10 Best-Selling Music Albums Of All Time That Shaped Music History
The world of music has witnessed albums hundreds of rare best-selling music albums that transcend genres and generations to leave an indelible mark on popular culture.
Music has always remained a universal language of expression, that has the power to rise beyond time, culture and generations.
And every so often, an album comes mainstream, that doesn’t only capture moments, it defines the story behind it.
In this article, we take a look at the ten best-selling music albums of all time that have marked history.
The extraordinary list of albums includes Michael Jackson’s Thriller to AC/DC’s record-breaking Back in Black.
Some of the musicians behind the tracks have pushed the boundaries with their epic storytelling, which sold millions of copies.
| Albums | Global Certified Sales |
| Thriller | 105 million |
| Black in Black | 50 million |
| The Dark Side of the Moon | 45 million |
| The Bodyguard | 45 million |
| Rumours | 40 million |
| Saturday Night Fever | 40 million |
| Hotel California | 32 million |
| Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) | 45 million |
| Come On Over | 40 million |
| Bat Out of Hell | 43 million |
10. Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf
Bat Out of Hell is the debut album by American rock singer, in association with composer Jim Steinman.
The album was produced under the label Cleveland International Records, Epic Records and released on October 21, 1977.
Though all the musical tracks have a dramatic flair, Bat Out of Hell and Paradise by the Dashboard Light are extremely famous.
The iconic songs of Meat Loaf’s album have become staples of classic rock radio, which have earned a lasting legacy.
9. Come On Over – Shania Twain
Sahina Twain released her third studio album on November 9, 1997, which later became her best-selling album.
The Canadian country music artist Shania Twain’s tracks blend country and pop elements showcasing her versatility.
The notable tracks from the album are You’re Still the One, Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and That Don’t Impress Me Much.
The artist released it under the Mercury Nashville label, and it eventually became the best production by the label.
8. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – Eagles
The American rock band from Los Angeles had many hits from their early career, which sold millions worldwide.
Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) is a compilation of their most popular tracks, including classic hits that cemented their place in history.
The album was produced under the label Asylum Records and released on February 17, 1976. It helped Eagle to continue dominance in the late 1970s.
Some of their best from the Their Greatest Hits include notable tracks like Take It Easy and Desperado.
7. Hotel California – Eagles
Hotel California is the fifth studio album by the Eagles and one of the band’s greatest tracklists.
Though the audience loves every song from the album, the title track Hotel California has a separate fanbase.
It is always remembered for its haunting lyrics and intricate guitar solos where the whole band gave their best.
The album explored themes of excess and disappointment in the Californian lifestyle and performed the music over 1000 times.
6. Saturday Night Fever – Bee Gees
Bee Gees alongside various other artists released Saturday Night Fever on November 15, 1977.
The RSO Record produced the album, with notable tracks like Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, and How Deep Is Your Love.
The soundtrack features music from the film that helped popularise disco in the late 1970s.
The iconic tracklist remains a cultural touchstone and is celebrated for impacting the music and film industry.
5. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
Rumours produced the studio album by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac with Warner Bros. Records.
They released the album twice, one on February 4, in the US and one on February 11, 1977, in the UK.
Though the band was facing a tumultuous period during its recording sessions, it later became a commercial masterpiece.
The breakup and relationship conflict influenced the emotional depth of tracks including Don’t Stop and Dreams.
4. The Bodyguard – Whitney Houston
The Bodyguard soundtrack features music from the 1992 movie of the same name, starring singer Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
The album has a mixture of R&B, pop, and soulful music which showcased Houston’s status as a music icon.
The producers released it on November 17, 1992, with tracks like I Will Always Love You, I’m Every Woman and I Have Nothing.
The Bodyguard was primarily recorded in 1991-1992 with some parts recorded early in 1987.
3. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
The British rock band Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album The Dark Side of the Moon is a GOAT album in music history.
Released on March 1, 1973, the album explores complex themes such as illness, existentialism and the pressure of life.
The tracklist was the first Pink Floyd album to feature Roger Waters as the sole lyricist.
It consists of notable songs like Money, Time, and The Great Gig in the Sky, which address various aspects of life.
2. Back in Black – AC/DC
Black In Black is a studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC which was released on July 25, 1980, under the Atlantic Records.
It was the first album featuring the vocalist Brian Johnson after the demise of Bon Scott due to alcohol poisoning.
The title track and You Shook Me All Night Long are classical hits, and the album’s all-black cover is a tribute to Scott.
Though the band member passed away young, changed the band’s fate to become the greatest rock band of all time.
1. Thriller – Michael Jackson – Best Selling Albums Of All Time
Michael Jackson‘s sixth studio album Thriller is one of the finest and most selling albums globally.
Quincy Jones alongside other artists produced the album back in 1982, which features a mix of pop and rock masterpieces.
It includes seven hit singles, some of which promoted Jackson’s signature dance moves and music videos.
Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller and Wanna Be Stratin’ Somethin’ helped Michael win a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984.
