50 Best Selling Albums Ever

It’s not easy to sell a lot of music. So to become the best selling out of the millions of albums released across all time, you know every mention on this list is very special and worth listening to. Here are the best selling albums ever.

50. “No Jacket Required” by Phil Collins

Album year: 1985

“No Jacket Required” was the third solo album by Phil Collins. It was released in 1985 and was incredibly critically and commercially successful. It’s still considered Collins’ best release. It is primarily a pop-rock album with some other elements intertwined, including R&B and dance.

After its release, the album was number one in multiple countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., and sold around 25 million copies. Some of the album hits were “One More Night” and “Who Said I Would.” This is, to this day, considered to be an important album and one that is well worth listening to if you’ve never heard it before.

49. “Yourself or Someone Like You” by Matchbox Twenty

Album year: 1996

“Yourself or Someone Like You” is another incredibly popular album that is regarded as the 49th best selling album of all time. The album was released in 1996 and is characterized by the band’s melodies and guitar rock.

It was one of the year's best selling albums and spent nearly 100 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Today, the album is best known for including the songs “Yourself or Someone Like You” and “Push.”

48. “Led Zeppelin II” by Led Zeppelin

Album year: 1969

“Led Zeppelin II” by Led Zeppelin is the 48th best selling album of all time. It features a combination of original compositions and some reworked favorites. It was a massive commercial success, charting in countries around the world, and was certified platinum multiple times.

The album included “Heartbreaker” and “Ramble On” as some of its best songs. Led Zeppelin 11 album is known for its ballads, guitar solos, and its demonstration of the band’s versatility.

47. “Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits” by Kenny Rogers

Album year: 1980

This compilation album features Kenny Rogers’ greatest hits, including “The Gambler” and “Coward of the Country.” These songs and many more are the signature pieces defining Rogers’ career.

The album helped propel Rogers to the peak of stardom and influence innumerable musicians at the time. Today, its regarded as Rogers’ most successful album and holds a high spot among the records collected by country music lovers.

46. “Breathless” by Kenny G

Album year: 1992

 “Breathless” by Kenny G is the 46th best selling album of all time. Released in 1992, this incredibly famous studio album features Kenny G’s signature sound and smooth jazz tracks and showcases the saxophone.

The album includes a number of essential songs, including “Forever in Love” and “The Moment.” It topped the Billboard 200 Chart when it was released and stayed there for several weeks. This album received widespread acclaim and became very popular in countries around the world.

45. “Pieces of You” by Jewel

Album year: 1995

Released in 1995, this world-renowned album launched Jewel’s career and established her as one of the most important folk artists in the U.S. The album is known for its distinctive lyrical style and songs like “Pieces of You” and “Who Will Save Your Soul.”

Pieces of You album is well-loved for its emotive songs and relatable themes. It is still widely well-regarded to this day.

44. “Wide Open Spaces” by Dixie Chicks

Album year: 1998

Dixie Chicks’ fourth studio album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was released in 1998. It marked the band’s transition into stardom, rocking them to international acclaim. The album is known for songs like “There’s Your Trouble” and “You Were Mine.”

But, the album’s title track truly made the album popular. Today, it is regarded as one of the most popular country-pop music albums of all time.

43. “Hysteria” by Def Leppard

Album year: 1987

“Hysteria” is a well-known album that comes in at 43rd on our list of the 50 best selling albums of all time. It was released in 1987 and is considered an icon of the era. This album includes songs like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Hysteria,” and “Rocket.”

The First of These is still regarded as the band’s best and most successful song. Hysteria album’s success is mostly due to its stunning songs and its combination of pop and rock styles.

42. “II” by Boyz II Men

Album year: 1994

“II” was a groundbreaking album by Boyz II Men in 1994. It helped build on the success of their first album and propel them into stardom. It features some beautiful heartfelt lyrics and pop and R&B elements.

Some singles off their album include “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee.” These songs, among others, received critical acclaim for their vocals, harmonies, and depth.

41. “Slippery When Wet” by Bon Jovi

Album year: 1986

“Slippery When Wet” by Bon Jovi is a well-loved album that was released in 1986. It is regarded as the album that profiled Jovi to the spotlight due to its blend of rock, pop, and glam.

This album features songs like “Wanted Dead or Alive,” as well as “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and the hit “Livin’ on a Prayer,” all of which are widely known and recognizable. The latter has become the artist’s signature song, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

40. “Whitney Houston” by Whitney Houston

Album year: 1985

Houston’s “Whitney Houston” album was released in 1985 and is widely regarded as the singer’s best. It was right at the beginning of her career and helped her gain fame around the world. Whitney Houston is still regarded as one of the decade's best R&B and soul albums.

This album includes songs like “Greatest Love of All” and “You Give Good Love,” among others. The well-known “Saving All My Love for You” was the singer’s first hit on the Hot 100 Chart.

39. “Purple Rain” by Prince & Revolution

Album year: 1984

The world-renowned album “Purple Rain” is the 39th best selling album of all time. It’s a groundbreaking and iconic album. It sold over 25 million copies worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Vocal.

The album topped charts around the world and featured the song “Purple Rain,” which has since become closely associated with the musician and his style of music.

38. “Ten” by Pearl Jam

Album year: 1991

“Ten” was the first studio album released by the well-loved band Pearl Jam. It solidified its reputation as one of the most important rock/grunge bands on the scene and featured Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocals. The best songs off the album include “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Black.”

Ten album’s subject matter ranges from personal life struggles to social and political issues, which sets it apart from other albums on this list and those released at the time.