List of best-selling albums

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This is a list of the world's best-selling albums of recorded music. The criteria are that the figure must have been published by a reliable source and the album must have sold at least 20 million copies worldwide. This list can contain any types of albums, including studio albums, greatest hits, compilations, various artists, soundtracks and remixes. The figures given do not take into account the resale of used albums.

All albums included on this list have their available claimed figure(s) supported by at least 30% in certified copies. The percentage amount of certified sales needed increases the newer the album is, so albums released before 1975 are only expected to have their claimed figures supported by at least 30% in certified copies. However, newer albums, such as 21 and Come Away with Me, are expected to have their claimed figures supported by at least 70% in certified copies. Certified copies are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. This is the reason why albums that would otherwise make the list, such as The Sound of Music, Parallel Lines, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Spirits Having Flown, Janet, Believe, Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Human Clay, and Back to Black, have not been included.

As a result of the methodology that the American and Canadian certification-awarding bodies (the RIAA and Music Canada respectively) use, each disc in a multi-disc set is counted as one unit toward certification, leading to many double albums on the list—such as Pink Floyd's The Wall and the Beatles' The Beatles—being certified with a number double the number of copies sold there. Such albums have the certifications for the number of copies (not discs) shipped indicated. Conversely, the American certification level for double albums that fit onto one compact disc, such as the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack reflect the actual number of copies sold.

Michael Jackson's Thriller, estimated to have sold 65 million copies worldwide, is the best-selling album.[1][2][3] Although sales estimates for Thriller have been as high as 110 million copies, these sales figures are unreliable.[4] Jackson also currently has the highest number of albums on the list with five, Madonna follows up with four while The Beatles and Celine Dion each have three.

Legend

colors
Studio albums
Greatest hits and compilations
Soundtracks

Groupings are based on different sales benchmarks, the highest being for claims of at least 40 million copies, and the lowest being for claims of 20–29 million copies. Albums are listed in order of number of copies sold and thereafter by the artist's first name.

40 million copies or more

  • Markets' order within the table is based on the number of compact discs sold in each market, largest market at the top and smallest at the bottom.[5]
Rank Artist Album Released Genre Music recording sales certification
List of music recording certifications (millions)		 Sales estimate from United World Chart (millions) Claimed sales (millions)
1. Michael Jackson Thriller 1982 Pop, rock, R&B <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
43.4
* US: 30 million[6]
* JPN: 100,000[7]
* UK: 3.3 million[8]
* GER: 1.5 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 1.12 million[12]
* MEX: 1.6 million[13]
* NLD: 800,000[14]
* ITA: 100,000[15]
* SWE: 400,000[16]
* ARG: 500,000[17]
* SWI: 300,000[18]
* AUT: 400,000[19]
* FIN: 119,061[20]
* NZ: 180,000[21][22]
* IFPI HKG: 15,000[23]
 68 65-70[1][2][3]
2. AC/DC Back in Black 1980 Hard rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
25.9
* US: 22 million[6]
* UK: 100,000[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 600,000[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 840,000[12]
* ITA: 50,000[15]
* ARG: 160,000[24]
* SWI: 100,000[18]
* AUT: 50,000[19]
 36 50[25]
3. Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 1973 Progressive rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
22.7
* US: 15 million[6]
* UK: 2.7 million[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 400,000[10]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 980,000[12]
* ITA: 100,000[15]
* ARG: 120,000[24]
* POL: 70,000[26]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* NZ: 240,000[27]
 44 45[28][29]
4. Whitney Houston / Various artists The Bodyguard 1992 Soundtrack/R&B, soul, pop <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
27.4
* US: 17 million[6]
* JPN: 2 million[30]
* UK: 2.1 million[8]
* GER: 1.5 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 350,000[12]
* BRA: 750,000[31]
* NLD: 100,000[14]
* SWE 100,000[16]
* SPA: 500,000[32]
* ARG: 240,000[24]
* SWI: 250,000[18]
* AUT: 200,000[19]
* NOR: 200,000[33]
* FIN: 92,500[20]
 40 44[34]
5. Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell 1977 Hard rock, progressive rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
20.6
* US: 14 million[6]
* UK: 2.1 million[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 1.68 million[12]
* NZ: 255,000[27]
 30 43[35]
6. Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) 1976 Rock, soft rock, folk rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
32.2
* US: 29 million[6]
* UK: 600,000[8]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 560,000[12]
* IFPI HKG: 15,000[23]
 38 42[36][37]
7. Bee Gees / Various artists Saturday Night Fever 1977 Disco <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19
* US: 15 million[6]
* UK: 500,000[8]
* GER: 1.5 million[9]
* FRA: 200,000[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 770,000[38]
* HKG: 15,000[23]
 38 40[39][40]
8. Fleetwood Mac Rumours 1977 Soft rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
27.9
* US: 20 million[6]
* UK: 3.3 million[8]
* GER: 1.25 million[9]
* FRA: 300,000[41]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 910,000[12]
* NZ: 150,000[42]
* HKG: 15,000[23]
 34 40[43][44]

30–39 million copies

Rank Artist Album Released Genre Music recording sales certification
List of music recording certifications (millions)		 Sales Estimate from United World Chart (millions) Claimed sales (millions)
9. Shania Twain Come On Over 1997 Country, pop <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
29.6
* US: 20 million[6]
* JPN: 100,000 [7]
* UK: 3.3 million[8]
* GER: 750,000[9]
* FRA: 300,000[41]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 1.05 million[12]
* BRA: 100,000[31]
* MEX: 100,000[13]
* NLD: 400,000[14]
* ITA: 50,000[15]
* SWE 180,000[16]
* SPA: 100,000[32]
* BEL: 100,000[45][46]
* ARG: 120,000[24]
* SWI: 150,000[18]
* AUT: 25,000[19]
* NOR: 300,000[33]
* DEN: 100,000[47]
* FIN: 38,958[20]
* NZ: 315,000[22]
 36 39[48][49]
10. Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV 1971 Hard rock, heavy metal <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
29.0
* US: 23 million[6]
* UK: 1.8 million[8]
* GER: 750,000[9]
* FRA: 600,000[41]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 560,000[12]
* BRA: 100,000[31]
* NLD: 100,000[14]
* ARG: 60,000[24]
* SWI: 50,000[18]
 36 37[50]
11. Michael Jackson Bad 1987 Pop, funk, rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
20.3
* US: 9 million[6]
* JPN: 1,000,00,000[51]
* UK: 3.9 million[8]
* GER: 2 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* ITA: 1 million [52]
* CAN: 700,000[11]
* AUS: 420,000[12]
* MEX: 350,000[13]
* SWE 200,000[16]
* SPA: 300,000[32]
* AUT: 200,000[19]
* FIN: 51,287[20]
* NZ: 135,000[53]
* IFPI HKG: 15,000[23]
 34 34-45[54]
12. Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill 1995 Alternative rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
24.8
* US: 16 million[6]
* UK: 3 million[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 300,000[41]
* CAN: 2 million[11]
* AUS: 980,000[12]
* BRA: 500,000[31]
* NLD: 400,000[14]
* SWE 200,000[16]
* ARG: 60,000[24]
* POL: 50,000[26]
* SWI: 50,000[18]
* NOR: 50,000[33]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 65,860[20]
 34 33[55]
13. Celine Dion Falling into You 1996 Pop / Soft rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
20.2
* US: 11 million[6]
* JPN: 800,000[7]
* UK: 2.1 million[8]
* GER: 1.25 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 910,000[12]
* BRA: 100,000[31]
* NLD: 600,000[14]
* SWE: 200,000[16]
* SPA: 200,000[32]
* BEL: 200,000[45]
* ARG: 60,000[24]
* POL: 100,000[26]
* SWI: 150,000[18]
* NOR: 150,000[33]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 51,952[20]
* NZ: 180,000[21]
* HUN: 25,000[56]
 30 32[57]
14. The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 1967 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
13.1
* US: 11 million[6]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* CAN: 800,000[11]
* AUS: 280,000[12]
* BRA: 100,000[31]
* ARG: 300,000[24]
* NZ: 90,000[22]
 32 32[58]
15. Eagles Hotel California 1976 Rock, soft rock, folk rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
21.5
* US: 16 million[6]
* UK: 1.8 million[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 560,000[12]
* SPA: 400,000[32]
* SWI: 100,000[18]
* AUT: 25,000[19]
* FIN: 30,933[20]
* NZ: 135,000[21]
* HKG: 15,000[23]
 30 32[59]
16. Mariah Carey Music Box 1993 Pop / R&B / Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19.0
* US: 10 million[6]
* JPN: 2.2 million[60]
* UK: 1.5 million[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[41]
* CAN: 700,000[11]
* AUS: 860,000[12]
*  BRA: 100,000[31]
* NLD: 600,000[14]
* SPA: 400,000[32]
* AUT 100,000[61]
* SWE 100,000[16]
* SWI: 200,000[18]
* NOR: 50,000[33]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 47,382[20]
 28 32[62][63][64][65]
17. Michael Jackson Dangerous 1991 Rock / Funk / Pop <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
17.6
* US: 7 million[6]
* JPN: 400,000[7]
* UK: 2 million[66]
* GER: 2 million[9]
* FRA: 2 million[67]
* CAN: 600,000[11]
* AUS: 700,000[12]
* BRA: 350,000[68]
* MEX: 600,000[13]
* NLD: 300,000[14]
* SWE 300,000[16]
* SPA: 600,000[32]
* SWI: 250,000[18]
* AUT: 200,000[19]
* FIN: 61,896[20]
* NZ: 90,000[22]
* CHI: 125,000[69]
* MAL: 175,000[70]
 32 32[71]
18. Various artists Dirty Dancing 1987 Pop, rock, R&B <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
17.9
* US: 11 million[6]
* UK: 1.5 million[8]
* GER: 2 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 770,000[12]
* BRA: 100,000[31]
* NLD: 100,000[14]
* SWE 100,000[16]
* POL: 50,000[26]
* SWI: 250,000[18]
* HKG: 7,500[23]
 30 32[72]
19. Celine Dion Let's Talk About Love 1997 Pop / Soft rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19.3
* US: 10 million[6]
* JPN: 1 million[7]
* UK: 1.8 million[8]
* GER: 1.5 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 420,000[12]
* NLD: 500,000[14]
* SWE: 240,000[16]
* SPA: 400,000[32]
* BEL: 200,000[45]
* ARG: 120,000[24]
* POL: 200,000[26]
* SWI: 300,000[18]
* NOR: 200,000[33]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 97,744[20]
* NZ: 135,000[73]
* HKG: 40,000[23]
* URY: 3,000[74]
 32 31[75]
20. The Beatles 1 2000 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
21.6
* US: 11 million[6]
* JPN: 2 million[7]
* UK: 2.4 million[8]
* GER: 1.65 million[9]
* FRA: 600,000[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 700,000[12]
* BRA: 250,000[31]
* ITA: 50,000[15]
* SWE 160,000[16]
* SPA: 500,000[32]
* ARG: 120,000[24]
* POL: 100,000[26]
* SWI: 150,000[18]
* NOR: 150,000[33]
* AUT: 150,000[19]
* DEN: 200,000[76]
* POR: 120,000[77]
* FIN: 77,466[20]
* NZ: 225,000[21]
 34 31[78]
21. Adele 21 2011 Pop, soul <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
22.3
* US: 11 million[6]
* JPN: 100,000[79]
* UK: 4.8 million[8]
* GER: 1.6 million[9]
* CAN: 800,000[11]
* AUS: 980,000[12]
* MEX: 300,000[13]
* NLD: 450,000[80]
* ITA: 480,000[15]
* SWE: 120,000[81]
* SPA: 300,000[32]
* ARG: 80,000[82]
* BEL: 180,000[46]
* POL: 200,000[26]
* SWI: 40,000[18]
* NOR: 30,000[83]
* AUT: 20,000[19]
* RUS: 10,000[84]
* DEN: 150,000[85]
* POR: 40,000[86]
* FIN: 83,234[20]
* IRE: 270,000[87]
* GRE: 6,000[88]
* HUN: 12,000[89]
* NZ: 180,000[90]
* CHI: 20,000[91]
* VEN: 10,000[92]
 28 30[93][94]
22. The Beatles Abbey Road 1969 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
14.4
* US: 12 million[6]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 150,000[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 210,000[12]
* ARG: 500,000[17]
* NZ: 75,000[22]
 28 30[95]
23. Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. 1984 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19.6
* US: 15 million[6]
* UK: 900,000[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 400,000[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 910,000[12]
* FIN: 108,913[20]
* NZ: 240,000[21]
 30 30[96]
24. Dire Straits Brothers in Arms 1985 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
18.6
* US: 9 million[6]
* UK: 4.1 million[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 1 million[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 1.19 million[12]
* ARG: 30,000[24]
* SWI: 300,000[18]
* FIN: 116,784[20]
* NZ: 360,000[27]
* HKG: 15,000[23]
 30 30[97][98]
25. Whitney Houston Whitney Houston 1985 Pop, R&B <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
17.2
* US: 13 million[6]
* UK: 1.8 million[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 100,000[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 280,000[12]
* NLD: 100,000[14]
* SWE 200,000[16]
* BEL: 15,000[45]
* SWI: 50,000[18]
* AUT: 50,000[19]
* NOR: 50,000[33]
* DEN: 10,000
* FIN: 10,000[20]
* NZ: 15,000[21]
* HKG: 20,000[23]
 26 25[99]
26. James Horner Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture 1997 Soundtrack <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
18.1
* US: 11 million[6]
* JPN: 1 million[100]
* UK: 900,000[8]
* GER: 1.25 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 350,000[12]
* NLD: 175,000[14]
* SWE 160,000[16]
* SPA: 400,000[32]
* BEL: 150,000[45]
* POL: 140,000[26]
* ARG: 60,000[24]
* SWI: 200,000[18]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* NOR: 100,000[33]
* FIN: 73,509[20]
* NZ: 60,000[101]
* HKG: 20,000[23]
 28 30[102]
27. Madonna The Immaculate Collection 1990 Pop / Dance <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19.4
* US: 10 million[6]
* JPN: 800,000[7]
* UK: 3.6 million[8]
* GER: 750,000[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 700,000[11]
* AUS: 840,000[103]
* BRA: 500,000[31]
* NLD: 300,000[14]
* SWE 50,000[16]
* SPA: 300,000[32]
* ARG: 180,000[24]
* SWI: 50,000[18]
* AUT: 50,000[19]
* DEN: 50,000[104]
* FIN: 92,500[20]
* NZ: 105,000[21]
 28 30[105]
28. Metallica Metallica 1991 Thrash metal / heavy metal <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
19.9
* US: 16 million[6]
* UK: 300,000[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 300,000[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 560,000[12]
* MEX: 600,000[13]
* NLD: 200,000[14]
* ITA: 50,000[15]
* SWE 100,000[16]
* ARG: 300,000[24]
* POL: 50,000[26]
* SWI: 100,000[18]
* NOR: 50,000[33]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 112,856[20]
* NZ: 150,000[22]
 26 30[106]
29. Nirvana Nevermind 1991 Grunge, alternative rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
16.7
* US: 10 million[6]
26 30[108]
30. Pink Floyd The Wall 1979 Progressive rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
17.6
* US: 11.5 million[6]
* UK: 600,000[8]
* GER: 2 million[9]
* FRA: 1 million[10]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 770,000[12]
* ITA: 100,000[15]
* ARG: 200,000[109]
* POL: 70,000[26]
* SWI: 100,000[18]
* NZ: 210,000[21]
* HKG: 15,000[23]
 32 30[110]
31. Santana Supernatural 1999 Rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
20.5
* US: 15 million[6]
* JPN: 200,000 [7]
* UK: 600,000[8]
* GER: 1 million[9]
* FRA: 600,000[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* AUS: 280,000[12]
* BRA: 250,000[31]
* MEX: 300,000[13]
* NLD: 200,000[14]
* SWE 80,000[16]
* SPA: 300,000[32]
* BEL: 100,000[45]
* ARG: 120,000[24]
* POL: 100,000[26]
* SWI: 200,000[18]
* AUT: 100,000[19]
* FIN: 50,291[20]
* NZ: 60,000[21]
 26 30[111]
32. Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction 1987 Heavy metal / hard rock <templatestyles src="Template:Hidden begin/styles.css"/>
21.3
* US: 18 million[6]
* JPN: 200,000[7]
* UK: 600,000[8]
* GER: 500,000[9]
* FRA: 200,000[41]
* CAN: 1 million[11]
* BRA: 250,000[31]
* MEX: 100,000[13]
* ITA: 50,000[15]
* SWE 50,000[16]
* ARG: 180,000[24]
* SWI: 50,000[18]
* AUT: 50,000[19]
* FIN: 25,000[20]
 30 30[112][113]

20–29 million copies

Rank Artist Album Released Genre Sales Estimate from United World Chart (millions) Sales (millions)[clarification needed] Source
33. ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits 1992 Pop 30 29 [114]
34. Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet 1986 Hard rock 24 28 [115]
35 Spice Girls Spice 1996 Pop 24 28 [116][117]
36. Various artists Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture 1978 Soundtrack 42 28 [118]
37. Britney Spears ...Baby One More Time 1999 Pop 26 28 [119]
38. Linkin Park Hybrid Theory 2000 Nu metal, rap metal, alternative metal 20 27 [120]
39. Bob Marley & The Wailers Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers 1984 Reggae 34 25 [121]
40. Carole King Tapestry 1971 Pop 20 25 [122]
41. Madonna Like a Virgin 1984 Pop, dance 22 25 [123]
42. Madonna True Blue 1986 Pop 24 25 [124]
43. Mariah Carey Daydream 1995 Pop, R&B 22 25 [125]
44. Norah Jones Come Away with Me 2002 Jazz 26 25 [126]
45. Queen Greatest Hits 1981 Rock 30 25 [127]
46. Simon & Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Water 1970 Folk rock 24 25 [128]
47. U2 The Joshua Tree 1987 Rock 30 25 [129]
48. Tina Turner Private Dancer 1984 Pop, rock, R&B 25 25 [130]
49. Backstreet Boys Backstreet's Back / Backstreet Boys 1997 Pop 24 24 [131]
50. Backstreet Boys Millennium 1999 Pop 26 24 [131]
51. Ace of Base Happy Nation/The Sign 1993 Pop 22 23 [132]
52. TLC CrazySexyCool 1994 R&B, hip hop 23 [133]
53. Cyndi Lauper She's So Unusual 1983 New wave, pop rock, synthpop 22 [134]
54. Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? 1995 Britpop, rock 18 22 [135]
55. Bon Jovi Cross Road 1994 Hard rock 22 21 [136]
56. Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2000 Rap, hip-hop 24 21 [137]
57. Dido No Angel 1999 Pop 21 [138]
58. Celine Dion The Colour of My Love 1993 Pop / Soft rock 20 [139]
59. Avril Lavigne Let Go 2002 Pop rock, alternative rock 18 20 [140]
60. Boston Boston 1976 Hard rock 22 20 [141]
61. Britney Spears Oops!... I Did It Again 2000 Pop 24 20 [142]
62. Def Leppard Hysteria 1987 Pop, Hard rock 20 20 [143]
63. Fei Xiang A Voice on the Ocean 1986 Mandopop 20 [144]
64. Eric Clapton Unplugged 1992 Acoustic blues, folk rock 26 20 [145]
65. Lionel Richie Can't Slow Down 1983 Pop, R&B, soul 22 20 [146]
66. Madonna Ray of Light 1998 Pop, Dance, Electronica 20 [147]
67. Michael Jackson HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I 1995 Pop, rock, R&B 22 20 [148]
68. Michael Jackson Off the Wall 1979 Soul, disco, R&B 22 20 [149]
69. Phil Collins No Jacket Required 1985 Pop, Rock 24 20 [150]
70. Prince & The Revolution Purple Rain 1984 Pop, rock, R&B 22 20 [151]
71. Shania Twain The Woman in Me 1995 Country, pop 20 [152]
72. Supertramp Breakfast in America 1979 Progressive rock, art rock 20 20 [153]
73. Toni Braxton Secrets 1996 R&B, Pop 20 [154]
74. Usher Confessions 2004 R&B 20 [155]
75. Green Day Dookie 1994 Pop-punk, punk rock, alternative rock 20 20 [156]
76. Shakira Laundry Service 2001 Pop, Rock 20 [157][158][159]

Best-selling album by year worldwide

The charts of the best-selling albums by year in the world are compiled by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry annually since 2001. These charts are published in their two annual reports, the Digital Music Report and the Recording Industry in Numbers.

Units sold include physical copies and digital downloads.

Year Album Artist/s Nationality Sales
(in millions)		 Source
2001 Hybrid Theory Linkin Park  United States 8.5 [160]
2002 The Eminem Show Eminem  United States 13.9 [161]
2003 Come Away with Me Norah Jones  United States 18.0 [162][163]
2004 Confessions Usher  United States 12.0 [164]
2005 X&Y Coldplay  United Kingdom 8.3 [165]
2006 High School Musical Various Artists — 7.0 [166]
2007 High School Musical 2 Various Artists — 6.0 [167]
2008 Viva la Vida Coldplay  United Kingdom 6.8 [168]
2009 I Dreamed a Dream Susan Boyle  United Kingdom 8.3 [169]
2010 Recovery Eminem  United States 5.7 [170]
2011 21 Adele  United Kingdom 18.1 [161]
2012 8.3 [171]
2013 Midnight Memories One Direction  UK /  Ireland 4.0 [172]
2014 Frozen Various Artists — 10.0 [173]
2015 25 Adele  UK 11.0 [174]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 6.25 6.26 6.27 6.28 6.29 6.30 6.31 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 9.20 9.21 9.22 9.23 9.24 9.25 9.26 9.27 9.28 9.29 9.30 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 11.18 11.19 11.20 11.21 11.22 11.23 11.24 11.25 11.26 11.27 11.28 11.29 11.30 11.31 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 12.20 12.21 12.22 12.23 12.24 12.25 12.26 12.27 12.28 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 16.16 16.17 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ 18.00 18.01 18.02 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06 18.07 18.08 18.09 18.10 18.11 18.12 18.13 18.14 18.15 18.16 18.17 18.18 18.19 18.20 18.21 18.22 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ 19.00 19.01 19.02 19.03 19.04 19.05 19.06 19.07 19.08 19.09 19.10 19.11 19.12 19.13 19.14 19.15 19.16 19.17 19.18 19.19 19.20 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 20.15 20.16 20.17 20.18 20.19 20.20 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 21.9 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 23.11 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ 24.00 24.01 24.02 24.03 24.04 24.05 24.06 24.07 24.08 24.09 24.10 24.11 24.12 24.13 24.14 24.15 24.16 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ 26.00 26.01 26.02 26.03 26.04 26.05 26.06 26.07 26.08 26.09 26.10 26.11 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  31. ↑ 31.00 31.01 31.02 31.03 31.04 31.05 31.06 31.07 31.08 31.09 31.10 31.11 31.12 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 33.5 33.6 33.7 33.8 33.9 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 41.11 41.12 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  51. ↑ http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/ES/MichaelJackson/m_info.html
  52. ↑ http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,24/articleid,0706_01_1995_0125_0064_10427145/
  53. ↑ http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/albums?chart=2047
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  56. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  57. ↑ Falling into You worldwide sales:
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  58. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  60. ↑ http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://web.archive.org/web/20010315021820/www.sanspo.com/enter/music/m98/m1217.html
  61. ↑ http://www.ifpi.at/?section=goldplatin
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  66. ↑ http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards/search.aspx
  67. ↑ http://www.infodisc.fr/CDCertif_Album.php
  68. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20100101203258/http://veja.abril.com.br/arquivo_veja/capa_06101993.shtml
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  74. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  75. ↑ Let's Talk About Love worldwide sales:
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    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  76. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Click on næste to go to page 39 if certification from official website
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  85. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Click on næste to go to page 7 if certification from official website
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  99. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  104. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Click on næste to go to page 35 if certification from official website
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  137. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  138. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  139. ↑ The Colour of My Love worldwide sales:
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
    • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  140. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  141. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  158. ↑ http://www.musicnumb.com/2014/10/shakira-net-worth/
  159. ↑ http://womenfitness.net/news-flash/shakiralooks_dress/
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