10 Best-Selling Albums In Music History

It’s not always the case that art reflects its commercial value. While artists such as Frank Zappa could say to you that “Art is moving closer to commercialism and never the twain shall meet,” some still find beauty in handsomely earning money like Andy Warhol, who thought that being good in the business and earning a hefty sum for it is the most fascinating type of art. And therein lies the thin line, these 10 albums contain both principles that people were more than willing to spend bucks to become a part of this cultural phenomenon. Want to know them more? Check them out here.

 

Shania Twain – Come on Over (1997)

It didn’t invoke everybody’s taste in music, but Shania Twain’s Come on Over does have a lot of refreshing and stimulating qualities as a pop album. It’s the first album that gave Twain a time to shine outside her usual country comfort zone.

Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992)

It may sound weird in the first place, but at the height of The Bodyguard fame in 1992, everyone was pretty much hooked on the heroic saga courtesy of Kevin Costner with Whitney Houston as the damsel in distress. Not only that, but Houston hit those high notes better than anyone else it’s hard not to adore her.

Eagles – Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) (1976)

It’s textbook knowledge to assume any greatest hits album to become a part of any best-selling records but there’s something so satisfying when it comes to Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975). Not only did it display their classic gems (for obvious reasons) but it also showcased how quintessential this band has become after all these years.

Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)

We may have varying opinions about Michael Jackson’s Thriller, but we call all admit that at the time of its release, the album is a seminal masterpiece that became the standard for any pop-oriented album in the next generations to come. Plus, the legendary collaboration of former Beatle Paul McCartney who became the first guest artist on any Jackson album was worth all the hype.

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977)

Rumours was conceived when the band’s relationship with their partners was on the brink of separation. This channeled that raw energy and emotions that the people dug so much about the album, and although we’re never grateful for what has happened to them, we, however, were glad to have such powerful artists come together and create this work of a genius.

Meatloaf – Bat Out of Hell (1977)

This is not just an ordinary album; knowing Meatloaf and his efforts to change the face of music, Bat Out of Hell was a mere example of his insatiable attempts to provide such quality music. Lucky for him, all of these paid off—quite handsomely, of course.

Bee Gees and Others – Saturday Night Fever (1977)

You wouldn’t last a minute listening to Saturday Night Fever if you’re the “downer” and the party pooper of your group. And without that emerging disco prototype, there wouldn’t be any dancing highlights made possible under that glowing silver ball on the dance floor.

AC/DC – Back in Black (1980)

There’s just this glow and charm that Back in Black that loyal AC/DC fans, newly acquired AC/DC fans, and even the people who love music so much could agree with. This perhaps is one of the greatest albums of all time, and It’s not hard to hear why.

Eagles – Hotel California (1976)

Here’s the deal: You may be living under a rock for quite some time, but there’s still an ample chance that you might’ve heard that iconic opening line of “Hotel California” and you’d know that it’s that one song from Eagles again. And you either hate or love them; but with album sales exceeding 30 million copies, we know the people were leaning more toward adoring this classic gem.

Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

From start to finish, this album is a poetic magnum opus. It’s not always that we could agree to any progressive songs there is, mainly from the fact that it’s too much to bear on listening alone, but with DSOTM? We find ourselves nodding to it.