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List of best-selling albums worldwide

This is a list of the world's best-selling albums. The criteria are that the figure must have been published by a reliable source and the album must have sold at least 20 million copies worldwide. Most albums have different estimates of sales. In this list, the highest sales reported for an album is added to the list. Groupings are based on different sales benchmarks. The highest benchmark is for claims of at least 100 million copies, and the lowest are for claims of 20–29 million copies. Albums are listed in order of number of copies sold and by the artist's first name. This list contains all types of albums, including studio, greatest hits, compilation, various artists, soundtrack and remix.

A number of issues make exact figures difficult to calculate, as historical data before the 1980s and from developing countries is incomplete. Also, fans, record companies and the media are prone to making the sales figures higher than they actually are to boost the image of the act. The list also does not take into account the resale of used albums or as the emergence of illegal downloading of digital music.

Michael Jackson's Thriller is the best selling album of all time. The album is cited as selling as many as 110 million copies worldwide.[1]

Legend

Colors

Studio Albums

Greatest Hits & Compilations

Soundtracks

Over 50 million copies

Artist Album Released Genre Sales (millions) Source
Michael Jackson Thriller 1982 Pop / R&B / Rock 130 [1][2]

40–49 million copies

Artist Album Released Genre Sales (millions) Source
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 1973 Progressive rock 50 [3]
AC/DC Back in Black 1980 Hard rock / Heavy metal 49 [4]
Whitney Houston / Various artists The Bodyguard 1992 Soundtrack 44 [5]
Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell 1977 Rock 43 [6]
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) 1976 Rock 42 [1]
Various artists Dirty Dancing 1987 Dance / Pop 42 [7]
Backstreet Boys Millennium 1999 Pop 40 [8]
Bee Gees / Various artists Saturday Night Fever 1977 Disco 40 [9]
Fleetwood Mac Rumours 1977 Rock 40 [10]

30–39 million copies

Artist Album Released Genre Sales (millions) Source
Michael Jackson Bad 1987 Pop / R&B 39 [11]
Shania Twain Come On Over 1997 Country / Pop 39 [12]
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV 1971 Hard rock / Heavy metal 37 [13]
Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill 1995 Rock 33 [14]
Michael Jackson Dangerous 1991 Pop / R&B / New jack swing 32 [11]
The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 1967 Rock 32 [15]
Celine Dion Falling into You 1996 Pop 32 [16]
Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2000 Hip Hop 32 [17]
Mariah Carey Music Box 1993 Pop / R&B 32 [18]
The Beatles 1 2000 Rock 31 [19]
Celine Dion Let's Talk About Love 1997 Pop 31 [20]
Adele 21 2011 Pop/Soul 31 [21]
Britney Spears ...Baby One More Time 1999 Pop 30 [22]
Bee Gees Spirits Having Flown 1979 Disco / Pop 30 [23]
Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. 1984 Rock 30 [24]
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms 1985 Rock 30 [25]
James Horner Titanic 1997 Soundtrack 30 [26]
Madonna The Immaculate Collection 1990 Pop / Dance 30 [27]
Pink Floyd The Wall 1979 Progressive rock 30 [28]

20–29 million copies

Artist Album Released Genre Sales (millions) Source
ABBA ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits 1992 Pop 28 [29]
Backstreet Boys Backstreet's Back 1997 Rock 28 [30]
Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet 1986 Hard rock 28 [31]
Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction 1987 Hard rock / Heavy metal 28 [32]
Various artists Grease 1978 Pop 28 [26]
Eminem The Eminem Show 2002 Hip Hop 27 [17]
Santana Supernatural 1999 Rock 27 [33]
Nirvana Nevermind 1991 Grunge / Alternative rock 26 [34]
Carole King Tapestry 1971 Pop 25 [35][36]
Iron Butterfly In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 1968 Rock 25 [37]
Mariah Carey Daydream 1995 Pop / R&B 25 [38]
Queen Greatest Hits 1981 Rock 25 [39]
Simon & Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Water 1970 Folk Rock 25 [40]
U2 The Joshua Tree 1987 Rock 25 [41]
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston 1985 Pop / R&B 25 [42]
Backstreet Boys Black & Blue 2000 Pop 24 [30]
Linkin Park Hybrid Theory 2000 Nu metal / Rap metal / Alternative rock 24 [43]
Madonna True Blue 1986 Pop 24 [44]
Britney Spears Oops!...I Did It Again 2000 Pop 24 [45]
Ace of Base Happy Nation/The Sign 1994 Pop 23 [46]
Spice Girls Spice 1996 Pop 23 [47]
Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? 1995 Britpop / Rock 22 [48][49]
Dido No Angel 1999 Pop 21 [50]
Madonna Like A Virgin 1984 Pop / Dance 21 [51]
Andrea Bocelli Romanza 1997 Pop / Operatic Pop 20 [52]
Billy Ray Cyrus Some Gave All 1992 Country 20 [53]
Bob Marley & The Wailers Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers 1984 Reggae 20 [54]
Blondie Parallel Lines 1978 Rock 20 [55]
Bon Jovi Cross Road 1994 Rock 20 [56]
Cher Believe 1999 Pop 20 [57]
Def Leppard Hysteria 1987 Rock 20 [58]
George Michael Faith 1987 Pop / R&B 20 [59]
Janet Jackson janet. 1993 Pop / R&B 20 [60]
Madonna Ray of Light 1998 Pop / Electronic 20 [61]
Mariah Carey #1's 1998 Pop / R&B 20 [62]
Michael Jackson HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I 1995 Pop/Rock/R&B 20 [63]
Michael Jackson Off the Wall 1979 Pop/Disco/R&B 20 [63]
Norah Jones Come Away with Me 2002 Jazz 20 [64]
Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain 1984 Rock 20 [26]
Spice Girls Spiceworld 1997 Pop 20 [65]
Tina Turner Private Dancer 1984 Rock 20 [66]
Usher Confessions 2004 R&B 20 [67]

Related pages

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Anderson, Kyle (July 20, 2009). "Michael Jackson's Thriller Set To Become Top-Selling Album Of All Time". MTV (MTV Network). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1616537/20090720/jackson_michael.jhtml. Retrieved December 29, 2009. 
  2. ↑ "Michael Jackson Photo Gallery 迈克•杰克逊影集". BBC China. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  3. ↑ Beech, Mark (27 September 2011). Pink Floyd Money Machine Leads Elvis, Nirvana, U2 in CD Battle. London: www.bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-26/pink-floyd-money-machine-leads-elvis-nirvana-u2-in-cd-battle.html. Retrieved 2011-12-31. 
  4. ↑ Levine, Robert (2008-10-12). "Ageless and Defiant, AC/DC Stays on Top Without Going Digital". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html?pagewanted=all. Retrieved 2009-07-18. 
  5. ↑ Harris, Lew (31 August 2009). "Is It Too Late for Whitney's Comeback?".
  6. ↑ "DAS Communications' Artists Dominate Global Music Charts". Reuters. 2009-06-16. https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS188473+16-Jun-2009+PRN20090616. Retrieved 2009-08-07. 
  7. ↑ Lee, Veronica (2006-09-22). "'There's a secret dancer inside us all'". The Daily Telegraph (London). https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/3655489/Theres-a-secret-dancer-inside-us-all.html. Retrieved 2009-05-03. 
  8. ↑ "The boys are back". The Korea Times. 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  9. ↑ Reporter, Staff (2003-12-01). "Bee Gees' Maurice Gibb dies". USA Today (Gannett Company). https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2003-01-12-maurice-gibbs-obit_x.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-23. 
  10. ↑ "Stars Salute 'Rumours'". Billboard Bulletin, page 7. 6 February 1998. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Montgomery, James (2009-07-06). "Jackson earns nickname "Wacko Jacko" while still releasing #1 albums". MTV (MTV Networks). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615214/20090702/jackson_michael.jhtml. Retrieved 2010-03-25. 
  12. ↑ Harris, Bill (2005-11-07). "Biopic looks at Twain's early years". Jam! (Canadian Online Explorer). http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2005/11/06/1295562.html. Retrieved 2010-03-23. 
  13. ↑ "Led Zeppelin: A complete guide to the band's studio albums". The Independent (London). 2007-12-07. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-a-complete-guide-to-the-bands-studio-albums-763440.html. Retrieved 2007-12-07. 
  14. ↑ Montgomery, James (2010-02-01). "'You Oughta Know': The Story Behind Beyonce's Grammy Cover". MTV (MTV Network). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630912/20100201/knowles_beyonce.jhtml. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  15. ↑ Parker, Al (2009-08-09). "10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Best-Selling Albums". Jam! (Canadian Online Explorer). http://blog.canoe.ca/parker/2009/08/09/10_things_you_probably_don_t_know_about__1. Retrieved 2010-03-23. 
  16. ↑ Reporter, Metro (2010-03-08). "Oscars 2010 special: Avatar v The Hurt Locker v Inglourious Basterds v Up In The Air". Metro.co.uk (Associated Newspapers). http://www.metro.co.uk/metrolife/film/812414-metro-film-fight-club-avatar-v-the-hurt-locker-v-inglourious-basterds-v-up-in-the-air. Retrieved 2010-03-23. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Eminem music to hit stock exchange in deal offered by his producers". 25 September 2017.
  18. ↑ https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800019644/bio%7C
  19. ↑ Lewis, Randy (8 April 2009). "Beatles' catalog will be reissued September 9 in remastered versions". Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-beatles8-2009apr08,0,242705.story. Retrieved 2009-05-02. 
  20. ↑ Anderson, Jason (2009-06-15). "Learning to Love Celine Dion". The Globe and Mail (CTVglobemedia Inc.). https://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/learning-to-love-cline-dion/article16178/. Retrieved 2009-12-27. 
  21. ↑ {{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-adele-idUSKBN12V20I|title=Adele says she battled depression, before and after son's birth|date=31 October 2016|publisher=FOX News Network, LLC|accessdate=14 Feb 2017}}
  22. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195283,00.html|title=Britney Spears' Biography|date=4 February 2008|publisher=FOX News Network, LLC|accessdate=2008-05-03}}
  23. ↑ "The Bee Gees on MSN Music". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2012-04-04. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  24. ↑ "Born In The USA". Virgin. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  25. ↑ Mark Knopfler hurt in crash. BBC. 18 March 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2859527.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Those chart busters". The Hindustan Times. 2008-12-09. Archived from the original on 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
  27. ↑ Kawaguchi, Judith (2007-10-23). "Words to Live by: Goh Hotoda". The Japan Times (Toshiaki Ogasawara). http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20071113jk.html. Retrieved 2009-12-02. 
  28. ↑ "On this day in entertainment, November 30, 2006". Metro.co.uk. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  29. ↑ Ulvaeus, Bjrn (2009-09-12). Filesharing is defended by gigging performers, but who pays the songwriter?. London: TimesOnline. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6831436.ece. Retrieved 2009-09-16. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Taking It Back". Daily Record. 26 Oct 2007. Retrieved 04 Dec 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  31. ↑ Thompson, Bronwyn (2008-01-29). "On a steel horse Bon Jovi rides to top of the charts". The Daily Telegraph. http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23122302-5001026,00.html. Retrieved 2008-06-04. 
  32. ↑ "Guns N' Roses New Album Looms". Sky News. 23 October 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  33. ↑ "Pete Ganbarg Named Atlantic Executive VP of A&R". Warner Music Group. 2008-11-24. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  34. ↑ Thomas, Lou (23 April 2007). "Nirvana, Nevermind". BBC. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  35. ↑ "Carole King – Tapestry". Uncut. http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/carole_king/reviews/11943. Retrieved 2010-05-27. 
  36. ↑ "James Taylor and Carole King announce "troubadour reunion" world tour 2010". CaroleKing.com. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
  37. ↑ Stetz, Michael (2006-04-02). "Iron Butterfly's in an IRA ad? Bummer". Sign on Sandiego. Retrieved 2008-05-30.
  38. ↑ "Mariah Carey's News". The London Paper. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
  39. ↑ Photo Gallary - 50 years of pop. BBC. 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/entertainment/2002/jubilee/popup/5.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-18. 
  40. ↑ "Simon and Garfunkel heading to NZ". The New Zealand Herald. 2009-04-02. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
  41. ↑ "The Joshua Tree". Virgin. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  42. ↑ "Whitney Houston". Music Fix, MSN. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
  43. ↑ "Linkin Park headlines Live Earth Tokyo". Live Earth, LLC. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  44. ↑ Sandall, Robert (2009-04-05). "Why Madonna's still a material girl". The Times (London: News Corporation). http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6015124.ece. Retrieved 2009-04-16. 
  45. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  46. ↑ "Ace of Base [[Digital Spy]]". DigitalSpy. Retrieved 2008-11-30. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  47. ↑ Spice Girls Timeline. BBC. 2007-02-19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6251176.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-18. 
  48. ↑ Hattenstone, Simon (6 December 2008). "'Who wants to be a drug addict at 41?'". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/dec/06/noel-gallagher-oasis. Retrieved 2008-08-31. 
  49. ↑ Pisa, Nick (2010-02-14). "Brit Pope: Oasis named in Vatican's top ten albums". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1250950/Brit-Pope-Vatican-puts-Oasis-albums-time.html. Retrieved 2010-03-31. 
  50. ↑ Paphides, Peter (25 March 2005). Music to watch girls by. London: Times Newspapers, Ltd.. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article437174.ece. Retrieved 2008-05-15. 
  51. ↑ "Contrasting fortunes as Madonna, Jacko turn 50". ABC. 15 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  52. ↑ Joy, Kevin (2011-11-27). "Crossover superstar Andrea Bocelli finds beauty in wide range of music". The Columbus Dispatch. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2011/11/27/timeless-tenor.html. Retrieved 2011-11-27. 
  53. ↑ "Billy Ray Cyrus appeals to a whole new crowd". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2009-04-10. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  54. ↑ "Top Earners for 2004". Forbes. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  55. ↑ "Blondie celebrating 30th birthday of 'Parallel Lines'". AzCentral. 20 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  56. ↑ Neil Daniels (2008). Bon Jovi Bon Jovi Encyclopaedia. Chrome Dreams, UK. ISBN 9-7818-424-0464-5.
  57. ↑ "Don't Call it a Comeback". Rolling Stone. 23 January 2007. Archived from the original on 2009-05-16. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  58. ↑ "One Giant Leppard". NZ Herald. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  59. ↑ "George Micahel at HP Pavilion at San Jose". Yahoo Inc. 24 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  60. ↑ "Janet Jackson set for return to form". ABC News. 2008-01-22. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
  61. ↑ Reporter, BBC (2008-08-15). "Madonna: mad for fame at 40". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/150058.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-16. 
  62. ↑ Shapiro, Marc. Mariah Carey (2001). pg. 117. UK: ECW Press, Canada. ISBN 1-55022-444-1.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 "Michael Jackson: list of his records". The Daily Telegraph (London: Telegraph Media Group). 2009-06-26. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5652780/Michael-Jackson-list-of-his-records.html. Retrieved 2010-03-25. 
  64. ↑ "EMI Music Publishing extends its publishing partnership with Norah Jones". EMI Music. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  65. ↑ Sinclair, David (2007-06-28). The Prefab Five are back. Are you ready?. London: The Times. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1994828.ece?pgnum=7. Retrieved 2008-07-17. 
  66. ↑ Gannon, Louise (2008-10-19). "Free CD of Tina Turner's Private Dancer in today's Mail on Sunday". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1076312/Free-CD-Tina-Turners-Private-Dancer-todays-Mail-Sunday.html. Retrieved 2010-03-25. 
  67. ↑ "Usher". EMI Music Publishing. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
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