8 Best-Selling Music Albums of All Time
From iconic rock anthems to soulful ballads and chart-topping pop hits, these albums have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire listeners worldwide. Join us as we journey through eight of such unforgettable sounds and enduring legacies of these unparalleled masterpieces.
The Eminem Show by Eminem
“The Eminem Show” is the fourth studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was released on May 26, 2002. The album features a diverse range of tracks that delve into various themes, including Eminem’s personal struggles, fame, and social commentary. The album sold 10.13 million copies in 2002 and 2003. This is the fourth studio album of the American rapper, released in 2002. Some of the notable songs on “The Eminem Show” include “Without Me,” “Cleaning Out My Closet,” “Sing for the Moment,” and “Superman.”
21 by Adele
The third studio album of Adele, 21, sold 5.82 million copies in 2011 and 4.41 million copies in 2012. . “21” features songs like “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”. It won six Grammy Awards and became the best-selling album of the 21st century in the US.
Red by Taylor Swift
Red is the fourth studio album of Taylor Swift, released in 2012. It features songs like “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”, and “22”. The album sold 3.11 million copies in 2012 and 1.21 million copies in 2013. It was also nominated for two Grammy Awards and became the fastest-selling album in a decade in the US.
1989 by Taylor Swift
In 2014, Taylor Swift’s “1989” sold 3.66 million copies, followed by 1.99 million copies in 2015. This album, her fifth studio release, features hit tracks such as “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and “Bad Blood.” It garnered three Grammy Awards and held the distinction of being the top-selling album in the US for two consecutive years.
25 by Adele
Adele’s third studio album saw impressive sales of 7.44 million copies in 2015, followed by 4.57 million copies in 2016. Released in 2015, the album includes popular tracks like “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” It garnered widespread praise, earning five Grammy Awards and holding the title of the best-selling album in the US for two consecutive years.
Lemonade by Beyoncé
In 2016, Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” sold 1.55 million copies, followed by 1.18 million copies in 2017. This album marks the American singer’s sixth studio release, featuring standout tracks such as “Formation,” “Sorry,” and “Hold Up.” Alongside the album, Beyoncé released a visual album and a film, resulting in two Grammy Awards.
Reputation by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” sold 1.90 million copies in 2017 and 1.18 million copies in 2018. Released in 2017, this album represents the American singer’s sixth studio release. It includes tracks such as “Look What You Made Me Do,” “…Ready for It?,” and “End Game.” Nominated for one Grammy Award, “Reputation” claimed the title of the best-selling album of 2017 in the US.
Fine Line by Harry Styles
“Fine Line” by Harry Styles is the second studio album by the British singer-songwriter. It was released on December 13, 2019. The album features a mix of pop, rock, and folk influences, showcasing Styles’ versatile musical style. Some of the standout tracks on “Fine Line” include “Watermelon Sugar,” “Adore You,” “Lights Up,” and “Falling.” The album received widespread critical acclaim for its mature songwriting, lush production, and Styles’ captivating vocals. It sold 1.07 million copies in 2020 and 1.04 million copies in 2021.