The following are the ten best selling albums worldwide of all time using verified sales records. While all of the highest sellers are rumored to have sold tens of millions more than their official totals, they are listed in the order of verified sales.
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10. Saturday Night Fever – The Bee Gees and other artists
WikipediaComing out at the height of the disco era in 1977, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ encapsulated a generation and featured many hits such as ‘Disco Inferno’, ‘Staying Alive’ and the title track. Officially, it has sold nearly 20 million copies.
9. Bat Out of Hell – Meatloaf
An unlikely title with an equally unlikely singing presence, Meatloaf managed to create a near theater rock sound that was led by ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’. Currently, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ has sold just over 20 million copies.
8. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
An expressive, almost experimental album that reached many different audiences, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ managed to stay on the charts for many years thanks to the incredible atmosphere that it created. Released in 1973, the album proved to be the real breakthrough for Pink Floyd selling nearly 23 million copies worldwide.
7. The Bodyguard – Whitney Houston and other artists
The second soundtrack on the list, this 1992 album was highlighted by Whitney Houston’s cover of ‘I Will Always Love You’ which was originally a song performed by Dolly Parton. The success of the soundtrack around the world has been phenomenal with sales going over 27 million.
6. Back in Black – AC/DC
In 1980, the most famous rock band from Down Under scored an incredible hit album. The title track along with ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ are huge hits that still resonate today. The band had undergone a major change with the death of lead singer Bon Scott, his replacement Brian Johnson was the perfect fit resulting in nearly 26 million sales.
5. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
AllMusicReleased in 1977, Rumours dominated the charts with one hit after another, including ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Go Your Own Way’, and ‘You Make Loving Fun’. The strife and personal conflict between the band members only fueled the album’s remarkable success pushing it to nearly 28 million sales world-wide.
4. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
Interestingly enough, there is no official title to the album, but it became a must-have for rock fans since its release in 1971. The single ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is arguably the greatest and most recognizable song of the 70s. This iconic album skyrocketed with 29 million sales.
3. Come On Over – Shania Twain
The only country entry on the list, this remarkable album sealed the fame of Shania Twain and has sold a whopping 29.6 million albums since its release in 1997.
2. Their Greatest Hits – The Eagles
One of the most popular bands of the 1970s, their greatest hits collection is only the second album to break 30 million sales and today stands at just over 32 million.
1. Thriller – Michael Jackson
WikipediaNo need to expound on the biggest selling album of all time. This musical juggernaut featured several number one hits including ‘Billie Jean’ and the title track. Released in 1982, ‘Thriller’ dominated the charts for the rest of the year and has to date sold just over 48 million copies, some 16 million copies above the second place entry.
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So there’s our top 10’s list of the best selling albums of all time. Did this listicle make you want to blow the dust of some old classics and shimmy around the room? If yes, then send pics to our Twitter and Facebook.
