There have been some classic music albums released over the years and many have gone on to great commercial and critical acclaim. Those that have become the most successful were produced by some of the best known names in pop and rock.
10 Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf – 34 million copies
Meat Loaf came to fame in the 1970s and Bat Out of Hell was when he really started to make a name for himself. Released in 1977, it spawned a number of hit singles including You Took the Words Right of My Mouth (Long Hot Summer) and the title track Bat Out of Hell. In all there were seven tracks included, with the rock sound still as iconic today as when it was first released.
9 Led Zepplin IV- Led Zepplin – 37 million copies
This album is unusual in that no title was shown on the cover and since it was the fourth that the band produced, it became best known as Led Zepplin IV. It was released in 1971 and other names used for it include ZoSo, Untitled and The Fourth Album. It includes the most famous Led Zepplin song, Stairway to Heaven, as well as Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop and Black Dog.
8 Come on Over – Shania Twain – 39 million copies
The best selling album by a female singer is Come on Over by Shania Twain. The original version came out in 1997 and included an impressive sixteen tracks. Twelve of these were released as singles, with the most successful including That Don’t Impress Me Much, You’re Still the One and Man! I Feel Like a Woman. This album also ranks as one of the most successful country albums of all time and mixed country with pop for the classic Shania Twain sound.
7 The Bodyguard – Whitney Houston / Various Artists – 40 million copies
This album was the soundtrack for the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Houston also recorded tracks for the album, with the first side featuring her songs. The most famous is the cover of the Dolly Parton classic, I Will Always Love You, with others including I’m Every Woman and Queen of the Night. Other artists featured on the record include Kenny G, Lisa Stansfield and Curtis Stigers.
6 Rumours – Fleetwood Mac – 40 million copies
Fleetwood Mac were formed in 1967 and enjoyed two periods of commercial success. The second of these started around 1975 and led to the release of their most popular album, Rumours, in 1977. This was the bands eleventh album and it features some of their best singles, including Go Your Own Way, Dreams and Don’t Stop. The album reached the top of the charts in both Britain and America and was a commercial success around the world.
5 Saturday Night Fever – Bee Gees – 40million copies
Saturday Night Fever was the classic 1977 disco movie that helped shoot John Travolta to fame. The soundtrack for the movie was as successful as the movie and spawned some of the best known disco tracks ever. This included the Bee Gees songs Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than a Woman and How Deep is Your Love. Other artists that were featured include Yvonne Elliman, KC and the Sunshine Band and The Trammps.
4 Back in Black – AC/DC – 40 million copies
The most successful hard rock album ever is Back in Black by AC/DC. Released in 1980, it was the first by the group after the death of original singer Bon Scott. After considering disbanding they decided to continue, with Brian Johnson coming in as lead singer. He helped record classic AC/DC tracks Back in Black, Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution and You Shook Me All Night Long. The album was dedicated to Bon Scott and is an AC/DC classic.
3 Their Greatest Hits (1971 – 1975) – Eagles – 42 million copies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-NlR54PqLw&list=PLgaFNC_I_ZklBw2xi2L0dNP2rLl7f_l5C
The Eagles are one of the most famous American rock bands and the singles they produced between 1971 and 1975 were put together to make this 1976 compilation album. It contains classic tracks One of These Nights, Desperado and Tequila Sunrise amongst the ten singles included and this helped it become one of the biggest selling albums of all time.
2 The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd -45 million copies
The Dark Side of the Moon was the eighth album by Pink Floyd and is the one they are best remembered for. It was released in 1973 and is one of the greatest examples of the progressive rock movement of that era. The tracks were written and developed during live concert performances before the band recorded them for the album. Advanced recording techniques of the time helped shape the sound, with ten songs included on the album and two of these, Money and Time, released as singles.
1 Thriller – Michael Jackson – 65 million copies
The best selling album of all time comes from the King of Pop, with Thriller by Michael Jackson having over 42 million certified sales to date. The album came out in 1982, with seven of the nine tracks on it being released as singles. The best of these include the title track Thriller, as well as Billie Jean, Beat It, The Girl is Mine and Wanna Be Startin’ Something. While Jackson may no longer be with us, his memory lives on in his music and he holds the record for the best selling album ever with Thriller.
