All Time Best Selling Album Worldwide Chart

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:00 am

NEW IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Below you will find the first (tentatively) official ALL TIME BEST SELLING ALBUM WORLDWIDE CHART, who collect all the albums who have climbed the 15 millions copies sold level. This chart is NOT DEFINITIVE (obviously future album will come in, but even past albums have to be added or corrected yet). Now i want to extend this chart to the albums who reached at least the 10 millions copies sold level and YOU could help me fill the holes with suggestions, additions and corrections. All you have to do is follow TWO simple rules

1) Any addition or correction must come DIRECTLY from official site of an ARTIST, a LABEL or an ORGANIZATION (like RIAA or IFPI associates) IN THIS ORDER. In case of challenging figures, in fact, i will first consider ARTIST FIGURES (that i have to recognize as the most reliable figures), then LABEL and at last ORGANIZATIONS.
P.s. If you wants to know WHY i've made this choice read this topic made by EDU.

2)Post a reply to this post with your addition/correction ALONGSIDE a linkable URL of the site with the official infos, and then i will add your suggestion in the official chart. (As you can notice latest addiction and updated figures reported a linkable URL where you can find the infos supplied)

That's all folks!

If you are interested, here's
THE STORY SO FAR...

In the past months i've searched the web (official site of majors, artists, fans and organizations) trying to put together a nearly impossible ALL TIME BEST SELLING ALBUM WORLDWIDE CHART

This is the first result but, as you can easily imagine, is all but DEFINITIVE (and barely OFFICIAL).

Everywone can add any suggestions/corrections/additions (as OFFICIAL as possible ...)

One year ago i've received a list posted by RIAA and (supposed) compiled by IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry)... This list have confirmed most of the figures sales i'd found by myself in the past. So now i've updated these figures as today. (IFPI figures are indicated when available)
BTW it's now confirmed that the figures inside this list are only estimated and not directly compiled by IFPI (as hanboo has explained)

Legenda:
1) (2CD) = double cd but counted as one (and not x2 as RIAA figures)
2) (2LP) = double vinyl album remastered inside one single cd

ALL TIME BEST SELLING ALBUM WORLDWIDE CHART
(15 millions album sold and more)
Last update: January 20, 2005

(Title - Artist - Source)

59 millions
THRILLER - JACKSON, MICHAEL - Official MJJ Source - updated

42 millions
EAGLES/THEIR GREATEST HITS 1971 - 1975 - EAGLES - CNN + IFPI
BACK IN BLACK - AC/DC - Official site + IFPI

40 millions
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (BEE GEES) (2LP) - SOUNDTRACK - Polydor site + IFPI

37 millions
BAT OUT OF HELL - MEAT LOAF - Jim Steinman source + IFPI
THE BODYGUARD (HOUSTON, WHITNEY) - SOUNDTRACK - Official Site - updated

35 millions
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON - PINK FLOYD - Official site - updated
COME ON OVER - TWAIN, SHANIA - Official Site + IFPI

32 millions
SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND - BEATLES, THE - MSAW + IFPI
LED ZEPPELIN IV - LED ZEPPELIN Official Site + IFPI
DIRTY DANCING - SOUNDTRACK Official Site + IFPI

30 millions
RUMOURS - FLEETWOOD MAC - Official Site + IFPI
FALLING INTO YOU - DION, CELINE - Sony/Billboard Source - updated
LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE - DION, CELINE - Sony/Billboard Source - updated
MILLENNIUM - BACKSTREET BOYS - Official Site + IFPI

29 millions
ABBEY ROAD - THE BEATLES - MSAW + IFPI
BAD - JACKSON, MICHAEL - Official MJJ Source - updated
JAGGED LITTLE PILL - MORISSETTE, ALANIS - MSAW + IFPI
TITANIC - SOUNDTRACK - Billboard Source - updated

28 millions
GREASE (2LP) - SOUNDTRACK - Polygram + IFPI
BORN IN THE U.S.A. - SPRINGSTEEN, BRUCE - Official Site + IFPI
DANGEROUS - JACKSON, MICHAEL - Official MJJ Source - updated
1 (ONE) - BEATLES, THE - - Official EMI Press Release - update

27 millions
HOTEL CALIFORNIA - EAGLES Official Site + IFPI
THE JOSHUA TREE - U2 - Official Site

26 millions
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER - SIMON & GARFUNKEL Official Site + IFPI
BROTHERS IN ARMS - DIRE STRAITS Official Site + IFPI
APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION - GUNS 'N ROSES - Official Site + IFPI

25 millions
SLIPPERY WHEN WET - BON JOVI - Official Site + IFPI
ABBA GOLD - ABBA - Official Site + IFPI
BACKSTREET BOYS (aka BACKSTREET 's BACK) - BACKSTREET BOYS - Official Site + IFPI
MUSIC BOX - CAREY, MARIAH - Official site - updated
METALLICA - METALLICA - Official Elektra Press Release - updated
...BABY ONE MORE TIME - SPEARS, BRITNEY - Official Site + IFPI

24 millions
THE WALL (2CD) - PINK FLOYD - Official site + IFPI
SPICE - SPICE GIRLS - Official Site + IFPI
SUPERNATURAL - SANTANA - Official Site + updated

23 millions
CAN'T SLOW DOWN - RICHIE, LIONEL - Official Site + IFPI
WHITNEY HOUSTON - HOUSTON, WHITNEY - Official Site - updated

22 millions
SOUND OF MUSIC - SOUNDTRACK Official Site + IFPI
GREATEST HITS - SIMON & GARFUNKEL Official Site + IFPI
TAPESTRY - KING, CAROLE - Official Site - updated
THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION - MADONNA - Official Site - updated

21 millions
THE BEATLES 1967 - 1970 (2CD) - BEATLES, THE - MSAW + IFPI
BOSTON - BOSTON - Official Site +IFPI
GREATEST HITS - JOHN, ELTON - Official Site +IFPI
SPIRITS HAVING FLOWN - BEE GEES - Polydor + IFPI
THE SIGN/HAPPY NATION - ACE OF BASE - Official Site + IFPI

20 millions
THE BEATLES 1962 - 1966 (2CD) - BEATLES, THE - MSAW + IFPI
PURPLE RAIN (SOUNDTRACK) - PRINCE & THE REVOLUTIONS - Official Site + IFPI
PLEASE HAMMER DON'T HURT 'EM - HAMMER - Official Site +IFPI
DAYDREAM - CAREY, MARIAH Official Site - updated
RICKY MARTIN - MARTIN, RICKY - Official Site +IFPI
COME AWAY WITH ME - JONES, NORAH - Official Site

19 millions
THE BEATLES (WHITE ALBUM) (2CD) - BEATLES, THE - MSAW + IFPI
OFF THE WALL - JACKSON, MICHAEL - Official MJJ Source - updated
TRUE BLUE - MADONNA - Official Site - updated
WHITNEY - HOUSTON, WHITNEY - Official Site - updated
OOPS!... I DID IT AGAIN - SPEARS, BRITNEY - Official Site + IFPI

18 millions
BREAKFAST IN AMERICA - SUPERTRAMPS - Official Site + IFPI
LIKE A VIRGIN - MADONNA - W.B. - updated
HYSTERIA - DEF LEPPARD - Official Site + IFPI
THE WOMAN IN ME - TWAIN, SHANIA - Mercury - IFPI
(WHAT'S THE STORY) MORNING GLORY - OASIS - Official Site + IFPI
THE SCORE - FUGEES - IFPI
HISTORY: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE BOOK I (2CD) - JACKSON, MICHAEL - Official MJJ Source - updated
NEVERMIND - NIRVANA - Amazon.com

17 millions
GREATEST HITS VOLUME I & VOLUME II (2CD) - JOEL, BILLY - Official Site + IFPI
PHYSICAL GRAFFITI (2LP) - LED ZEPPELIN - Official Site + IFPI
FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE (2LP) - FRAMPTON, PETER - Pop Matters + IFPI
NO FENCES - BROOKS, GARTH - IFPI
ACHTUNG BABY - U2 - Official Site
CRACKED REAR VIEW - HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH - Official Site + IFPI
SPICE WORLD - SPICE GIRLS - Official Site + IFPI
ALL THE WAY... - DION, CELINE - Sony/Billboard Source - update
ROMANZA - BOCELLI, ANDREA - Official Site +IFPI
THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP - EMINEM - Official Site +IFPI
FALLEN - EVANESCENCE - Official Site

16 millions
TUBULAR BELLS - OLDFIELD, MIKE - Official Site +IFPI
LEGEND - MARLEY, BOB & THE WAILERS - Official Site +IFPI
FAITH - MICHAEL, GEORGE - Official Site +IFPI
USE YOUR ILLUSION I - GUNS'N'ROSES - Official Site +IFPI
JANET. - JACKSON, JANET - Official Site +IFPI
ROPIN' THE WIND - BROOKS, GARTH - Official Site
CRISTINA AGUILERA - AGUILERA, CRISTINA - Official site - NEW
BEST OF 1980-1990 - U2 - Official Site
NO STRINGS ATTACHED - 'N SYNC - Official Site +IFPI

15 millions
II - LED ZEPPELIN - Official Site +IFPI
GREATEST HITS - ROGERS, KENNY - Official Site +IFPI
GREATEST HITS VOL.2 - THE EAGLES - Official Site +IFPI
GUILTY - STREISAND, BARBRA - Polydor
GREATEST HITS - QUEEN - Official Site + IFPI
NO JACKET REQUIRED - COLLINS, PHIL Official Site + IFPI
NEW JERSEY - BON JOVI - Official Site
TO THE EXTREME - VANILLA ICE - Official Site + IFPI
CROSS ROADS - BON JOVI - Official Site
COLOUR OF MY LOVE - DION, CELINE - Official Site - Official Site + IFPI
USE YOUR ILLUSION II - GUNS'N'ROSES - Official Site + IFPI
UNPLUGGED - CLAPTON, ERIC - Official Site - updated
WE CAN'T DANCE - GENESIS - Official Site - NEW
THE LION KING - SOUNDTRACK - Official Site + IFPI
MARIAH CAREY - CAREY, MARIAH - Official Site - updated
TRAGIC KINGDOM - NO DOUBT - Official Site + IFPI
BAT OUT OF HELL 2: BACK INTO HELL - MEAT LOAF - Official Site + IFPI
YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU - MATCHBOX 20 - Official Site + IFPI
BLACK & BLUE - BACKSTREET BOYS - Official Site
DOUBLE LIVE (2CD) - BROOKS, GARTH - Official Site
THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL - HILL, LAURYN - Official Site + IFPI
THE EMINEM SHOW - EMINEM - Official Site + IFPI
BUSINESS AS USUAL - MEN AT WORK - Official Site
ONES - CAREY, MARIAH - Official site - NEW
CALIFORNICATION - RED HOT CHILI PEPPER - BBC site - NEW
RAY OF LIGHT - MADONNA - Official Site - updated

14 millions
MERRY CHRISTMAS - CAREY, MARIAH - Official Site - updated
LET GO - AVRIL LAVIGNE - Official Site - NEW

13 millions
BUTTERFLY - CAREY, MARIAH - Official Site - updated
MUSIC - MADONNA - Official Site - updated
FALLEN - EVANESCENCE - Official Site - NEW
CONFESSIONS - USHER - Official Site - NEW
NO ANGEL - DIDO - Official Site - NEW

12 millions
I'M YOUR BABY TONIGHT - HOUSTON, WHITNEY - Official Site - NEW

11 millions
LIKE A PRAYER - MADONNA - Official Site - updated
STRIPPED - AGUILERA, CRISTINA - Official site - NEW

10 millions
WAKING UP THE NEIGHBOURS - ADAMS, BRYAN - Official site - NEW
KICK - INXS - Official site
WAITING TO EXHALE - HOUSTON, WHITNEY - Official Site - NEW
MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE - HOUSTON, WHITNEY - Official Site - NEW
RAINBOW - CAREY, MARIAH - Official Site - NEW
EMOTIONS - CAREY, MARIAH - Official Site - NEW
A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD - COLDPLAY - Official EMI Press Release - NEW
LAUNDRY SERVICE - SHAKIRA - Official Site - NEW
FEELS LIKE HOME - JONES, NORAH - Official Site - NEW
MISSUNDAZTOOD - PINK - Official Site - NEW
LIFE FOR RENT - DIDO - Official Site - NEW

Below you can find a list of album that could have insert in the chart above but i've never find RELIABLE worldwide sales figures
(in bold updated official sale figures that not reached the 10 millions level)

DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP - AC/DC
HIGHWAY TO HELL - AC/DC
RECKLESS - ADAMS, BRYAN - 8 millions - official site
SO FAR SO GOOD - ADAMS, BRYAN
TOYS IN THE ATTIC - AEROSMITH
AEROSMITH'S GREATEST HITS - AEROSMITH
GET A GRIP - AEROSMITH
PUMP - AEROSMITH
LICENSED TO ILL - BEASTIE BOYS
REVOLVER - BEATLES, THE
RUBBER SOUL - BEATLES, THE
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR - BEATLES, THE
LET IT BE - BEATLES, THE
THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY, VOLUME 1 - BEATLES, THE
TIME, LOVE & TENDERNESS - BOLTON, MICHAEL
II - BOYZ II MEN
TONI BRAXTON - BRAXTON, TONI
TIME PIECES/BEST OF ERIC CLAPTON - CLAPTON, ERIC
UNFORGETTABLE WITH LOVE NATALIE COLE - COLE, NATALIE
NO NEED TO ARGUE - CRANBERRIES, THE
TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB - CROW, SHERYL
COLOURS BY NUMBERS - CULTURE CLUB
PYROMANIA - DEF LEPPARD
GREATEST HITS - DENVER, JOHN
BEST OF THE DOOBIES - DOOBIE BROTHERS
HIGHWAY 61 REVISED - DYLAN, BOB
BLONDE ON BLONDE - DYLAN, BOB
BLOOD ON THE TRACKS - DYLAN, BOB
BOB DYLAN'S GREATEST HITS - DYLAN, BOB
HELL FREEZES OVER - EAGLES
SHEPHERD MOONS - ENYA
GREATEST HITS - FLEETWOOD MAC
DOUBLE VISION - FOREIGNER
INVISIBLE TOUCH - GENESIS
DOOKIE - GREEN DAY
ALL THINGS MUST PASS - HARRISON, GEORGE
RHYTHM NATION 1814 - JACKSON, JANET
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD - JOHN, ELTON
JANIS JOPLIN'S GREATEST HITS - JOPLIN, JANIS
GREATEST HITS - JOURNEY
BREATHLESS - KENNY G
SHE'S SO UNUSUAL - LAUPER, CYNDI
LED ZEPPELIN I - LED ZEPPELIN
HOUSES OF THE HOLY - LED ZEPPELIN
IMAGINE - LENNON, JOHN
MASTER OF PUPPETS - METALLICA
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL - METALLICA
HANGIN' TOUGH - NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
IN UTERO - NIRVANA
LIFE AFTER DEATH (2cd) - NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
'N SYNC - 'N SYNC
TEN - PEARL JAM
VS. - PEARL JAM
VITALOGY - PEARL JAM
WISH YOU WERE HERE - PINK FLOYD
SYNCHRONICITY - POLICE, THE
ELVIS' GOLDEN RECORDS, VOLUME 1 - PRESLEY, ELVIS
ELVIS' CHRISTMAS - PRESLEY, ELVIS
BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
HOT ROCKS - ROLLING STONES, THE
SOME GIRLS - ROLLING STONES
SANTANA'S GREATEST HITS - SANTANA
HOTSHOT - S.H.A.G.G.Y
GRACELAND - SIMON, PAUL
MELLON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE SADNESS - SMASHING PUMPKINS
SUPERUNKNOWN - SOUNDGARDEN
FLASHDANCE - SOUNDTRACK
FOOTLOOSE - SOUNDTRACK
FORREST GUMP (2cd) - SOUNDTRACK
TOP GUN - SOUNDTRACK
POCKET FULL OF KRYPTONITE - SPIN DOCTORS
BORN TO RUN - SPRINGSTEEN, BRUCE
PURPLE - STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
CORE - STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
MEMORIES - STREISAND, BARBRA
JAMES TAYLOR'S GREATEST HITS - TAYLOR, JAMES
CRAZYSEXYCOOL - TLC
PRIVATE DANCER - TURNER, TINA
1984 (MCMLXXXIV) - VAN HALEN
VAN HALEN - VAN HALEN
MAKE IT BIG - WHAM!
WHITESNAKE - WHITESNAKE

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:51 am

TigerTiger, would you give the details for the sales you reported by each countries?

by **john2000** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:55 pm

42 millions
EAGLES/THEIR GREATEST HITS 1971 - 1975 - EAGLES - CNN + IFPI
BACK IN BLACK - AC/DC - IFPI

well I think it has been discussd in the past ...

Eagles greatest hits sold 28 M (is it accurate ?) in US or something like that . Where are the other 14 M ??

UK : > 300 K
Canada : 2M
Australia : 500 K

What else ??

Samething thin for Back in Black.

It is strangely certified at 20 M in the US
maybe 1,5 M in Canada
Germany : 1 M
France : 600 K
Switzerland : 100 K
Australia : 900 K

For both albums we are far from 42 M

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:05 pm

nelson wrote:TigerTiger, would you give the details for the sales you reported by each countries?

Hi Nelson!
First of all my very true compliments for your incredible and amazing work in searching and posting here reliable sales figures of each artist.

By my side, two years ago i've started this research trying to put together the details you've asked me, but it seems nearly impossible to find reliable figures for each country of the world.

So i've decided to restart my work on the basis of a different approach: i've searching only for sales figures by official site of majors and records companies, artist and organisations.

Fortunately one year ago i've received this file directly from Amanda Collins, from R.I.A.A. Gold and Platinum office.

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (I.F.P.I), Michael Jackson's Thriller - with worldwide sales exceeding 54 million copies - is the biggest selling album ever.

Below you can find the list of the Top 100 best selling albums of all time

(rank, estimated world sales in millions, RIAA Certified Platinum level,
Soundscan sales 1991-now (if known), TITLE, Artist, Year).

001 54 26 00.0 THRILLER Michael Jackson (1983)
002 42 19 00.0 BACK IN BLACK AC/DC (1980)
003 41 27 00.0 GREATEST HITS 1971-75 The Eagles (1976)
004 40 15 00.0 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Soundtrack (1978)
005 37 17 11.7 THE BODYGUARD Soundtrack (1992)
006 37 14 00.0 BAT OUT OF HELL Meat Loaf (1978)
007 35 15 06.3 THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Pink Floyd (1973)
008 35 19 14.5 COME ON OVER Shania Twain (1997)
009 32 11 02.8 SGT.PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND The Beatles (1967)
010 32 11 00.0 DIRTY DANCING Soundtrack (1987)
011 30 22 00.0 LED ZEPPELIN IV Led Zeppelin (1971)
012 30 19 00.0 RUMOURS Fleetwood Mac (1977)
013 30 13 12.0 MILLENNIUM Backstreet Boys (1999)
014 30 10 09.2 LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE Celine Dion (1997)
015 29 12 02.6 ABBEY ROAD The Beatles (1969)
016 29 11 10.5 FALLING INTO YOU Celine Dion (1996)
017 29 11 10.0 TITANIC Soundtrack (1998)
018 28 16 14.1 JAGGED LITTLE PILL Alanis Morissette (1995)
019 27 10 07.1 MUSIC BOX Mariah Carey (1993)
020 27 08 08.9 1 The Beatles (2000)
021 27 08 06.2 BAD Michael Jackson (1987)
022 27 08 04.6 GREASE Soundtrack (1978)
023 27 07 05.8 DANGEROUS Michael Jackson (1991)
024 26 16 00.0 HOTEL CALIFORNIA The Eagles (1976)
025 25 15 02.1 APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION Guns & Roses (1988)
026 25 14 11.2 SUPERNATURAL Santana (1999)
027 25 14 10.0 BACKSTREET BOYS Backstreet Boys (1998)
028 25 09 00.0 BROTHERS IN ARMS Dire Straits (1985)
029 25 08 00.0 BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
030 24 15 00.0 BORN IN THE USA Bruce Springsteen (1984)
031 24 13 10.4 ... BABY ONE MORE TIME Britney Spears (1999)
032 24 12 00.0 SLIPPERY WHEN WET Bon Jovi (1986)
033 23 12 00.0 WHITNEY HOUSTON Whitney Houston (1985)
034 23 10 04.8 THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION Madonna (1990)
035 23 07 07.3 SPICE Spice Girls (1996)
036 23 06 05.0 GOLD - GREATEST HITS Abba (1992)
037 22 13 13.3 METALLICA Metallica (1991)
038 22 12 00.0 TAPESTRY Carole King (1971)
039 22 10 07.5 DAYDREAM Mariah Carey (1995)
040 22 10 00.0 CAN'T SLOW DOWN Lionel Richie (1983)
041 22 07 00.0 TRUE BLUE Madonna (1986)
042 21 13 00.0 GREATEST HITS Simon & Garfunkel (1972)
043 21 09 04.9 THE SIGN/HAPPY NATION Ace Of Base (1994)
044 21 08 00.0 SOUND OF MUSIC Soundtrack (1965)
045 20 11 00.0 THE WALL Pink Floyd (1979)
046 20 10 00.0 PLEASE HAMMER DON'T HURT 'EM MC Hammer (1990)
047 20 10 00.0 LIKE A VIRGIN Madonna (1984)
048 20 08 01.8 1967-1970 The Beatles (1973)
049 20 07 06.9 RICKY MARTIN Ricky Martin (1999)
050 20 00 00.0 SPIRITS HAVING FLOWN The Bee Gees (1979)
051 20 16 00.0 GREATEST HITS Elton John (1974) *
052 19 09 08.9 OOPS! ...I DID IT AGAIN Britney Spears (2000)
053 19 09 00.0 WHITNEY Whitney Houston (1987)
054 19 07 01.6 1962-1966 The Beatles (1973)
055 18 16 00.0 BOSTON Boston (1976)
056 18 13 00.0 PURPLE RAIN Prince (1984)
057 18 12 07.5 THE WOMAN IN ME Shania Twain (1995)
058 18 10 02.2 THE BEATLES (WHITE ALBUM) The Beatles (1968)
059 18 10 01.0 THE JOSHUA TREE U2 (1987)
060 18 06 06.1 ALL THE WAY...A DECADE OF SONG Celine Dion (1999)
061 18 06 05.4 THE SCORE Fugees (1996)
062 18 04 03.5 (WHAT'S THE STORY) MORNING GLORY Oasis (1995)
063 18 04 00.0 BREAKFAST IN AMERICA Supertramp (1979)
064 17 16 10.0 CRACKED REAR VIEW Hootie & The Blowfish (1995)
065 17 12 01.9 HYSTERIA Def Leppard (1987)
066 17 09 04.8 MARIAH CAREY Mariah Carey (1990)
067 17 08 08.9 THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP Eminem (2000)
068 17 06 00.0 COMES ALIVE Peter Frampton (1976)
069 17 04 04.3 SPICE WORLD Spice Girls (1997)
070 17 04 02.5 HISTORY Michael Jackson (1995)
071 17 02 03.4 ROMANZA Andrea Bocelli (1997)
072 16 16 08.8 NO FENCES Garth Brooks (1991)
073 16 11 11.0 NO STRINGS ATTACHED 'N Sync (2000)
074 16 10 07.3 UNPLUGGED Eric Clapton (1992)
075 16 10 00.0 FAITH George Michael (1987)
076 16 07 05.2 USE YOUR ILLUSION I Guns & Roses (1991)
077 16 07 00.0 OFF THE WALL Michael Jackson (1979)
078 16 06 06.7 JANET. Janet Jackson (1993)
079 16 05 03.6 BUTTERFLY Mariah Carey (1997)
080 16 00 00.0 TUBULAR BELLS Mike Oldfield (1973)
081 16 00 00.0 MERRY CHRISTMAS Mariah Carey (1994)
082 15 08 08.4 THE EMINEM SHOW Eminem (2002) *
083 15 01 03.5 GREATEST HITS Queen (1981)
084 15 12 07.7 YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU Matchbox 20 (1997)
085 15 12 00.0 NO JACKET REQUIRED Phil Collins (1985)
086 15 12 00.0 II Led Zeppelin (1969)
087 15 12 00.0 GREATEST HITS Kenny Rogers (1980)
088 15 10 07.2 LEGEND Bob Marley & The Wailers (1984)
089 15 10 00.0 GREATEST HITS VOL.2 The Eagles (1982)
090 15 10 00.0 GREATEST HITS VOL.1& 2 Billy Joel (1985)
091 15 08 07.8 TRAGIC KINGDOM No Doubt (1996)
092 15 08 07.5 THE LION KING Soundtrack (1994)
093 15 08 05.0 ACHTUNG BABY U2 (1991)
094 15 08 00.0 PHYSICAL GRAFITTI Led Zeppelin (1975)
095 15 07 06.1 THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL Lauryn Hill (1998)
096 15 07 05.3 USE YOUR ILLUSION II Guns & Roses (1991)
097 15 07 00.0 TO THE EXTREME Vanilla Ice (1990)
098 15 06 04.2 THE COLOUR OF MY LOVE Celine Dion (1994)
099 15 05 03.9 BAT OUT OF HELL II - BACK INTO HELL Meat Loaf (1993)
100 15 04 03.7 RAY OF LIGHT Madonna (1998)

As you can easily note RIAA itself described the worldwide sales figures as estimates, and from October 22, 2003 'til now when i've found better OFFICIAL sales data for an album (b.e. the official data from MJJ source about Michael Jackson Albums) i've updated this list.

So, i can't really satisfy your request.I'm sorry...

But i think that my chart can be almost official. You agree?

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:09 pm

john2000 wrote:42 millions
EAGLES/THEIR GREATEST HITS 1971 - 1975 - EAGLES - CNN + IFPI
BACK IN BLACK - AC/DC - IFPI

well I think it has been discussd in the past ...

Eagles greatest hits sold 28 M (is it accurate ?) in US or something like that . Where are the other 14 M ??

UK : > 300 K
Canada : 2M
Australia : 500 K

What else ??

Samething thin for Back in Black.

It is strangely certified at 20 M in the US
maybe 1,5 M in Canada
Germany : 1 M
France : 600 K
Switzerland : 100 K
Australia : 900 K

For both albums we are far from 42 M

Hi John2000!

Regarding ACDC "Back in Black", i've found a lot of confirmation about the reliability of this figure:
on December 2002 those two articles have been edited by Billboard (USA) and Sunday Telegraph (OZ)

Billboard Report on AC/DC Signing for Epic Records December 2002

AC/DC Rides The Highway To Epic

Australian rock icons AC/DC have signed a multi-album deal with Epic, the first fruit of which will be refurbished reissues of seminal albums such as "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," due early next year. Further reissues will follow, all of which will sport new liner notes and rare photos, and utilize Sony's proprietary ConnecteD technology to unlock special online content created for each release.

It is understood that AC/DC's next studio album, due sometime next year, will complete the group's contractual obligation to Elektra. AC/DC has spent the past 26 years of its career recording under the Warner Music Group umbrella. The group's back catalog is one of the most consistent sellers on Billboard's Top Pop Catalog chart. According to Epic parent Sony, 1980's "Back in Black" has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the second highest-selling album in history. It has sold 318,000 copies this year alone, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The move to Epic reunites AC/DC with Epic chairman Dave Glew, who previously worked with the group at Atlantic, as well as Epic executive VP/GM Steve Barnett, formerly the group's manager. The new deal brings 16 of AC/DC's 18 U.S. releases to the label, which plans to also reissue some of the albums on vinyl and compile DVD releases.

"Today AC/DC is going stronger than ever, making it a true pleasure to welcome the band into the Sony Music family, and an honor to have the opportunity to bring both their classic repertoire and new releases to fans across the country and around the world," Sony Music chairman/CEO Thomas D. Mottola said in a statement.

AC/DC's last Elektra studio set, "Stiff Upper Lip," debuted in March 2000 at No. 7 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 842,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The title track from that album hit No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Meanwhile, Image Entertainment has set a Feb. 18 release date for the DVD "Rockmasters -- AC/DC," capturing an Oct. 27, 1977, concert in London. The video finds the band, at the time fronted by the late Bon Scott, running through such favorites as "Let There Be Rock," "T.N.T.," and "Bad Boy Boogie."

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Source: Billboard

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AC/DC's new Sony deal

By entertainment writer KATHY McCABE 15dec02

THE latest record deal of Australian rock phenomenon AC/DC didn't come dirt cheap.
The band is expected to generate sales worth up to $100 million annually for their new label Sony Music.

After almost 30 years of hard rocking, AC/DC remain one of the biggest selling acts in the world, with their back catalogue of 18 albums highly sought after.

Their classic Back In Black album has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the second highest selling album of all time.

It is those seminal albums which prompted Sony to poach the veteran rockers from Elektra Records which signed AC/DC more than 25 years ago.

AC/DC, will continue to be released by their original Australian label Albert Productions here, which is currently distributed by the Festival Mushroom Group.

The deal will kick off with new re-issues of Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap which will feature restored album art, additional rare and historic photos, new liner notes and comprehensive track information. Each album will also have a link to exclusive content on a special website created for each re-issue.

Albert Productions CEO Fifa Riccobono said AC/DC, who will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame in March, remain a vital musical force.

"Back In Black sells year in year out without anyone lifting a finger, which is testament to the fact that AC/DC continue to attract new generations of fans," Ms Riccobono said. "There are so many young bands out there who continue to be inspired and influenced by the guys. Every time someone comes to town they want the AC/DC boxed set."

As well as their back catalogue and a possible new album next year, AC/DC will also release the Rockmasters DVD which features a 1977 concert fronted by late singer Bon Scott in London.

Source Sunday Telegrapgh (Aus)

So i've updated this figure from 41 to 42 according to a new RIAA certification. But most important of all, this is a note directly from Fifa Riccobono, CEO of Albert Productions, historical owner of ACDC managment

AC/DC Start Writing For Next Album

AC/DC have started writing for their next album which may be released in 2004.

Fifa Riccobono, CEO of Albert Productions, has confirmed to Undercover that songs have been written for the next record but the band is yet to start recording.

While some information surfaced last week claiming AC/DC have the second biggest selling album in the world with Back In Black, Fifa points out that Back In Black has sold more than 40 million worldwide.

The title is also Acca Dacca's biggest album in Australia, with Highway To Hell and Live in second and third place. Back in Black has sold almost 900,000 units in Australia and total Australian sales for the catalogue is now over 5.5 million.
(...)

By Paul Cashmere

regarding Eagles "GH" this level of worldwide sales was confirmed on the last edition of Guinnes Book of Records

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:39 pm

Here is the article from Guniness Records

Biggest sellers-Albums

1) The best selling album of all time is Thriller by Michael Jackson with global sales of 38.5 million copies by 1 Aug 1987.

Analysis: 20 million in America, then 18.5 million outside America, now 26 million in America, then add 18.5 million, total is 44.5 million worldwide.

2) The best selling album by a group is Fleetwood Mac's Rumours with over 20 million sales to May 1987.

Analysis: 12 million in America, then 8 million outside America, now 19 million in America, then add 8 million, total is 27 million worldwide.

3) The best selling albm by a British group is Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd with sales audited at 19.5 million to December 1986.

Analysis: 11 million in America, then 8.5 million outside America, now 15 million in America, then add 8.5 million, total is 23.5 million worldwide. But, label re-release stated that it sold 29 million

4) The best selling album in Britain is Dire Straits'
Brothers In Arms, with 2.6 million sold by May 1987.

Analysis: It's now 13x platinum (3,900,000).

5) The best selling album by a woman is Whitney Housotn by Whitney Houston released in 1985. It had sold over 14 million copies by May 1987, including over 9 million in America, 1 million in the UK, and a further million in Canada. This is also 'best selling debut album of all time'.

Analysis: 9 million in America, then 5 million outside America, now 13 million in America, then add 5 million, total is 18 million worldwide. But it official stated that 21 million.

6) The best selling movie soundtrack is Saturday Night Fever with sales of over 26.5 million to May 1987.

Analysis: 11 million in America, then 15.5 million outside America, now 15 million in America, then add 15.5 million, total is 30.5 million worldwide.

by **Hanboo** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:44 pm

Uuuh, TigerTiger, sorry to disappoint you, but that so-called official RIAA list was compiled by...me.

I posted it on the chart forum of the now defunct Dotmusic forum on 29 April 2003 and triggered a lot of reactions.

Since then I've seen the list all over the Internet on hundreds of sites and forums. Apparently a lot of people find the list very credible.
See for example http://mangakayjordiworld.iespana.es/ma ... smundo.htm
(it mentions my name and also Dotmusic).

Unfortunately, most of the sites don't mention my name and think it's an official list from the RIAA or Sounscan.
Of course it can not be official, as there is no organisation which tracks individual world record sales (IFPI only records country totals).

I've compiled the list myself by gathering tons of info through the years from magazines articles (mainly trades like Billboard and Music Week), interviews, label (annual) reports and organisations like BPI, RIAA and Soundscan.

The basis of the list was a chart of bestselling albums in the appendix of the book "The Book of Golden Discs" (by Joseph Murrels). The book details every millionseller from 1903 to about 1980.

If you want, I can post an update of the list.

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:50 pm

Hanboo wrote:If you want, I can post an update of the list.

Yes, Hanboo, please post the update one, I am the first person to ask, hehe...

by **john2000** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:52 pm

[quote="TigerTigerRegarding ACDC "Back in Black", i've found a lot of confirmation about the reliability of this figure:
on December 2002 those two articles have been edited by Billboard (USA) and Sunday Telegraph (OZ)

Billboard Report on AC/DC Signing for Epic Records December 2002

AC/DC Rides The Highway To Epic

Australian rock icons AC/DC have signed a multi-album deal with Epic, the first fruit of which will be refurbished reissues of seminal albums such as "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," due early next year. Further reissues will follow, all of which will sport new liner notes and rare photos, and utilize Sony's proprietary ConnecteD technology to unlock special online content created for each release.

It is understood that AC/DC's next studio album, due sometime next year, will complete the group's contractual obligation to Elektra. AC/DC has spent the past 26 years of its career recording under the Warner Music Group umbrella. The group's back catalog is one of the most consistent sellers on Billboard's Top Pop Catalog chart. According to Epic parent Sony, 1980's "Back in Black" has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the second highest-selling album in history. It has sold 318,000 copies this year alone, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The move to Epic reunites AC/DC with Epic chairman Dave Glew, who previously worked with the group at Atlantic, as well as Epic executive VP/GM Steve Barnett, formerly the group's manager. The new deal brings 16 of AC/DC's 18 U.S. releases to the label, which plans to also reissue some of the albums on vinyl and compile DVD releases.

"Today AC/DC is going stronger than ever, making it a true pleasure to welcome the band into the Sony Music family, and an honor to have the opportunity to bring both their classic repertoire and new releases to fans across the country and around the world," Sony Music chairman/CEO Thomas D. Mottola said in a statement.

AC/DC's last Elektra studio set, "Stiff Upper Lip," debuted in March 2000 at No. 7 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 842,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The title track from that album hit No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Meanwhile, Image Entertainment has set a Feb. 18 release date for the DVD "Rockmasters -- AC/DC," capturing an Oct. 27, 1977, concert in London. The video finds the band, at the time fronted by the late Bon Scott, running through such favorites as "Let There Be Rock," "T.N.T.," and "Bad Boy Boogie."

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Source: Billboard

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AC/DC's new Sony deal

By entertainment writer KATHY McCABE 15dec02

THE latest record deal of Australian rock phenomenon AC/DC didn't come dirt cheap.
The band is expected to generate sales worth up to $100 million annually for their new label Sony Music.

After almost 30 years of hard rocking, AC/DC remain one of the biggest selling acts in the world, with their back catalogue of 18 albums highly sought after.

Their classic Back In Black album has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the second highest selling album of all time.

It is those seminal albums which prompted Sony to poach the veteran rockers from Elektra Records which signed AC/DC more than 25 years ago.

AC/DC, will continue to be released by their original Australian label Albert Productions here, which is currently distributed by the Festival Mushroom Group.

The deal will kick off with new re-issues of Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap which will feature restored album art, additional rare and historic photos, new liner notes and comprehensive track information. Each album will also have a link to exclusive content on a special website created for each re-issue.

Albert Productions CEO Fifa Riccobono said AC/DC, who will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame in March, remain a vital musical force.

"Back In Black sells year in year out without anyone lifting a finger, which is testament to the fact that AC/DC continue to attract new generations of fans," Ms Riccobono said. "There are so many young bands out there who continue to be inspired and influenced by the guys. Every time someone comes to town they want the AC/DC boxed set."

As well as their back catalogue and a possible new album next year, AC/DC will also release the Rockmasters DVD which features a 1977 concert fronted by late singer Bon Scott in London.

Source Sunday Telegrapgh (Aus)

So i've updated this figure from 41 to 42 according to a new RIAA certification. But most important of all, this is a note directly from Fifa Riccobono, CEO of Albert Productions, historical owner of ACDC managment

AC/DC Start Writing For Next Album

AC/DC have started writing for their next album which may be released in 2004.

Fifa Riccobono, CEO of Albert Productions, has confirmed to Undercover that songs have been written for the next record but the band is yet to start recording.

While some information surfaced last week claiming AC/DC have the second biggest selling album in the world with Back In Black, Fifa points out that Back In Black has sold more than 40 million worldwide.

The title is also Acca Dacca's biggest album in Australia, with Highway To Hell and Live in second and third place. Back in Black has sold almost 900,000 units in Australia and total Australian sales for the catalogue is now over 5.5 million.
(...)

By Paul Cashmere

Well I'm sorry but it proves nothing. they say what they want. If someone is able to give me certifications for each country, well I will trust him.
42 M for Back in Black means 22 M outisde US !!! and probably around 15 M to 18 M in Europe alone ...

For example, even Dire Straits "brothers in Arms" or Queen "greatest Hits" which is probably one of the TOP 5 sellers in Europe do not sell that much in Europe, so Back in Black who has lower certifications in every european coutries couldn't have sold that much

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:06 pm

Hanboo wrote:Uuuh, TigerTiger, sorry to disappoint you, but that so-called official RIAA list was compiled by...me.

I posted it on the chart forum of the now defunct Dotmusic forum on 29 April 2003 and triggered a lot of reactions.

Since then I've seen the list all over the Internet on hundreds of sites and forums. Apparently a lot of people find the list very credible.
See for example http://mangakayjordiworld.iespana.es/ma ... smundo.htm
(it mentions my name and also Dotmusic).

Unfortunately, most of the sites don't mention my name and think it's an official list from the RIAA or Sounscan.
Of course it can not be official, as there is no organisation which tracks individual world record sales (IFPI only records country totals).

I've compiled the list myself by gathering tons of info through the years from magazines articles (mainly trades like Billboard and Music Week), interviews, label (annual) reports and organisations like BPI, RIAA and Soundscan.

The basis of the list was a chart of bestselling albums in the appendix of the book "The Book of Golden Discs" (by Joseph Murrels). The book details every millionseller from 1903 to about 1980.

If you want, I can post an update of the list.

hi Hanboo!
you don't disappoint me at all... ;-)

Your list (if it's really you that compiled it...) was send to me from RIAA's Amanda Collins, pointing out the fact that the worldwide figures inside was only estimated.
But this list was only the base to start my resarch: in fact, as you can notice, i've put on my list even others official sources alongside what i've called IFPI figures...

The point is: is this chart reliable or almost official?

I believe that even in a million years of research we'll be able to find official sales data from each country in the world, so official site figures are probably the most reliable data we can find on the net...

You agree?

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:08 pm

37 millions
BAT OUT OF HELL - MEAT LOAF - Jim Steinman source + IFPI

Label said it sold 13 million in US, and 26 million worldwide, when it re-release. Although now it's 14 million in US with update.

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:11 pm

59 millions
THRILLER - JACKSON, MICHAEL - MJJ source + IFPI

What do you mean by "+ IFPI"? How does it work? IFPI started audit albums sales released in 1994, so it worked for Thriller too?

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:16 pm

nelson wrote:
37 millions
BAT OUT OF HELL - MEAT LOAF - Jim Steinman source + IFPI
Label said it sold 13 million in US, and 26 million worldwide, when it re-release. Although now it's 14 million in US with update.

Hi again Nelson!

As you can note, this 37 millions figure was from Jim Steinamn himself (co-autor of all the song of this album), as reported in a DVD interview inside the "Bat Out OF Hell" making of DVD. And it was even confirmed on the label of the 25th Anniversary Edition of the album.

by **Hanboo** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:18 pm

TigerTiger wrote:hi Hanboo!
you don't disappoint me at all...

Your list (if it's really you that compiled it...) was send to me from RIAA's Amanda Collins, pointing out the fact that the worldwide figures inside was only estimated.
But this list was only the base to start my resarch: in fact, as you can notice, i've put on my list even others official sources alongside what i've called IFPI figures...

The point is: is this chart reliable or almost official?

I believe that even in a million years of research we'll be able to find official sales data from each country in the world, so official site figures are probably the most reliable data we can find on the net...

You agree?

Wow, even within the RIAA my list is circulating, incredible.
Yes, again, this list was really compiled by me - all former Dotmusic chart forum visitors can confirm that.

Do I think the list (yours and mine are very similar) is reliable? Yes of course, otherwise I wouldn't have posted it.

Is it "almost official"? Maybe, if even the RIAA adopts it as a reliable guide to the world's bestselling albums.
If a majority of people think it's reliable then it is reliable.

And please ignore all the criticisms you get from people who'll ask: it sold xx million in the US, xx million in the UK, so where's the rest?

Or just answer: the world is a big place with almost 200 countries, albums are sold (and bootlegged) everywhere on the globe...

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:23 pm

john2000 wrote:
Well I'm sorry but it proves nothing. they say what they want. If someone is able to give me certifications for each country, well I will trust him.
42 M for Back in Black means 22 M outisde US !!! and probably around 15 M to 18 M in Europe alone ...

For example, even Dire Straits "brothers in Arms" or Queen "greatest Hits" which is probably one of the TOP 5 sellers in Europe do not sell that much in Europe, so Back in Black who has lower certifications in every european coutries couldn't have sold that much

Well... i'm sorry you won't trust me but i believe that's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find reliable and correctly updated certifications for each country in the world.

that's the point!

And i think that's more believable a direct source from the artist itself than a never-updated-in-10-or-20-years-certification from a barely official organisation from Burundi! ;-)

by **Hanboo** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:29 pm

The 42 million for AC/DC's "Back in Black" was confirmed by their record company.

Why would a record company declare that an album of one their artists has sold 42 million, when in fact it had only sold 22 million ?

The artist, in this case AC/DC, will say to their record company: "show me the money!" - they want compensation for the extra 20 million copies that were sold.
Or do you really think the lads will say: "let's give it a rest, we'll settle with the money for 22 million copies sold"?

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:33 pm

Hanboo wrote:The 42 million for AC/DC's "Back in Black" was confirmed by their record company.

Why would a record company declare that an album of one their artists has sold 42 million, when in fact it had only sold 22 million ?

The artist, in this case AC/DC, will say to their record company: "show me the money!" - they want compensation for the extra 20 million copies that were sold.
Or do you really think the lads will say: "let's give it a rest, we'll settle with the money for 22 million copies sold"?

Or AC/DC and label know in their mind how much copies really sold, and cheat to public.

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:39 pm

Hanboo wrote:
Wow, even within the RIAA my list is circulating, incredible.
Yes, again, this list was really compiled by me - all former Dotmusic chart forum visitors can confirm that.

Do I think the list (yours and mine are very similar) is reliable? Yes of course, otherwise I wouldn't have posted it.

Is it "almost official"? Maybe, if even the RIAA adopts it as a reliable guide to the world's bestselling albums.
If a majority of people think it's reliable then it is reliable.

And please ignore all the criticisms you get from people who'll ask: it sold xx million in the US, xx million in the UK, so where's the rest?

Or just answer: the world is a big place with almost 200 countries, albums are sold (and bootlegged) everywhere on the globe...

I really agree!!! ;-)

by **seattleboy** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:42 pm

Some of these figures are way too high. Especially Mariah Carey and Madonna's.

Mariah's debut shipped 15 million. "Butterfly", and "Merry Christmas" both have shipped 12 million at most.

"Like A Virgin", "True Blue", "Ray Of Light" & "Music" have shipped 18.5, 20, 14.5 & 11.5 million copies, respectively.

Whitney Houston's debut shipped 22 million worldwide, according to her official website.

All these figures are fairly estimated, except for Whitney Houston's (which has an official source). Usually the figures I estimate end up being the official sales.

by **seattleboy** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:54 pm

nelson wrote:
Hanboo wrote:The 42 million for AC/DC's "Back in Black" was confirmed by their record company.

Why would a record company declare that an album of one their artists has sold 42 million, when in fact it had only sold 22 million ?

The artist, in this case AC/DC, will say to their record company: "show me the money!" - they want compensation for the extra 20 million copies that were sold.
Or do you really think the lads will say: "let's give it a rest, we'll settle with the money for 22 million copies sold"?
Or AC/DC and label know in their mind how much copies really sold, and cheat to public.

Why would they lie? Who besides chart fans like us, care about how much an album sold worldwide. Anyways it does seem suspicious how "Back in Black" sold 42 million. Maybe the album is very under-certified.

by **TigerTiger** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:28 pm

seattleboy wrote:Some of these figures are way too high. Especially Mariah Carey and Madonna's.

Mariah's debut shipped 15 million. "Butterfly", and "Merry Christmas" both have shipped 12 million at most.
.

I suppose your figures are not really updated...

Mariah Carey was recently recognized at the 2003 WORLD MUSIC AWARD with the Diamond Award in honor of over 150 million album sales worldwide

So worldwide sales of 150 million + will easily translate into:

Mariah Carey (17 million)
Emotions (10 million)
MTV Unplugged (8 million)
Music Box (27 million)
Merry Christmas (16 million)
Daydream (22 million)
Butterfly (16 million)
The Ones (14 million)
Rainbow (8 million)
Glitter (4 million)
Greatest Hits (5 million)
Charmbracelet (3 million)

BTW i have find these figures on Wikipedia, and they are even higher!!!!

Discography
1990 "Mariah Carey" #1 US, #6 UK; US Sales: 9 million (17 million--worldwide)
1991 "Emotions" #4 US, #4 UK; US Sales: 5 million (13 million--worldwide)
1992 "MTV Unplugged" #3 US, #3 UK; US Sales: 3 million (9.5 million--worldwide)
1993 "Music Box" #1 US, #1 UK; US Sales: 12 million (27 million--worldwide)
1994 "Merry Christmas" #3 US, #32 UK; US Sales: 5 million (15.8 million--worldwide)
1995 "Daydream" #1 US, #1 UK; US Sales: 11 million (23 million--worldwide)
1997 "Butterfly" #1 US, #2 UK; US Sales: 5 million (17 million--worldwide)
1998 "#1's" #4 US, #10 UK; US Sales: 5 million (16 million--worldwide)
1999 "Rainbow" #2 US, #8 UK; US Sales: 3 million (10 million--worldwide)
2001 "Glitter" #7 US, #10 UK; US Sales: 1 million (5 million--worldwide)
2001 "Greatest Hits" #52 US; US Sales: 1 million (4 million--worldwide)
2002 "Charmbracelet" #3 US; US Sales: 1 million (6 million--worldwide)
2003 "The Remixes" #26 US, #35 UK; US Sales: 430,000 (1 million--worldwide)
2005 "The Emancipation of Mimi" (coming out on March 22th)
Total US Sales = (approx.) 60 million (100 million with singles) Total World Wide Sales = (approx.) 156 million (150 million with singles)

by **seattleboy** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:29 pm

TigerTiger wrote:
seattleboy wrote:Some of these figures are way too high. Especially Mariah Carey and Madonna's.

Mariah's debut shipped 15 million. "Butterfly", and "Merry Christmas" both have shipped 12 million at most.
.
I suppose your figures are not really updated...

Mariah Carey was recently recognized at the 2003 WORLD MUSIC AWARD with the Diamond Award in honor of over 150 million album sales worldwide

So worldwide sales of 150 million + will easily translate into:

Mariah Carey (17 million)
Emotions (10 million)
MTV Unplugged (8 million)
Music Box (27 million)
Merry Christmas (16 million)
Daydream (22 million)
Butterfly (16 million)
The Ones (14 million)
Rainbow (8 million)
Glitter (4 million)
Greatest Hits (5 million)
Charmbracelet (3 million)

These sales are very wrong

by **nelson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:42 pm

It's like Mariah Carey chart thread, Mariah Carey fans vs Mariah Carey Chart chat fans. Good show.

by **Vince** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:54 pm

People seldom think that Meat Loaf`s Bat Out Of Hell is the best-selling debut album worldwide...and by all the information I´ve got through the years it really is the best-selling debut :lol:

by **john2000** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:57 pm

TigerTiger wrote:Well... i'm sorry you won't trust me but i believe that's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find reliable and correctly updated certifications for each country in the world.

that's the point!

And i think that's more believable a direct source from the artist itself than a never-updated-in-10-or-20-years-certification from a barely official organisation from Burundi!

Well i'm not talking about each country in teh world, I'm talking about the biggest markets. And we have facts about these ones:

Back in Black :
US : 20 M certified recently
germany 1 M certified in 2001
France 600 k certified in 2001
Swiss 100 k certified in 1996
...

The album probably sold around 30 M not more than taht