Top 5 Best-Selling Music Albums of All Time
Music albums have the power to inspire generations of people to pick up musical instruments and be musically inclined. Some albums have achieved immense levels of commercial success and have become global phenomena. Here are five of the best selling albums of all time:
No other album defined pop culture more than the King of Pop’s highest grossing album, ‘Thriller’. The album was released in 1982 and helped cement the legacy of Michael Jackson. It had pop elements mixed with rock and rhythm and blues which made it sound new and fresh back in the 80s. It had hits like ‘Beat it’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Billie Jean’. It sold a grand total of 70 million copies.
Back in Black was released by AC/DC in 1980 and has sold nearly 50 million copies till date. The album was their first album after the death of their first singer Bon Scott and was a tribute to it.
The band returned stronger with new singer Brian Johnson. Its tracks like ‘You shook me all night long’, ‘hells bells’ and ‘back in black’ became rock anthems and millions across the world know its lyrics by heart. The album’s hard hitting guitar riffs fueled by the Young brothers became the cornerstone of the album.
The album has the most long-standing influence in rock history. The album explored themes like time, mental health and money.
Pink Floyd combined progressive rock with experimental sound recordings and created a deep immersive listening experience with songs like ‘Time’ and ‘Money’.
Its iconic prism cover became one of the most recognisable images in music history. Even today, artists in electronic music, rock, and experimental genres continue to draw inspiration from its innovative production style.
The Eagles released their compilation album of their greatest hits which broke all records. It was released in 1974 and sold over 44 million copies worldwide. The album did not include their iconic song ‘ Hotel California’ and even despite this the album broke all records.
This was released in 1977 and it became one of the most surprising success stories of all time. It sold 43 million records worldwide despite being initially hated by record labels. The album mixed rock with theatrical storytelling and dramatic production.
Thriller – Michael Jackson
No other album defined pop culture more than the King of Pop’s highest grossing album, ‘Thriller’. The album was released in 1982 and helped cement the legacy of Michael Jackson. It had pop elements mixed with rock and rhythm and blues which made it sound new and fresh back in the 80s. It had hits like ‘Beat it’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Billie Jean’. It sold a grand total of 70 million copies.
Back in Black – AC/DC
Back in Black was released by AC/DC in 1980 and has sold nearly 50 million copies till date. The album was their first album after the death of their first singer Bon Scott and was a tribute to it.
The band returned stronger with new singer Brian Johnson. Its tracks like ‘You shook me all night long’, ‘hells bells’ and ‘back in black’ became rock anthems and millions across the world know its lyrics by heart. The album’s hard hitting guitar riffs fueled by the Young brothers became the cornerstone of the album.
The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
The album has the most long-standing influence in rock history. The album explored themes like time, mental health and money.
Pink Floyd combined progressive rock with experimental sound recordings and created a deep immersive listening experience with songs like ‘Time’ and ‘Money’.
Its iconic prism cover became one of the most recognisable images in music history. Even today, artists in electronic music, rock, and experimental genres continue to draw inspiration from its innovative production style.
Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – Eagles
The Eagles released their compilation album of their greatest hits which broke all records. It was released in 1974 and sold over 44 million copies worldwide. The album did not include their iconic song ‘ Hotel California’ and even despite this the album broke all records.
Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf
This was released in 1977 and it became one of the most surprising success stories of all time. It sold 43 million records worldwide despite being initially hated by record labels. The album mixed rock with theatrical storytelling and dramatic production.
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