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Best-selling albums of all time: Michael Jackson's Thriller tops list
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Michael Jackson's Thriller has sold over 100 million copies.
As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of Michael Jackson, who passed away yesterday at the age of 50, it's remarkable to realize Jackson's album, Thriller (1982), has more than doubled the worldwide album sales of any other artist. Thriller, which includes such indelibly-etched hits as "Beat It," "PYT (Pretty Young Thing)," "Human Nature," and the title track, has sold more than 100 million copies--a mark that will likely never be touched.
The next closest album is AC/DC's first post-Bon Scott album, the classic Back In Black (1980). With new member Brian Johnson on vocals, Back In Black spawned multiple hits including the title song, "Hell's Bells," and "You Shook Me All Night Long," while selling approximately 45 million copies.
Who could have imagined that an artist named after a popular (if often denigrated) meal might hold the number three spot on the all-time album sales list. Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell (1977) has sold 43 million copies. The album only contained seven songs, all written by Jim Steinman, but included major hits like "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" and "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad."
Two movie soundtracks and a greatest hits package are next on the list, all coming in with sales of approximately 42 million. Dirty Dancing (1987) features memorable hits like the Bill Medley-Jennifer Warnes duet, "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life," the sappy-yet-touching Patrick Swayze ballad, " She's Like The Wind," and Eric Carmen's poppy "Hungry Eyes."
The soundtrack to The Bodyguard (1992) featured the movie's star, Whitney Houston, covering the Dolly Parton-penned "I Will Always Love You." The song topped the Billboard charts in 1992, and was followed closely by hits like "I'm Every Woman" and "I Have Nothing."
The Eagles released Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) in 1976. The album showcases the songwriting of band members and future solo artists Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh, as well as non-member Jackson Browne. All ten songs on the album had been big hits (thus, the album title), including "Take It Easy," "Desperado," and "Take It To The Limit."
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