What's Happening?
The Eagles' album 'Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975' has been certified as the top-selling album in U.S. history, with 40 million units sold, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This surpasses Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,'
which remains the best-selling non-compilation album with 34 million units. The Eagles also hold the third spot with 'Hotel California,' which has sold 28 million units. The list of top-selling albums is dominated by classic rock, with only a few albums from other genres making the cut. Notably, Adele's '21' is the only album released since 2000 to sell over 15 million units in the U.S.
Why It's Important?
This ranking highlights the enduring popularity of classic rock in the U.S. music market, despite the current dominance of pop and hip-hop on the charts. The Eagles' achievement underscores the lasting appeal of their music across generations. The data also reflects changes in the music industry, particularly the impact of streaming on album sales. While physical album sales have declined, the success of albums like Adele's '21' shows that significant sales milestones are still achievable. This shift in sales dynamics could influence how artists and record labels strategize their releases and marketing efforts.
