixtape). As a result, compilations were gold mines for artists in the 20th century.

Stacker took a look at RIAA record sales data and compiled a list of the 42 bestselling albums of all time, measured by certified units sold. (Note: RIAA only provides record sales in rounded-up millions, hence all the ties.) Only one album of the 21st century was able to sell enough units to make the list, and the album in the #1 spot might surprise you.

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#37. 'Whitney Houston' by Whitney Houston (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Arista

Whitney Houston was a star from the get-go. Her debut self-titled album ruled the Billboard 200 top albums chart for 14 weeks in 1986 and spun off three #1 singles: "How Will I Know," "Saving All My Love For You," and "Greatest Love of All." The album, and its singles, earned multiple Grammy nominations and won Houston the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Saving All My Love for You" in 1986.

#37. 'Wide Open Spaces' by The Chicks (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Monument

"Wide Open Spaces" may be the Chicks' fourth studio album, however, it's the one that made them mainstream thanks in part to new lead singer Natalie Maines. The album produced hits like "There's Your Trouble," "You Were Mine," and the title track. In April 2024, the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry, which is administered by the Library of Congress. In a statement, the Library of Congress noted that "Wide Open Spaces" managed "to be unapologetically country while also broadening its scope."

#37. 'Purple Rain Soundtrack' by Prince & The Revolution (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.

Most soundtracks feature various artists, but Prince recorded all the music for his film "Purple Rain." In addition to the famous title track, the album also features hits like "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," and "I Would Die 4 U." "Purple Rain" is also notable for being Prince's first #1 album. A year after Prince's death in June 2016, the album was remastered and reissued in 2017, and it once again landed on the Billboard 200.

#37. 'Ten' by Pearl Jam (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Epic

"Ten" is Pearl Jam's debut album, which earned two nominations at the 35th Grammy Awards, including Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. It features some of the band's most well-known songs, including "Jeremy," "Alive," and "Even Flow." In 2021, the album was inducted into the Grammys Hall of Fame.

#37. 'Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band Live 1975-85' by Bruce Springsteen (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Columbia

"Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band Live 1975-85" is one of two fully live albums to make this list. The monstrous live album, Springsteen's first, features 40 tracks recorded from various concerts across a 10-year period. It includes live versions of some of the Boss' most popular songs, like "Born in the U.S.A.," "I'm on Fire," and "Born to Run."

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#37. 'Millennium' by Backstreet Boys (tie)

- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Jive

The third studio album by the Backstreet Boys, "Millennium" features the singles "I Want It That Way," "Larger Than Life," "The One," and "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." The album was a huge smash hit, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200, a position it held onto for 10 weeks, albeit nonconsecutive ones. "Millennium" also garnered the boy band five Grammy nominations. 

#30. 'Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits' by Simon & Garfunkel (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia

"Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits" is the first compilation released by the duo, which came out in 1972, two years after Simon & Garfunkel split up. In addition to studio recordings, the album also features four previously unreleased live recordings. The album lasted the longest on the Billboard 200 chart of any of Simon & Garfunkel's previous releases, peaking at #5 and spending a whopping 185 among the top albums.

#30. 'Bat Out of Hell' by Meat Loaf (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Epic

"Bat Out of Hell" is Meat Loaf's debut album and was developed from a musical called "Neverland." It was so successful that it spawned two sequel albums: 1993's "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell" and 2006's "Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose." When Meat Loaf died in 2022, Billboard reported that "Bat Out of Hell" had sold more than 40 million copies around the world.

#30. 'Ropin' the Wind' by Garth Brooks (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Capitol

"Ropin' the Wind" is Garth Brooks' third studio album and his first to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. It also was the first album in music history to achieve that feat. On top of that, "Ropin' the Wind" features three #1 singles: "Shameless," "What She's Doing Now," and "The River." 

#30. 'Tapestry' by Carole King (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Ode

Carole King's sophomore album "Tapestry" won her four Grammy awards in 1972, including Album of the Year. Its lead singles, "It's Too Late" and "I Feel the Earth Move," also spent five weeks atop the Billboard 100 chart, as well as Billboard's Easy Listening chart.

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#30. '…Baby One More Time' by Britney Spears (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive

"…Baby One More Time" introduced Britney Spears' music to the world in 1999. It may be a debut, but the collection is the pop star's bestselling album thanks to singles like "(You Drive Me) Crazy," "Sometimes," and of course, "...Baby One More Time." The success of the album helped Spears become a Guinness World Record holder—as of April 2024, she's still the best-selling teenage artist of all time, having sold an unprecedented 37 million records globally before she turned 20.

#30. 'Backstreet Boys' by Backstreet Boys (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive

The late '90s were the pinnacle of boy band fame. When the Backstreet Boys released their self-titled album, a compilation of their first two, it shot them to superstardom with such singles as "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."

#30. '21' by Adele (tie)

- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia

Adele's sophomore effort saw the singer adapt more of a blues and country influence to the soulful sound of her debut album, and the change paid off. "21" ended up being the bestselling album in the world for two years in a row, spawning hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."

#24. 'The Beatles 1962-1966' by The Beatles (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Apple

"The Beatles 1962-1966," also known as "The Red Album," is a compilation of greatest hits ranging from the dates in the title. Those singles include "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Yesterday," and "Eleanor Rigby."

#24. 'Greatest Hits 1974-1978' by Steve Miller Band (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Capitol

Compilation albums were all the rage in the '60s and '70s, and Steve Miller Band's "Greatest Hits 1974-1978" ended up being the group's bestselling record. The album includes the title track of 1973's "The Joker," as well as 13 songs off 1976's "Fly Like an Eagle" and 1977's "Book of Dreams."

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#24. 'Supernatural' by Santana (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Arista

While some artists' debut albums end up becoming bestsellers, for Santana, that prestigious designation came with their 18th. The Latin rock band was interested in writing more radio-friendly music and enlisted artists like Lauryn Hill, Rob Thomas, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and CeeLo Green for features. "Supernatural" won nine Grammys in 2000, including Album of the Year.

#24. 'Dark Side of the Moon' by Pink Floyd (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Harvest

"The Dark Side of the Moon" is Pink Floyd's eighth studio album. The concept album is revered as one of the best rock albums of all time and is still highly influential today. In 2013, it was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.

#24. 'Greatest Hits' by Journey (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Columbia

Journey's first "Greatest Hits" compilation is their bestselling album. It features some of the band's biggest singles, including "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Any Way You Want It."

#24. 'Legend' by Bob Marley & The Wailers (tie)

- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Island

Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Legend" may be a compilation, but it's still the bestselling reggae album of all time. In addition to featuring some of Marley's biggest hits, it also includes alternate versions of songs like "Buffalo Soldier," "No Woman, No Cry," and "Stir It Up."

#20. 'Metallica' by Metallica (tie)

- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Atlantic Records / Elektra Records

Metallica's self-titled album, also known as "The Black Album," is actually the band's fifth studio album. Its five singles—"Enter Sandman," "The Unforgiven," "Nothing Else Matters," "Wherever I May Roam," and "Sad but True"—are some of Metallica's best-known songs.

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#20. 'Physical Graffiti' by Led Zeppelin (tie)

- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Swan Song

"Physical Graffiti" is Led Zeppelin's sixth studio album. When they were done recording the album, it barely covered three sides of an LP, so the band included previously unreleased songs from their "Led Zeppelin III," "Led Zeppelin IV," and "Houses of the Holy" sessions to fill a double album.

#20. 'Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack' by Bee Gees (tie)

- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Capitol

The Bee Gees' soundtrack for the film "Saturday Night Fever" is the second-bestselling soundtrack of all time and features the band's hit "Stayin' Alive." In 2012, it was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.

#20. 'Jagged Little Pill' by Alanis Morissette (tie)

- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Maverick

"Jagged Little Pill" is Alanis Morissette's third studio album and her first to be influenced by alternative rock, spawning hit singles like "You Oughta Know," "Hand in My Pocket," and "Ironic." It was nominated for nine Grammy Awards and won five, including Album of the Year.

#16. 'The Beatles 1967-1970' by The Beatles (tie)

- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: EMI

"The Beatles 1967-1970," also known as "The Blue Album," features some of the band's biggest songs from that time period. "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," "Hey Jude," "Across the Universe," and more hits are included on the double LP.

#16. 'Greatest Hits' by Elton John (tie)

- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Island

"Greatest Hits" is Elton John's first compilation album. Though he'd go on to release four more, this first collection is his bestselling. It was released in 1974 and contains singles spanning the years 1970-74 including "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)," and "Bennie and the Jets."

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#16. 'Born in the U.S.A.' by Bruce Springsteen (tie)

- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Columbia

"Born in the U.S.A." is Bruce Springsteen's seventh studio album and was praised at the time for being more pop-oriented and radio-friendly than his older work. It features seven Top 10 singles, including "Dancing in the Dark," "I'm on Fire," and the album's title track.

#16. 'Boston' by Boston (tie)

- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Epic

Boston's self-titled debut album took the rock world by storm in August 1976, thanks to its hit single "More Than a Feeling." It sold 500,000 copies in just a few weeks and went platinum by November 1976.

#13. 'The Bodyguard Soundtrack' by Whitney Houston (tie)

- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: RCA Records

"The Bodyguard" soundtrack may technically feature various artists, but it's Whitney Houston that is synonymous with the album (and who also starred in the film). "The Bodyguard" is the bestselling soundtrack of all time, thanks to hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "I'm Every Woman."

#13. 'Appetite for Destruction' by Guns N' Roses (tie)

- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Geffen

When "Appetite for Destruction" came out in 1987, it flew under the radar. It wasn't until the next year, after a subsequent tour and airplay of singles "Welcome to the Jungle," "Paradise City," and "Sweet Child O' Mine," that Guns N' Roses' freshman effort took off and eventually became the bestselling debut album of all time.

#13. 'No Fences' by Garth Brooks (tie)

- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Pearl Records, Inc.

"No Fences" is Garth Brooks' sophomore album and the one that shot him to superstardom. The collection features some of the country icon's biggest hits, including "The Thunder Rolls" and "Friends in Low Places."

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#11. 'Come on Over' by Shania Twain (tie)

- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Mercury Nashville

Shania Twain's third album, "Come on Over," is not only her bestselling album, it's also the biggest-selling studio album by a female solo artist, according to Guinness World Records. Of the album's 16 tracks, a whopping 12 were released as singles, including her biggest hit, "That Don't Impress Me Much."

#11. 'Rumours' by Fleetwood Mac (tie)

- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.

For their 11th studio album, Fleetwood Mac sought to make a pop record, and they succeeded. "Rumours" spawned hits like "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way," and it took home the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1977.

#9. 'Cracked Rear View' by Hootie & The Blowfish (tie)

- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Rhino

"Cracked Rear View" is another insanely successful debut album. It topped the Billboard 200 chart five separate times in 1995 and features Hootie & The Blowfish's biggest single, "Only Wanna Be With You."

#9. 'Double Live' by Garth Brooks (tie)

- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Capitol Nashville

"Double Live" is Garth Brooks' first live album and comprises songs from his 1996-1998 world tour. The two-disc set is the bestselling live album in history.

#7. 'The Wall' by Pink Floyd (tie)

- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia

Pink Floyd's 11th studio album, "The Wall," is their most successful release. The rock opera spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

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#7. 'Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II' by Billy Joel (tie)

- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia

"Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II" is Billy Joel's first compilation album and features songs from 1973 through 1985. It also includes two previously unreleased tracks, "The Night Is Still Young" and "You're Only Human (Second Wind)."

#5. 'The Beatles' by The Beatles (tie)

- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Apple

The Beatles' self-titled record, famously known as "The White Album," is the band's ninth studio album. The double album is praised for its diversity, incorporating a number of genres including folk, ska, and blues.

#5. 'Led Zeppelin IV' by Led Zeppelin (tie)

- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Atlantic

Led Zeppelin's fourth untitled album, commonly referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV," is the band's bestselling album. That's probably because it features their signature song, "Stairway to Heaven."

#4. 'Back in Black' by AC/DC

- Certified units sold: 25 million
- Record label: Columbia

"Back in Black" is the seventh album by AC/DC and their first with vocalist Brian Johnson. The band recruited Johnson after their original singer, Bon Scott, died from alcohol poisoning in February 1980.

#3. 'Hotel California' by Eagles

- Certified units sold: 26 million
- Record label: Rhino

The Eagles struck gold with their fifth studio album "Hotel California." It was their first with guitarist Joe Walsh and its title track won Record of the Year at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards.

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#2. 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson

- Certified units sold: 34 million
- Record label: Epic Records

Michael Jackson revolutionized pop music with his sixth studio album "Thriller." Produced by Quincy Jones, the album features seven hit singles: "Beat It," "The Girl Is Mine," "Human Nature," "Billie Jean," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," and "Thriller." It's Jackson's first #1 album and spent a whopping 37 nonconsecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

#1. 'Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975' by Eagles

- Certified units sold: 38 million
- Record label: Rhino

1976 was a great year for the Eagles. Before releasing "Hotel California" that December, the band released its first compilation album, "Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975." The set features songs off their first four albums and spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was also the first album to be certified platinum by the RIAA (a designation for a million units sold), which it achieved in its first week of release, and has since gone platinum 38 times. In 2017, it was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.