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The Top 10 Best-Selling Albums of All Time

Some music sticks with you. It becomes part of your everyday life, playing in the background while you cook, helping you through hard days, or turning a regular drive into something better. I’ve felt that too.

In this blog, I’m sharing the top 10 best-selling albums of all time. You’ll see which artists made them, how many copies they sold, and why people still play them after so many years.

From pop to rock and more, these albums have connected with millions of people. As you go through the list, think about the ones that meant something to you.

There’s something in these albums that has kept them playing in homes, cars, and headphones around the world. Let’s take a look!

What Counts Toward Album Sales?

Album sales aren’t always as simple as just counting CDs or downloads. There are two main types of numbers: certified sales and estimated sales. Certified sales come from official groups like the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) or IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry).

These groups verify and confirm the number of copies sold. Estimated sales, on the other hand, are guesses based on many sources, such as stores, reports, or charts. These numbers can be higher, but they’re not always confirmed.

Today, streaming also counts toward album sales. When you listen to songs on apps like Spotify or Apple Music, it adds up. After a certain number of streams, it counts as one album sale.

Different groups track sales in different ways. For example, the RIAA handles sales in the U.S., IFPI examines global sales, and CSPC (Chartmasters) combines sales, streams, and other statistics to provide a comprehensive picture.

All of this matters when figuring out which albums really are the biggest.

Breaking Down the Top 10 Best-Selling Albums of All Time

These albums made a huge impact and reached millions of people around the world. They crossed borders, broke records, and stayed in people’s lives for years.

Let’s take a closer look at the ones that truly made music history.

1. Thriller (1982) by Michael Jackson

Thriller_1982_by_Michael_Jackson

Genre: Pop / Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 70 million copies worldwide

Thriller became a massive worldwide hit. It combined pop, rock, and dance sounds in a way that got people’s attention right away. Songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track stayed on the charts for months.

The music videos were also exciting and helped the songs become even more popular. Michael Jackson brought energy, style, and strong singing to each track. Fans kept buying the album, and new generations still find it fun and easy to enjoy.

Even today, Thriller continues to be one of the most played and best-selling albums in music history.

2. Back in Black (1980) by AC/DC

Back_in_Black_1980_by_AC_DC

Genre: Hard Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 50 million copies worldwide

Back in Black helped AC/DC make a strong return after losing their lead singer. With Brian Johnson now on vocals, the band recorded songs that were loud, fast, and full of energy. Tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black” quickly became rock anthems.

The album cover is completely black. It was designed as a tribute to the band’s former vocalist, Bon Scott, who passed away the year before its release. The simple, dark design reflected the band’s grief while marking a powerful return.

This album didn’t just bring AC/DC back. It took them to a whole new level. It’s still one of the most played and respected rock albums ever released.

3. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) by Pink Floyd

The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon_1973_by_Pink_Floyd

Genre: Progressive Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 50 million copies worldwide

The Dark Side of the Moon brought new ideas to music. It used deep topics like time, stress, and life pressure, wrapped in smooth sounds and soft voices.

The songs flow from one to the next without breaks, making it feel like one big story. Sound effects and instruments were used in clever ways, and that gave the album its unique feel. The prism cover is now famous around the world.

Even years later, the album still sells and reaches new fans. People enjoy how it makes them think and feel while listening. It’s a true rock classic.

4. The Bodyguard Soundtrack (1992) by Whitney Houston / Various Artists

The_Bodyguard_Soundtrack_1992_by_Whitney_Houston_Various_Artists

Genre: Pop / R&B
Estimated Sales: Over 45 million copies worldwide

The Bodyguard Soundtrack became known for its powerful vocals. Whitney Houston led the album with her version of “I Will Always Love You,” a song full of feeling and strength.

The album mixed love songs and pop hits, each carried by her strong voice. Since it came out alongside the movie The Bodyguard, fans connected with both the film and the music.

The album reached people across the world and stayed at the top of the charts for weeks. Even now, it remains one of the most popular soundtracks ever and helped show how music and movies can connect deeply.

5. Bat Out of Hell (1977) by Meat Loaf

Bat_Out_of_Hell_1977_by_Meat_Loaf

Genre: Rock / Theatrical Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 43 million copies worldwide

Bat Out of Hell brought big emotion and sound to rock music. Meat Loaf sang each song with dramatic power, and every track felt like part of a story. Songs like “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” stood out for their length and bold changes in sound.

The album mixed rock, pop, and even a little theater. It was different from most other music at the time. Many people were drawn to its wild style and huge sound. Fans loved how the music felt real and full of life. Over time, the album became a rock favorite that still holds up.

6. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) by Eagles

Their_Greatest_Hits_19711975_by_Eagles

Genre: Rock / Country Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 42 million copies worldwide

Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) brought together some of the best songs from the Eagles’ early years. Tracks like “Take It Easy,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and “Desperado” gave fans a calm, easy-to-listen-to sound. The mix of rock and country made the songs feel warm and familiar.

Each song was simple yet strong, with clear vocals and good guitar work. This collection made it easier for people to enjoy all their favorites in one place.

It became a must-have for both new fans and longtime listeners. Even decades later, it continues to be one of the most played albums in country homes.

7. Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (1977) by Bee Gees / Various Artists

Saturday_Night_Fever_Soundtrack_1977_by_Bee_Gees_Various_Artists

Genre: Disco
Estimated Sales: Over 40 million copies worldwide

Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack helped make disco music popular around the world. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” had fast beats and catchy rhythms. The Bee Gees led many of the tracks, and their high-pitched vocals became a signature sound.

The music matched the movie’s fun, high-energy scenes and brought people onto the dance floor. Even those who didn’t go to discos enjoyed the songs at home or at parties. It remains one of the most popular soundtracks in music history.

8. Rumours (1977) by Fleetwood Mac

Rumours_1977_by_Fleetwood_Mac

Genre: Rock / Soft Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 40 million copies worldwide

Rumours were made during a hard time for Fleetwood Mac. The band members were going through personal struggles, but they still came together to make music.

That pain and truth came out in their songs. Tracks like “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “The Chain” show real feelings through clear words and beautiful harmony. The music is soft but strong, and each song adds to the full album.

People could hear the emotions in every note. The honesty in the lyrics made the album easy to relate to. Even now, it’s one of the most respected albums in rock.

9. Come On Over (1997) by Shania Twain

Come_On_Over_1997_by_Shania_Twain

Genre: Country / Pop
Estimated Sales: Over 40 million copies worldwide

Come On Over brought country music to the pop crowd. Shania Twain mixed fun lyrics, strong vocals, and catchy beats in a way that made people want to listen. Songs like “You’re Still the One,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much” were played everywhere.

The album had something for everyone, whether you liked country, pop, or just a fun sound. It helped make Shania a star around the world and showed that country music could reach far beyond its usual fans.

The album remained on the charts for a long time and is still played today.

10. Grease Soundtrack (1978) by Various Artists

Grease_Soundtrack_1978_by_Various_Artists

Genre: Pop / Rock
Estimated Sales: Over 38 million copies worldwide

Grease Soundtrack captured the upbeat mood of the movie and brought it into people’s homes. Songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Greased Lightnin’” were fun, energetic, and easy to sing along with.

The album brought together pop and rock sounds with a 1950s vibe. It became a hit with people of all ages. Fans of the movie loved being able to enjoy the songs at any time, and others appreciated the fun and happy sound on its own.

The album has maintained its popularity over the years and remains a must-play, even for newer artists who cover the soundtrack at their concerts.

Best-Selling Albums by Decade

Let’s take a closer look at which albums sold the most in each decade. The table below displays the top names, their release years, and the number of copies they sold worldwide.

Decade Album Artist Year Estimated Sales
1970s The Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd 1973 Over 50 million copies
Bat Out of Hell Meat Loaf 1977 Over 43 million copies
Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) Eagles 1976 Over 42 million copies
Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Bee Gees / Various Artists 1977 Over 40 million copies
Rumours Fleetwood Mac 1977 Over 40 million copies
1980s Thriller Michael Jackson 1982 Over 70 million copies
Back in Black AC/DC 1980 Over 50 million copies
The Bodyguard Soundtrack Whitney Houston / Various 1992* Over 45 million copies
Appetite for Destruction Guns N’ Roses 1987 Over 30 million copies
Brothers in Arms Dire Straits 1985 Over 30 million copies
1990s Come On Over Shania Twain 1997 Over 40 million copies
Millennium Backstreet Boys 1999 Over 40 million copies
Jagged Little Pill Alanis Morissette 1995 Over 33 million copies
Falling into You Celine Dion 1996 Over 32 million copies
Metallica Metallica 1991 Over 31 million copies
2000s The Marshall Mathers LP Eminem 2000 Over 32 million copies
1 The Beatles 2000 Over 31 million copies
Come Away with Me Norah Jones 2002 Over 27 million copies
Hybrid Theory Linkin Park 2000 Over 27 million copies
A Rush of Blood to the Head Coldplay 2002 Over 20 million copies
2010s 21 Adele 2011 Over 31 million copies
25 Adele 2015 Over 22 million copies
÷ (Divide) Ed Sheeran 2017 Over 15 million copies
1989 Taylor Swift 2014 Over 10 million copies
Beerbongs & Bentleys Post Malone 2018 Over 8 million copies
2020s 30 Adele 2021 Over 5 million copies
Un Verano Sin Ti Bad Bunny 2022 Over 4 million copies
Map of the Soul: 7 BTS 2020 Over 7 million copies
Midnights Taylor Swift 2022 Over 3 million copies
Harry’s House Harry Styles 2022 Over 2 million copies

Though “The Bodyguard” soundtrack was released in 1992, it is grouped with 1980s albums due to stylistic similarity and legacy across that decade.

Conclusion

You’ve just seen the top 10 best-selling albums of all time and learned why these records stand out. Each one has connected with people in different ways through sound, lyrics, and the memories they create.

Take a minute to think about which albums have meant the most to you. Maybe one from the list brought something back. Or maybe you found one to listen to next.

Music has a way of finding a belonging with us. That’s what makes songs from these albums stay in playlists to this day.

If this got you thinking about music you love, keep going. There’s more to read and more to learn.

Check out other blogs on the website for more easy-to-follow lists, music facts, and stories that matter to fans like you.

Picture of Maria Hazel

Maria Hazel

Maria Hazel’s prized possession is the Guinness book from 1998, where she first read about Thriller’s sales. That curiosity led her to a Master’s in Music Industry Analytics at NYU. She has inspected warehouse inventories, barcode logs, and even estate ledgers to verify numbers. On this website, Maria compiles statistics such as sales milestones and key counts into concise stories that collectors and casual fans can trust.

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