Good music has the power to transcend time and culture, and captivate the hearts of many worldwide with melodies and lyrics that resonate no matter the era, cultural, or social background. In the multi-dimensional and ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, some albums have achieved unparalleled success, becoming not just musical milestones but also cultural touchstones. 

These best-selling albums have left a lasting mark on the world, cementing their status as landmarks in the canon of recorded music. In this article, we take you on a journey to explore the best-selling albums of all time and what makes them the musical hits they are.

1. Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)

It would be impossible to discuss the best-selling albums of all time without kicking it off with the iconic Thriller by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. With roughly 70 million copies sold worldwide, Thriller holds the title of the best album of all time in terms of sales.

Released in 1982, this album maintains its status as a timeless masterpiece, filled with chart-topping hits like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the legendary title track, "Thriller." It also broke records at the Grammys, becoming the first album to ever win eight awards.

Part of its popularity also had to do with its innovatively produced music videos, and Jackson's unparalleled dance moves (particularly for “Thriller,” which is still a popular choice for flash mobs today).

2. AC/DC - Back in Black (1980)

The 80s were a good decade for music, and AC/DC's Back in Black cemented this. A relentless powerhouse of rock and roll, Back in Black redefined classic conceptions of rock by showcasing a never-before-heard versatility within the genre. 

With timeless classics like "You Shook Me All Night Long" and the title track "Back in Black," this album amassed roughly 50 million copies sold worldwide, and still has tracks frequently featured in radio stations today.

3. Whitney Houston - The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992)

It’s safe to say that The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album catapulted Whitney Houston to the height of her career. Released in 1992 alongside the feature film, the album features Houston's spectacular vocals and two of her most memorable tracks of all time, "I Will Always Love You" (which few may know was originally by Dolly Parton) and "I'm Every Woman." Interestingly enough, critics weren’t initially impressed by the project.

Over 45 million copies have been sold worldwide, making the soundtrack a multi-platinum success and a testament to Houston's incomparable singing power.

4. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

Another best-selling album of all time is Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon -  a sonic masterpiece, and an artwork that perfectly captures an era of time. 

This progressive rock album, released in 1973, is renowned for its thought-provoking lyrics, perfect composition, and its ability to take listeners on a profound journey. Released in the thick of the hippie era, its psychedelic rock sound (immediately referred to through the iconic album art) and intellectually stimulating lyricism that speaks on universal themes, were exceptionally received by listeners and critics alike.

With over 45 million copies sold worldwide, it's not only one of the best albums but also a true work of art that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.

5. The Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 (1976)

The Eagles' compilation album, Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, is a true classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers for decades. Released in 1976 (and topping sales for best-selling album of all time until Thriller came along) it quickly became an international sensation, featuring classic, fan-favorite tracks like "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy." 

With more than 38 million copies sold in the United States alone (and roughly 45 million copies worldwide), this album has firmly established its position as one of the top albums in rock history.

6. Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell (known for having one of the most iconic album artwork of all time) is a rock opera masterpiece that has truly withstood the test of time. Released in 1977, it features epic anthems like "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad." With over 43 million copies sold, it's not just one of the best-selling albums but also a testament to the enduring power of theatrical rock.

Almost every Gen-Xer and Baby Boomer in the United States and United Kingdom seemed to have a copy of this album. Surprisingly enough, the album contained only seven tracks, with about half of them almost 10 minutes long, for a total runtime of over 46 minutes. 

Side two of the album contained the biggest hits, including "Paradise By The Dashboard Light," a composition that effectively encompassed three distinct songs, and holds the record as one of the longest singles ever released for radio play (despite being trimmed down from its original 27-minute length).

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The best-selling albums of all time share their ability to stand as living testaments to the power of music in uniting and moving people across generations and cultures (much like musical festivals like MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm, which gathers people from all over the world for a shared appreciation of music, art, and technology).

Whether you're seeking inspiration from the classics, or simply relishing in nostalgia, these albums are a must-listen for any music enthusiast, offering insight into the melodies and lyrics that have helped shape the world of music.