Music has been a companion to humans since time immemorial. From the time of records to tapes to CDs, these albums have created quite a buzz around the world ever since they were released. The everlasting universality of these albums has resulted in them being sold and resold even years after their original release. This list will include the albums that have sold the most units over the years worldwide. Let’s have a look at the most sold albums in the world!
1. Thriller- Micheal Jackson
Units sold (approx.)- 70 million
This masterpiece won no less than 8 Grammy Awards and shined on the Billboard Charts in number position for 37 long weeks! With popular songs such as Beat It, Billie Jean, and the title song Thriller, the album is still quite a rage even though it was released back in 1982.
2. Back in Black- AC/DC
Units sold (approx.)- 50 million
Interestingly, the most selling studio album of the Australian band AC/DC is not Highway to Hell but Back in Black, which was their seventh studio album. It’s difficult to keep track of the number of times that this album has been remastered and reprised.
3. The Bodyguard– Whitney Houston feat. various artists.
Units sold (approx.)- 45 million
The album is composed of the original soundtrack of the movie of the same name. The most famous song on this album is the evergreen song I Will Always Love You. The Bodyguard stands in history as the best-selling album by a woman in history.
4. The Dark Side of The Moon- Pink Floyd
Units sold (approx.)- 44 million
English rock band Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album, The Dark Side of the Moon, was a blockbuster release of the 1970s having sold more than 45 million copies t0 date.
5. Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)– Eagles
Units sold (approx.)- 44 million
It is a compilation album featuring the best of the songs by the American band Eagles from the time of their formation in 1971 to 1975. The album features their biggest hits such as Take It Easy, Desperado, and One of These Nights.
6. Bat Out of Hell- Meat Loaf
Units sold (approx.)- 44 million
Bat Out of Hell is the debut album of Meat Loaf, an American rock singer. It was composed by ace composer Jim Steinman. It is a seminal album of the hard rock and progressive rock genre.
7. Hotel California– Eagles
Units sold (approx.)- 42 million
The popularity of the band Eagles is crazy! Hotel California did not only create a sensation in the United States but all over the world. It is the album through which most people are introduced to rock music.
8. Saturday Night Fever OST- Bee Gees feat. various artists
Units sold (approx.)- 40 million
This album is the most popular Disco album of all time. It stayed atop the Billboard album charts for 24 long weeks and created a buzz across the world. The most famous song from the album is Stayin’ Alive.
9. Rumours- Fleetwood Mac
Units sold (approx.)- 40 million
This pop-rock/soft-rock album is the eleventh studio album of the Fleetwood Mac band. The album sold 10 million copies within a month of its release.
10. Come On Over- Shania Twain
Units sold (approx.)- 40 million
This particular country album is special for so many reasons. It is the only is the most sold album by a solo female artist, the most sold country album, and also the most sold Canadian album.
11. Grease OST- Various artists
Units sold (approx.)- 38 million
The popularity of this classic Hollywood musical is undeniable. It was released in 1978 and is still a fan favourite. The original soundtrack of this movie was as popular back then as it is now. From You’re the One That I Want to Summer Nights to the title song, this album is a must-listen.
Also read: 15 Best Hollywood Musicals You Must Watch If You Love Music!
12. Led Zeppelin IV- Led Zeppelin
Units sold (approx.)- 37 million
The storm that was Led Zeppelin was already a favourite of many, but the band achieved its peak with their fourth studio album, i.e., Led Zeppelin IV, conveniently named.
13. Bad- Micheal Jackson
Units sold (approx.)- 35 million
5 years after the release of the record-breaking album Thriller, Micheal Jackson released another gem in the form of this one. In the US, Bad sold 2 million copies within a week of its release. This album has the masterpieces Smooth Criminal and The Way You Make Me Feel in it.
14. Dirty Dancing OST- Various artists
Units sold (approx.)- 32 million
The original soundtrack album of the movie Dirty Dancing is one of the best-selling albums of all time. Find me one person who hasn’t heard the song I’ve had the time of my life. The album was released in 1987 along with the movie and had a follow-up album named More Dirty Dancing in 1988.
15. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band- The Beatles
Units sold (approx.)- 32 million
Winner of 4 Grammy Awards, this is the most successful album of the English band The Beatles. It was released back in 1967 but the songs are still as fresh as the day is new.
So, these were some of the most popular and the most sold albums in the world! Which of these copies do you have in possession, or would like to own one someday? Do let us know in the comments section.