ADVERTISEMENT

Even the most perfect songs are nothing compared to the best-selling albums of all time. They include around six or more brilliant songs from the same singer or a group that is compiled into one 30-minute (at least) product. There is something special about a best-selling album that encourages people to buy it and listen to its tracks. This specialness stems from several factors, like including popular singers or having a lineup of brilliant songs.

Singers sing the songs, so the more popular the performer, the higher the chance a listener will buy the album. Thus, it is not strange that Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, was able to sell an astonishing 70 million copies since its release in 1982. While the songs themselves were good, by the 1980s, Jackson’s reputation as a pop star was big enough to attract the attention of listeners.

On the other hand, the songs themselves are what make the albums so successful. Their replayability, catchiness, and the overall quality of the tracks might get stuck in our minds, thus increasing the chance of us buying the album. Hotel California, by the group The Eagles, is one of the best-selling albums full of these tracks. From the titular Hotel California to The Last Resort — the songs from this album are perfect to listen to throughout your day.

If you are looking for the best music albums to listen to (and maybe acquire), look no further. In the list below, we have put the albums that sold the most copies in the world. Since they might include popular songs you might have already heard, upvote the albums you can easily recognize. On the other hand, if you have another album you like from the group or a singer, share it in the comments below.

#1

Back In Black – Ac/Dc (50 Million Sales)

Back In Black – Ac/Dc (50 Million Sales)

AC/DC, known for their use of alternating and direct currents in their name, are no strangers to the world of best-selling music. On July 25th, 1980, the group released their seventh studio album, which rocked the world with 50 million copies sold. It includes Back in Black, Hells Bells, and many more legendary tracks.

amazon.com Report

#2

Thriller – Michael Jackson (70 Million Sales)

Thriller – Michael Jackson (70 Million Sales)

When talking about sold albums, we can’t forget to mention the “King of Pop” himself — Michael Jackson. Thriller, the sixth studio album of Jackson’s, released in 1982, became number one in the world with 70 million sold copies. It includes Thriller, Billie Jean, and many more legendary, catchy songs.

amazon.com Report

#3

The Dark Side Of The Moon – Pink Floyd (45 Million Sales)

The Dark Side Of The Moon – Pink Floyd (45 Million Sales)

Did you ever wonder what was on the dark side of the moon? If Pink Floyd has anything to say about it, it is that that side includes some banger music songs to listen to. Released in 1973, on March 1st, with 45 million copies sold, The Dark Side Of The Moon has become one of the best-selling albums of the Pink Floyd group and the best in the progressive rock genre.

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Hotel California – Eagles (42 Million Sales)

Hotel California – Eagles (42 Million Sales)

The Eagles are no strangers to some brilliant albums. Hotel California, their fifth studio album, released on December 8th, 1976, has sold around 42 million copies, and its tracks are listened to by drivers around the world. This album includes songs like Hotel California (obviously), The Last Resort, and others.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#5

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (40 Million Sales)

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (40 Million Sales)

Within a month of its release, Rumours, the 11th studio album by Fleetwood Mac, sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it an immediate commercial success. In the next few decades, the album was able to garner 40 million sales, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

amazon.com Report

#6

Bat Out Of Hell – Meat Loaf (43 Million Sales)

Bat Out Of Hell – Meat Loaf (43 Million Sales)

As far as debut albums go, Meat Loaf might have the best one. With 43 million copies sold, Bat Out Of Hell was released on October 21st, 1977. The debut album includes some of the best tracks that Meat Loaf ever released. From Bat Out Of Hell to Paradise by the Dashboard Light, the album launched Meat Loaf’s career to new heights.

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard Soundtrack (45 Million Sales)

Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard Soundtrack (45 Million Sales)

Even soundtracks are known to have sold quite a lot of copies when in record form. Whitney Houston, a pop star comparable to Michael Jackson, acted in The Bodyguard and created the soundtrack for it. With 45 million copies sold, the soundtrack has become one of the most iconic parts of the movie.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#8

Come On Over – Shania Twain (40 Million Sales)

Come On Over – Shania Twain (40 Million Sales)

One of the more modern albums on this list, Come On Over was released on November 4th, 1997, and was one of the charting products on music billboards. With 40 million copies sold, the album got recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling album of all time by a female singer.

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) – Eagles (45 Million Sales)

Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) – Eagles (45 Million Sales)

From Take It Easy to Best of My Love, the Eagles have had a career full of catchy songs that we all might have listened to at least once. Since the Eagles created a list of brilliant songs, the group decided to compile Their Greatest Hits, which includes the best tracks. It sold 45 million copies.

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (40 Million Sales)

Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (40 Million Sales)

What’s better than a calm Saturday night? One full of some catchy and rhythmic songs. The Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack was released together with the movie. Before the release of Thriller, this album was the best-selling album of all time. Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, and other tracks got included in it.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Laura Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often thought albums like this became best sellers not for the mysic but simply because people wanted to remember the film take away the

#11

LED Zeppelin IV – LED Zeppelin (37 Million Sales)

LED Zeppelin IV – LED Zeppelin (37 Million Sales)

Led Zeppelin’s third album, which was somewhat of a letdown, led some to wonder if the rock group could charm the audience again. Luckily, their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, silenced the critics and energized the fans. With 37 million copies sold overall, the album includes tracks like Stairway to Heaven, one of the best rock songs ever.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Der Kommissar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When The Levee Breaks is one of the most popular drum breaks of all time, and has been sampled by many.

#12

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles (32 Million Sales)

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles (32 Million Sales)

We couldn’t have a list of best-selling albums without mentioning the rock group that first rocked the world stage — The Beatles. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, released on May 26, 1967, was the 8th studio album of the group and sold 32 million copies. Innovative and fun to listen to, it had quite an impact on the landscape of music.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Steve Robert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🎶 And let me introduce the one and only Lenny Shears, Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band 🎶

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (33 Million Sales)

Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (33 Million Sales)

Jagged Little Pill was released in 1995 and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Many journalists found it to be enjoyable but not particularly compelling. However, fans had already made up their minds that it was a fantastic album from beginning to end. It was so excellent that it inspired a musical to get made.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#14

Bad – Michael Jackson (35 Million Sales)

Bad – Michael Jackson (35 Million Sales)

Michael Jackson is no stranger to a best-selling albums list. The 1987 album Bad, which includes around ten songs, sold 2.25 million copies in the United States in its first week alone. Overall, the album sold around 35 million copies around the world. In 2012, Bad 25 was released by the Jackson estate.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#15

Legend – Bob Marley & The Wailers (33 Million Sales)

Legend – Bob Marley & The Wailers (33 Million Sales)

As far as legends go, Bob Marley, The Wailers, and the album they performed on are usually labeled as being just that. Legendary. The compilation album Legend was released in 1984 and quickly swept up listeners around the world. It is estimated that it sold 33 million copies, making it one of the best-selling reggae albums.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Abbey Road – The Beatles (31 Million Sales)

Abbey Road – The Beatles (31 Million Sales)

As far as memorable album covers go, Abbey Road has been mimicked by everyone and shown everywhere. It was The Beatles’ eleventh studio album and has sold over 31 million copies since its release in September 1969. Sadly, this was the last album that the band recorded together before breaking up.

amazon.com Report

#17

Dirty Dancing Soundtrack (32 Million Sales)

Dirty Dancing Soundtrack (32 Million Sales)

Sometimes, soundtracks are more memorable than the movies they come from originally. The Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, released on July 18, 1987, accumulated 32 million copies sold. While it might not be the number one best-selling album of all time in the world, it did become one in Germany, as 3.25 million copies were sold there.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#19

Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (30 Million Sales)

Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (30 Million Sales)

When you have the United States of America in the title of your album, it’s only natural for Americans to buy it when they see it. Born In The U.S.A., an album from the mind of Bruce Springsteen, had 30 million copies sold, with 17 million of them in the United States. It includes tracks like Cover Me and, of course, Born In The U.S.A.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (25 Million Sales)

Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#21

21 – Adele (31 Million Sales)

21 – Adele (31 Million Sales)

21 is the age requirement to drink and also the title of Adele’s second studio album. 21, released on January 24, 2011, explores the feelings the singer had when she broke up with her partner, making it one of the saddest albums to listen to. Ironically enough, the album consists of 11 songs (standard edition) and not 21.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#22

1 – The Beatles (31 Million Sales)

1 – The Beatles (31 Million Sales)

While it might have a one in its title, this album is not number one on the list of the best-selling albums of all time. Almost all of the band’s number-one singles from the UK or the US between 1962 and 1970 are included in this collection. Released on November 13, 2000, this compilation album has sold over 31 million copies.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#23

Appetite For Destruction – Guns N’ Roses (30 Million Sales)

Appetite For Destruction – Guns N’ Roses (30 Million Sales)

Although initial reviews of Appetite for Destruction were mixed, it has since garnered praise and is now one of the best albums. Released on July 21, 1987, the album sold 18 million copies in the United States alone and 12 million in foreign markets. This album includes the group’s memorable songs like Welcome to the Jungle.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Brothers In Arms – Dire Straits (30 Million Sales)

Brothers In Arms – Dire Straits (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#25

ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits – ABBA (30 Million Sales)

ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits – ABBA (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#26

Nirvana – Nevermind (26 Million Sales)

Nirvana – Nevermind (26 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

#27

Boston – Boston (20 Million Sales)

Boston – Boston (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#28

Falling Into You – Céline Dion (32 Million Sales)

Falling Into You – Céline Dion (32 Million Sales)

While Céline Dion might be famous today for her Titanic song that gets played over and over again on Valentine’s Day, her 14th album was only able to reach the 16th position. With 32 million copies sold, Falling Into You, released on March 11, 1996, cemented Dion as one of the most popular singers in the world of pop.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#29

The Wall – Pink Floyd (30 Million Sales)

The Wall – Pink Floyd (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#31

Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (20 Million Sales)

Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#32

Def Leppard – Hysteria (20 Million Sales)

Def Leppard – Hysteria (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#33

Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (20 Million Sales)

Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#34

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (20 Million Sales)

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Peter Korsten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favourite Pink Floyd album. Everybody is always on about Dark Side of the Moon, but I prefer the songs on this.

#35

Supernatural – Santana (30 Million Sales)

Supernatural – Santana (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#37

Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (20 Million Sales)

Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#38

Dangerous – Michael Jackson (32 Million Sales)

Dangerous – Michael Jackson (32 Million Sales)

As far as long productions go, this album was produced from June 1989 to October 1991 before finally being released in the November of the same year as its completion. With 14 singles in the album, 12 discuss themes like poverty and racism. With 32 million copies sold, Dangerous is a must-listen for all Jackson’s fans.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#39

Phil Collins – No Jacket Required (25 Million Sales)

Phil Collins – No Jacket Required (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#40

Carole King – Tapestry (25 Million Sales)

Carole King – Tapestry (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Steve Robert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply one of the greatest albums, and singer/writers, of all time! 🎶 You can't talk to a man with a shotgun in his hand🎶

View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

George Michael – Faith (25 Million Sales)

George Michael – Faith (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#42

Elton John – Greatest Hits (24 Million Sales)

Elton John – Greatest Hits (24 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#44

Whitney Houston – Whitney (20 Million Sales)

Whitney Houston – Whitney (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#45

The Eminem Show – Eminem (27 Million Sales)

The Eminem Show – Eminem (27 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#46

Eric Clapton – Unplugged (26 Million Sales)

Eric Clapton – Unplugged (26 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

#47

U2 – The Joshua Tree (25 Million Sales)

U2 – The Joshua Tree (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Saint Tim the Godless
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

U2's best studio album. As good as the album is, it pales in comparison to how amazing their stadium soundboard recordings are from the Joshua Tree tour.

#48

Oasis – (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (22 Million Sales)

Oasis – (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (22 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#49

Eminem – The Marshall Mathers Lp (25 Million Sales)

Eminem – The Marshall Mathers Lp (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#51

Self-Titled Album – Metallica (31 Million Sales)

Self-Titled Album – Metallica (31 Million Sales)

Metallica, more popularly known as The Black Album, is Metallica’s fifth album, released on August 12, 1991. The band’s music transitioned from the thrash metal sound that characterized their four previous albums to a slower, heavier, and more sophisticated sound with the release of this album. The album sold 31 million copies.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#52

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (27 Million Sales)

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (27 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#53

Elvis Presley – Elvis' Christmas Album (20 Million Sales)

Elvis Presley – Elvis' Christmas Album (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#55

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (20 Million Sales)

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#56

Fugees – The Score (20 Million Sales)

Fugees – The Score (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#57

Madonna – Like A Virgin (21 Million Sales)

Madonna – Like A Virgin (21 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#58

Bon Jovi – Cross Road (21 Million Sales)

Bon Jovi – Cross Road (21 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#59

The Immaculate Collection – Madonna (30 Million Sales)

The Immaculate Collection – Madonna (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#60

Titanic Soundtrack (30 Million Sales)

Titanic Soundtrack (30 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#61

Music Box – Mariah Carey (28 Million Sales)

Music Box – Mariah Carey (28 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#62

Britney Spears – ...baby One More Time (26 Million Sales)

Britney Spears – ...baby One More Time (26 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember girls at school making up a dance to this during playtime

#63

Madonna – True Blue (25 Million Sales)

Madonna – True Blue (25 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Peter Korsten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such an exceptionally good album. I think that Madonna as an artist (as opposed to a performer) is criminally underrated.

#64

Britney Spears – Oops!... I Did It Again (20 Million Sales)

Britney Spears – Oops!... I Did It Again (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#65

Lionel Richie – Can't Slow Down (20 Million Sales)

Lionel Richie – Can't Slow Down (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#66

Various Artists – Flashdance: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture (20 Million Sales)

Various Artists – Flashdance: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#67

Let’s Talk About Love – Céline Dion (31 Million Sales)

Let’s Talk About Love – Céline Dion (31 Million Sales)

Another entry from Céline Dion that garnered over 30 million sales — Let’s Talk About Love was released on November 14, 1997. The album saw Dion working with many other popular singers of the decade, including the Bee Gees, Barbara Streisand, and many more. With 31 million copies sold, this album includes the popular hit My Heart Will Go On.

amazon.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#68

Backstreet Boys – Millennium (24 Million Sales)

Backstreet Boys – Millennium (24 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#69

Adele – 25 (23 Million Sales)

Adele – 25 (23 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#70

Spice Girls – Spice (23 Million Sales)

Spice Girls – Spice (23 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really didn't like the Spice Girls, or the fact that my grade 6 'buddy' and her friends started calling me baby spice!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#71

Michael Jackson – History: Past, Present And Future, Book I (22 Million Sales)

Michael Jackson – History: Past, Present And Future, Book I (22 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#72

Celine Dion – All The Way... A Decade Of Song (22 Million Sales)

Celine Dion – All The Way... A Decade Of Song (22 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#73

Mariah Carey – Daydream (20 Million Sales)

Mariah Carey – Daydream (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#74

Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (20 Million Sales)

Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#75

Celine Dion – The Colour Of My Love (20 Million Sales)

Celine Dion – The Colour Of My Love (20 Million Sales)

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda