USA's All Time Best Selling Artists and Albums

by **Basil** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:22 pm

Estimated Total US Album Shipments to March 2013

1 - Elvis Presley - 184,000,000
2 - The Beatles - 170,000,000
3 - Led Zeppelin - 103,000,000
4 - Garth Brooks - 99,000,000
5 - The Eagles - 95,000,000
6 - Barbra Streisand - 86,000,000
7 - Elton John - 85,000,000
8 - Pink Floyd - 81,000,000
9 - The Rolling Stones - 80,000,000
10 - Frank Sinatra - 79,000,000

11 - AC/DC - 77,000,000
12 - Billy Joel - 74,000,000
13 - Aerosmith - 74,000,000
14 - Michael Jackson - 73,000,000
15 - Madonna - 71,000,000
16 - George Strait - 71,000,000
17 - Kenny Rogers - 69,000,000
18 - Mariah Carey - 67,000,000
19 - Neil Diamond - 64,000,000
20 - Bruce Springsteen - 64,000,000

20 - Metallica - 64,000,000
22 - U2 - 63,000,000
23 - Van Halen - 62,000,000
24 - Fleetwood Mac - 60,000,000
25 - Celine Dion - 58,000,000
26 - Whitney Houston - 58,000,000
27 - Santana - 57,000,000
28 - Eric Clapton - 55,000,000
29 - Kenny G - 52,000,000

To obtain these figures I've used :-

- riaa shipments with particular regard to dates and patterns of certification.

- soundscan figures to indicate catalogue sales.

- billboard album charts and runs.

- other figures from internet research and from this forum.

NOTE - The Top 10 is neatly divided with 5 UK acts and 5 USA acts.

Total Audited US Album Shipments to March 2013

1 - The Beatles - 135.4m
2 - Elvis Presley - 111.2m
3 - Garth Brooks - 99m
4 - The Eagles - 89.75m
5 - Led Zeppelin - 89.46m
6 - AC/DC - 69.7m
7 - Elton John - 69.5m
8 - Barbra Streisand - 68.25m
9 - Billy Joel - 67m
10 - Michael Jackson - 66m

11 - Aerosmith - 63.628m
12 - Mariah Carey - 63.5m
13 - Madonna - 62m
14 - George Strait - 59m
15 - The Rolling Stones - 57.167m
16 - Pink Floyd - 57.111m
17 - Metallica - 57m
18 - Van Halen - 55m
19 - Whitney Houston - 54.5m
20 - Bruce Springsteen - 53.584m

21 - Kenny Rogers - 51.75m
22 - U2 - 50.5m
23 - Celine Dion - 50m
24 - Fleetwood Mac - 48m
25 - Kenny G - 47.5m
26 - Neil Diamond - 45.667m
27 - Santana - 44.883m
28 - Eric Clapton - 39.5m
29 - Frank Sinatra - 26.792m

Few of these artists currently have all their albums fully certified - but these are the definitive audited shipments to date.

Soundscan totals Mar 1991 to Dec 2007

1 - Garth Brooks - 67.4m
2 - The Beatles - 55.7m
3 - Mariah Carey - 49.9m
4 - Celine Dion - 49.7m
5 - Metallica - 48.7m
6 - George Strait - 39.2m
7 - Pink Floyd - 34.5m
8 - Kenny G - 33.1m
9 - Eric Clapton - 32.2m***
10 - U2 - 32.1m

11 - Elvis Presley - 29.5m
12 - Aerosmith - 28.7m
13 - The Eagles - 28.3m
14 - Frank Sinatra - 27.4m***
15 - Madonna - 27.4m***
16 - Elton John - 25.8m
17 - AC/DC - 25.7m
18 - Santana - 24.9m
19 - Whitney Houston - 23.6m***
20 - The Rolling Stones - 23.6m

21 - Led Zeppelin - 22.1m
22 - Barbra Streisand - 20.3m***
23 - Michael Jackson - 19m
24 - Bruce Springsteen - 18.2m
25 - Van Halen - 17.9m
26 - Billy Joel - 17.5m
27 - Fleetwood Mac - 16.2m
28 - Neil Diamond - 15.5m estimate
29 - Kenny Rogers - 13m estimate

***These 5 artist's totals include various soundtracks and collaborations that are included in their riaa totals.

The soundscan totals represent over the counter sales for the past 17 years.

The riaa total shipment list

This is the list on the riaa website and is the least useful list of all in that it counts "units" - so a double album counts twice, a 6CD box set six times! and so on.

This is the least from the riaa website - March 2013

1 - The Beatles - 177m
2 - Elvis Presley - 134.5m
3 - Garth Brooks - 128m
4 - Led Zeppelin - 111.5m
5 - The Eagles - 100m
6 - Billy Joel - 81.5m
7 - Pink Floyd - 74.5m
8 - Elton John - 72m
9 - Barbra Streisand - 71.5m
9 - AC/DC - 71.5m

11 - Michael Jackson - 70.5m
12 - George Strait - 68.5m
13 - Aerosmith - 66.5m
13 - The Rolling Stones - 66.5m
15 - Bruce Springsteen - 64.5m
15 - Madonna - 64.5m
17 - Mariah Carey - 63.5m
18 - Metallica - 62m
19 - Whitney Houston - 57m
20 - Van Halen - 56.5m

21 - U2 - 51.5m
22 - Kenny Rogers - 51m
23 - Celine Dion - 50m
24 - Fleetwood Mac - 48.5m
25 - Neil Diamond - 48.5m
26 - Kenny G - 48m
27 - Santana - 43.5m
28 - Eric Clapton - 42.5m
29 - Frank Sinatra - 27m

by **Herkenrath** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:49 pm

Would it be asked too much to explain how you came up with the Elvis and Beatles figures? Believe it or not, but both Elvis and the Beatles have sold more albums than that in America. Just interested how you did that en detail.

by **Basil** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:28 pm

Key
Rank
Year of release
Year of last certification
Artist/Title
riaa shipment
soundscan figure where available with date
BMG Music Club sales where available 1989-2002 inclusive (14 years)

Single Albums - All Time Top Shipments USA

1 1976 2006 The Eagles Greatest Hits 71-75 29,000,000 5,498,000 sep 2011 1,520,000
2 1982 2009 Michael Jackson Thriller 29,000,000 6,186,000 jan 2013 923,000

3 1971 2006 Led Zeppelin Four 23,000,000 3,808,000 jan 2013

4 1980 2007 AC/DC Back in Black 22,000,000 6,855,000 may 2012 1,330,000

5 1997 2004 Shania Twain Come On Over 20,000,000 15,522,000 oct 2012 1,990,000

6 1977 2003 Fleetwood Mac Rumours 19,000,000 3,022,000 jan 2013 1,310,000

7 1987 2008 Guns n Roses Appetite 18,000,000 5,220,000 jan 2013

8 1992 1999 Whitney Houston The Bodyguard 17,000,000 12,058,000 jan 2013 1,310,000
9 1976 2003 Boston Boston 17,000,000 2,287,000 apr 2012

10 1995 1998 Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill 16,000,000 14,809,000 jan 2013 350,000
11 1994 1999 Hootie/Blowfish Cracked Rear View16,000,000 10,277,000 oct 2012 1,300,000
12 1976 2001 The Eagles Hotel California 16,000,000 2,358,000 nov 2007
13 1974 2003 Elton John Greatest Hits 16,000,000 4,623,000 may 2006
14 1991 2012 Metallica Metallica 16,000,000 15,849,000 jan 2013

15 1984 1995 Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA 15,000,000 1,562,000 mar 2012
16 1973 1998 Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 15,000,000 9,438,000 may 2012
17 1999 2003 Santana Supernatural 15,000,000 11,729,000 oct 2012 1,260,000
18 1988 2008 Journey Greatest Hits 15,000,000 8,259,000 jan 2013

19 1990 1998 Garth Brooks No Fences 14,000,000 9,011,000 oct 2012
20 1997 2001 Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys14,000,000 10,127,000 oct 2012 1,720,000
21 1977 2001 Meatloaf Bat Out of Hell 14,000,000 4,745,000 may 2012
22 1972 2003 Simon & Garfunkel Greatest Hits 14,000,000 3,268,000 jan 2013
23 1999 2004 Britney Spears Baby One More 14,000,000 10,567,000 oct 2012 1,600,000

24 1984 1996 Prince Purple Rain 13,000,000 2,764,000 jan 2013
25 1985 1999 Whitney Houston Whitney Houston 13,000,000 1,228,000 may 2012
26 1999 2001 Back Street Boys Millennium 13,000,000 12,203,000 oct 2012 1,590,000
27 1978 2003 Steve Miller Greatest 74-78 13,000,000 5,468,000 jan 2012
28 1991 2009 Pearl Jam Ten 13,000,000 9,991,000 jan 2013

29 1986 1995 Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet 12,000,000 3,276,000 aug 2011
30 1994 1996 BoysIImen Two 12,000,000 8,590,000 feb 2013 1,290,000
31 1980 1997 Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits 12,000,000 602,000 jan 2006
32 1992 1998 Kenny G Breathless 12,000,000 8,060,000 feb 2013 1,290,000
33 1987 1998 Def Leppard Hysteria 12,000,000 2,375,000 apr 2006
34 1991 1998 Garth Brooks Ropin the Wind 12,000,000 9,571,000 oct 2012
35 1969 1999 Led Zeppelin Two 12,000,000 2,483,000 jan 2013
36 1995 2000 Shania Twain Woman in Me 12,000,000 7,733,000 feb 2013 1,240,000
37 1996 2001 Matchbox 20 Yourself or 12,000,000 8,201,000 feb 2013 1,180,000
38 1969 2001 The Beatles Abbey Road 12,000,000 4,901,000 jan 2013
39 1985 2001 Phil Collins No Jacket 12,000,000 895,000 jan 2006
40 1998 2003 Dixie Chicks Wide Open 12,000,000 8,786,000 feb 2013 1,280,000
41 1995 2006 Jewel Pieces Of You 12,000,000 7,458,000feb 2013 1,400,000

42 1987 1994 Soundtrack Dirty Dancing 11,000,000 2,690,000 may 2012 904,000
43 1976 1996 James Taylor Greatest Hits 11,000,000 7,097,000 jan 2013
44 1967 1997 The Beatles Sgt Pepper 11,000,000 4,481,000 jan 2013
45 1994 1999 TLC Crazysexycool 11,000,000 7,400,000 jan 2013 1,270,000
46 1973 1999 Led Zeppelin Houses of the Holy 11,000,000 1,792,000 dec 2006
47 1997 2000 Soundtrack Titanic 11,000,000 10,173,000 nov 2012 971,000
48 2000 2001 N'Sync No Strings 11,000,000 11,133,000 oct 2012 1,520,000
49 1996 2001 Celine Dion Falling 11,000,000 10,780,000 oct 2012 987,000
50 1982 2002 The Eagles Greatest Hits Vol 2 11,000,000 3,270,000 dec 2007
51 1998 2003 Kid Rock Devil 11,000,000 9,246,000 jan 2013 1,310,000
52 1999 2004 Creed Human Clay 11,000,000 11,614,000 oct 2012
53 1980 2007 Aerosmith Greatest Hits 11,000,000 5,459,000 jan 2013 2007
54 2000 2010 The Beatles One 11,000,000 12,150,000 jan 2013

55 1983 1985 Lionel Richie Can't Slow 10,000,000 428,000 jan 2006
56 1990 1991 MC Hammer Please 10,000,000 2,112,000 dec 2003
57 1994 1995 Soundtrack The Lion King 10,000,000 7,843,000 jan 2013
58 1971 1995 Carole King Tapestry 10,000,000 3,893,000 may 2012
59 1987 1995 U2 Joshua Tree 10,000,000 3,191,000 apr 2008 799,000
60 1992 1996 Eric Clapton Unplugged 10,000,000 7,633,000 feb 2013
61 1976 1996 Doobie Brothers Best Of 10,000,000 1,933,000 jan 2006
62 1978 1996 Van Halen Van Halen 10,000,000 2,271,000 may 2012
63 1983 1996 ZZ Top Eliminator 10,000,000 1,060,000 jan 2009
64 1987 1996 George Michael Faith 10,000,000 1,131,000 jan 2006
65 1993 1997 Mariah Carey Music Box 10,000,000 7,266,000 oct 2012 735,000
66 1994 1998 Garth Brooks The Hits 10,000,000 7,822,000 oct 2012
67 1995 1998 Mariah Carey Daydream 10,000,000 7,645,000 oct 2012 848,000
68 1984 1998 Madonna Like A Virgin 10,000,000 528,000 sep 2006 882,000
69 1997 1999 Celine Dion Let's Talk 10,000,000 9,597,000 nov 2012 1,110,000
70 1991 1999 Nirvana Nevermind 10,000,000 9,036,000 jan 2013 1,240,000
71 1995 1999 No Doubt Tragic 10,000,000 8,0193,000 jan 2013 1,320,000
72 1984 1999 Bob Marley Legend 10,000,000 11,233,000 jan 2013
73 1994 1999 Green Day Dookie 10,000,000 8,128,000 feb 2013 1,260,000
74 1984 1999 Van Halen 1984 10,000,000 1,570,000 feb 2012
75 1998 2000 N'Sync N'Sync 10,000,000 8,841,000 feb 2013 1,500,000
75 1990 2001 Madonna Immaculate 10,000,000 5,846,000 feb 2013 1,460,000
77 1999 2002 Dixie Chicks Fly 10,000,000 8,366,000 feb 2013
78 1993 2003 Tom Petty Greatest Hits 10,000,000 8,059,000 jan 2013
79 1977 2003 Billy Joel The Stranger 10,000,000 1,366,000 feb 2005
80 1983 2004 Def Leppard Pyromania 10,000,000 1,523,000 feb 2012
81 2002 2005 Norah Jones Come Away 10,000,000 10,901,000 jan 2013
82 2001 2005 Britney Spears Ooops 10,000,000 9,209,000 feb 2013 1,210,000
83 2000 2005 Linkin Park Hybrid Theory 10,000,000 10,047,000 jan 2013 826,000
84 1967 2005 Patsy Cline Greatest Hits 10,000,000 4,332,000 apr 2012
85 2004 2008 Usher Confessions 10,000,000 10,059,000 jan 2013
86 2002 2011 Eminem Show 10,000,000 10,143,000 jan 2013
87 2000 2011 Eminem Marshall Mathers LP 10,000,00010,669,000 jan 2013
88 1970 2011 Elvis Presley Christmas Album 10,000,000 1,020,000 2006
89 2011 2012 Adele 21 10,000,00010,307,000 jan 2013

Only 2 albums are really due an update - namely Bob Marley's Legend and The Dark Side of the Moon which are about 6 to 8 million short.

by **Basil** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:50 pm

Key
Rank
Year of release
Year last certified
Artist/Title
riaa shipment
soundscan figure where available with date
BMG music club sales where available 14 years to 2003

Double Albums - All Time shipments USA

1 1977 1999 The Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever 15,000,000*** 1,800,000 may 2006

2 1979 1999 Pink Floyd The Wall 11,500,000 5,827,000 may 2012
3 1985 2011 Billy Joel Greatest 1&2 11,500,000 3,474,000 jan 2006

4 1968 2001 The Beatles White Album 9,500,000 3,847,000 jan 2013

5 1973 2010 The Beatles Blue Album 8,500,000 2,902,000 jan 2013

6 1978 1984 Soundtrack Grease 8,000,000*** 6,010,000 jan 2013 899,000
7 1975 2006 Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti 8,000,000 1,419,000 jan 2013
8 1998 2006 Garth Brooks Double Live 8,000,000 6,017,000 oct 2012
9 1976 2007 Creedence Clearwater Revival Chronicle 8,000,000*** 6,291,000 jan 2013
10 1976 2011 Peter Frampton Comes Alive 8,000,000*** 986,000 may 2012

11 1973 2001 The Beatles Red Album 7,500,000 2,387,000 jan 2011

12 1973 1998 Elton John Yellowbrick Road 7,000,000*** 1,559,000 dec 2005

13 1994 2000 Soundtrack Forrest Gump 6,000,000 4,400,000 dec 2005
14 1971 2002 The Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 6,000,000 2,256,000 dec 2005

15 2002 2004 Shania Twain Up 5,500,000 5,414,000 feb 2013 477,000
16 2003 2006 Outkast Speakerboxxx 5,500,000 5,713,000 feb 2013

17 1988 1995 U2 Rattle & Hum 5,000,000*** 1,196,000 jul 2006
18 1997 2000 Notorious Big Life After Death 5,000,000 5,137,000 feb 2013 1,120,000
19 1973 2002 Elvis Presley Aloha 5,000,000*** 541,000 jan 2007
20 1976 2003 Bob Seger Live Bullet 5,000,000*** 1,200,000 jan 2006
21 1980 2003 Bruce Springsteen The River 5,000,000*** 367,000 jan 2006
22 1976 2005 Stevie Wonder Songs in Key Of Life 5,000,000 621,000 dec 2005
23 1987 2007 The Doors Best Of 5,000,000 3,800,000 sep 2007
24 1998 2011 2 Pac Greatest Hits 5,000,000 4,983,000 jan 2013
25 1995 2012 Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie 5,000,000 4,897,000 feb 2013

26 1996 1998 2 Pac All Eyez 4,500,000 5,600,000 mar 2007 (should be 11xP)

27 1971 1992 Crosby Stills & Nash Four Way Street 4,000,000*** 611,000 jan 2006
28 1995 1996 The Beatles Anthology One 4,000,000 3,666,000 jan 2007
29 1987 1996 London Cast Phantom of the Opera 4,000,000*** 2,500,000 may 2005
30 1989 1996 Kenny G Live 4,000,000***
31 1976 1997 Led Zeppelin Song Remains 4,000,000*** 369,000 dec 2006
32 1982 1999 Prince 1999 4,000,000*** 641,000 dec 2005
33 1981 2002 Willie Nelson Greatest Hits 4,000,000***
34 1981 2003 Bob Seger Nine Tonight 4,000,000*** 2,062,000 jan 2012
35 1998 2003 R Kelly R 4,000,000 1,600,000

36 1995 1995 Michael Jackson History 3,500,000 2,535,000 dec 2005 730,000
37 1980 2001 The Eagles Live 3,500,000 1,012,000 nov 2007
38 2004 2007 George Strait 50 Number Ones 3,500,000 3,616,000 jan 2013
39 2007 2008 The Eagles The Long Road Out Of Eden 3,500,000 2,673,000 jan 2008

40 1978 1987 Barry Manilow Greatest Hits 3,000,000 ***
41 1977 1987 Barry Manilow Live 3,000,000***
42 1976 1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd One More For the Road 3,000,000***
43 1979 1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd Gold & Platinum 3,000,000***
44 1973 1993 Soundtrack American Graffiti 3,000,000***
45 1987 1995 Jazzy Jeff/Fresh Prince He's the DJ 3,000,000***
46 1977 2000 The Beatles Love Songs 3,000,000*** 94,000 jan 2007
47 1970 2001 George Harrison All Things 3,000,000 520,000 jan 2006
48 1971 2001 Bob Dylan Greatest Hits Vol 2 3,000,000
49 1975 2001 Earth Wind & Fire Gratitude 3,000,000***
50 1977 2002 Elvis Presley In Concert 3,000,000***
51 1974 2003 Beach Boys Endless Summer 3,000,000 *** 771,000 dec 2005
52 2001 2004 Various Now That's What I Call Xmas 3,000,000 3,454,000 jan 2013

53 1996 1999 Madonna Evita 2,500,000 1,988,000 aug 2004
54 1987 1999 Broadway Cast Les Miserables 2,500,000 1,537,000 may 2008
55 1998 2000 Metallica Garage Inc 2,500,000 3,000,000 feb 2006 (should be 6xP)
56 1999 2003 Metallica S&M 2,500,000 2,800,000 feb 2006
57 1998 2003 Alabama For the Record 2,500,000 1,412,000 feb 2003
58 2007 2008 Garth Brooks The Ultimate Hits 2,500,000 1,401,000 jan 2008
59 2003 2008 The Eagles Very Best Of 2,500,000 2,470,000 jan 2008
60 2002 2011 Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002 2,500,000 2,616,000 jan 2013
61 2000 2012 Whitney Houston Greatest Hits 2,500,000 2,629,000 jan 2013

Double Albums shipping between 0.5m and 2.5m are listed further down this page.

***all the evidence is that these were certified as single albums

The huge joke here is the album Grease. Last certified 21 years ago. It has sold at least 7 million since. Indeed on 2 separate occasions in the 1990's it sold a million in a single year. Their record company (Polydor) is really asleep. zzzzz.....

Triple CD Sets - All Time Shipments USA

1 Bruce Springsteen Live 75-85 4,333,334 365,000 dec 2005

2 Led Zeppelin Remasters US 3CD version 666,667 745,000 dec 2005
3 Eightball Lost 666,667
4 Prince Emancipation 666,667 628,000 dec 2005
5 Queen Platinum Collection 666,667 463,000 may 2006

6 Chicago At Carnegie Hall 500,000 50,000 jan 2007

7 Elvis Presley Story (5LP) 400,000

8 Aerosmith Pandora's Box 333,333 426,000 dec 2003
9 Nirvana With the Lights Out 333,333 625,000 dec 2006
10 Led Zeppelin How the West was Won 333,333 769,000 dec 2006 (should be 2xPlatinum)
11 Jim Johnston WWE Anthology 333,333 n/a
12 Dave Matthews Central Park 333,333 n/a
13 Prince Hits & B Sides 333,333 630,000 dec 2005
14 Bob Dylan Biograph 333,333 n/a
15 The Rolling Stones London Years 333,333 327,000 dec 2005
16 Simon & Garfunkel Collected Works 333,333 n/a

17 Bob Dylan Bootleg Series 1-3 166,667 229,000
18 Rush In Rio 166,667 144,000
19 Rush Different Stages 166,667 277,000
20 The Grateful Dead Dozin' at the Knink 166,667 n/a
21 Stevie Nicks Enchanted 166,667 168,000
22 Journey Time 166,667 334,000 aug 2012 (should be Platinum)
23 Neil Diamond In My Lifetime 166,667 n/a
24 Frank Sinatra The Capitol Years 166,667 n/a
25 Paul Simon Box 64-93 166,667 n/a
26 Simon & Garfunkel Old Friends 166,667 n/a
27 David Bowie Sound & Vision 166,667
28 Lynyrd Skynyrd Box Set 166,667
29 Rolling Stones Grrr166,667

30 Elvis Presley Memories of Elvis (5LP) 100,000

Key
Rank
Artist/Title
( ) CD's in set
riaa shipment
soundscan figure where available with date

Standard Box Sets - All Time Shipments USA
Sets containing 4, 5 or 6 CD's

1 Led Zeppelin (4) 2,750,000 1,350,000 dec 2006

2 George Strait Out the Box (4) 2,000,000 1,401,000 2005
3 Garth Brooks Limited Series (6) 2,000,0000
4 Garth Brooks Limited Series Two (5) 2,000,000

5 Jimmy Buffett Boats Beaches (4) 1,000,000 780,000 dec 2003

6 Eric Clapton Crossroads (4) 750,000

7 Bob Marley Songs of Freedom (4) 500,000 645,000 dec 2003
8 Rod Stewart Storyteller (4) 500,000

9 Elvis Presley 50's Masters (5) 400,000

10 The Eagles Collected Works (4) 250,000 294,000 dec 2003
11 Bruce Springsteen Tracks (4) 250,000 279,000 dec 2003
12 The Beatles Capitol Box Vol One (4) 250,000 230,500 jan 2007
13 Barbra Streisand For the Record (4) 250,000 454,000 jun 2007
14 The Police Mesage in a Box (4) 250,000 24,000 dec 2003
15 Crosby Stills & Nash (4) 250,000
16 Patsy Cline Collection (4) 250,000 185,000 dec 2003
17 The Doo Wop Box (4) 250,000 119,000 dec 2003
18 Billy Joel Complete Hits Box (4) 250,000
19 Mannheim Steamroller Xmas Collection (4) 250,000
20 Elton John To Be Continued (4) 250,000 142,000 dec 2005
21 Vince Gill These Days (4) 250,000 274,000 mar 2007
22 Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (4) 250,000
23 Elvis:His Greatest Hits (4) 250,000

24 Smashing Pumpkins Aeroplane Flies (5) 200,000 307,000 may 2005
25 AC/DC Bonfire (5) 200,000 179,000 jul 2006
26 Elvis Presley 60's Masters (5) 200,000
27 TV Soundtrack Ken Burns Jazz (5) 200,000 194,000 dec 2003

28 Tom Petty Playback (6) 166,667 177,000 dec 2003

29 The Doors Box Set (4) 125,000 181,000 nov 2004
30 Jimi Hendrix Experience (4) 125,000 163,000 dec 2003
31 John Lennon Anthology (4) 125,000 118,000 dec 2003
32 Elvis Presley Platinum (4) 125,000
33 Elvis Presley The Legend Lives On (4) 125,000
34 Frank Sinatra The Reprise Years (4) 125,000
35 Allman Brothers Dreams (4) 125,000
36 Barry Manilow Complete Collection (4) 125,000
37 Bon Jovi 100,000,000 Fans (4) 125,000 105,000 2005
38 Steely Dan Complete (4) 125,000
39 Stevie Ray Vaughan SRV (4) 125,000 166,000 dec 2003
40 Grateful Dead Ladies & Gentlemen (4) 125,000
41 Ozzy Osbourne Prince Of Darkness (4) 125,000 102,000 dec 2006
42 James Brown Startime (4) 125,000
43 The Beatles Capitol Albums Vol 2 (4) 125,000 78,000 jan 2007
44 Stevie Wonder At the Close of the Century (4) 125,000118,000 dec 2003
45 Johnny Cash Legend 125,000 185,000
46 The Who 30 Years of Maximum R&B 125,000 - 92,000 dec 2003

47 Kiss Box Set (5) 100,000 139,000 oct 2006
48 The Beach Boys 30 Years Of (5) 100,000 117,000 dec 2003
49 Grateful Dead So Many Roads (5) 100,000 118,000 dec 2003
50 Elvis Presley 70's Masters (5) 100,000
51 Johnny Cash Unearthed (5) 100,000

52 Phish Hampton Comes Alive (6) 83,000

Monster Box Sets - All Time Shipments USA
Sets containing 7 or more CD's

1 Led Zeppelin Complete (10) 200,000 267,000 dec 2006

2 The Beatles Stereo Box (16) 188,000 219,000 dec 2010

3 Pink Floyd Shine On (9) 111,111 255,000 dec 2005 (should be 2xPlatinum)

4 The Beatles Mono Box (13) 77,000 38,000 nov 2009

5 The Beatles Complete (16) 62,500

6 Complete Stax Volt Singles 1959-1968 (9) 55,556
7 Richard Pryor Complete (9) 55,556

8 Grateful Dead The Golden Road (12) 41,667 49,000 dec 2003

9 Aerosmith Box Of Fire (13) 38,462 56,000 dec 2003

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:09 am

April 2008

Artists With Most Gold Albums (500,000)

1 - Elvis Presley - 81
2 - Barbra Streisand - 50
3 - The Beatles - 45
4 - Rolling Stones - 42
5 - Neil Diamond - 39
6 - Elton John - 37
6 - George Strait - 37
7 - Bob Dylan - 36
9 - Frank Sinatra - 33
10 - Kenny Rogers - 32

Artists With Most Platinum Albums (1,000,000)

1 - Elvis Presley - 45
2 - The Beatles - 39
3 - George Strait - 32
4 - Barbra Streisand - 30
5 - Rolling Stones - 28
6 - Elton John - 26
7 - Neil Diamond - 21
7 - Reba McEntire - 21
9 - Alabama - 20
9 - Kenny Rogers - 20

Artists With Most Multi-Platinum Albums

1 - The Beatles - 24
2 - Elvis Presley - 24
3 - Garth Brooks - 15
4 - Led Zeppelin - 13
4 - Barbra Streisand - 13
4 - George Strait - 13
7 - Billy Joel - 12
7 - Madonna - 12
7 - Aerosmith - 12
7 - Van Halen - 12
7 - Pink Floyd - 12
7 - Elton John - 12

Artists With Most Albums Over 5,000,000

1 - The Beatles - 11
1 - Garth Brooks - 11
3 - Led Zeppelin - 8
4 - The Eagles - 7
4 - Mariah Carey - 7
4 - Metallica - 7
7 - Billy Joel - 6
8 - Madonna - 5
8 - Celine Dion - 5
8 - AC/DC - 5
8 - Aerosmith - 5
8 - Michael Jackson - 5

Artists With Most Albums Over 10,000,000

1 - The Beatles - 6
1 - Garth Brooks - 6
3 - Led Zeppelin - 5
4 - The Eagles - 3
4 - Shania Twain - 3
6 - Billy Joel - 2
6 - Mariah Carey - 2
6 - Madonna - 2
6 - Pink Floyd - 2
6 - Van Halen - 2
6 - Bruce Springsteen - 2
6 - Whitney Houston - 2
6 - Celine Dion - 2
6 - Back Street Boys - 2
6 - Britney Spears - 2
6 - Def Leppard - 2
6 - The Dixie Chicks - 2
6 - N'Sync - 2

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:35 am

The following albums shipped 9 million down to 5 million.

Soundscan figure where available with date
BMG music club sales where available covering 14 years to 2003

All Time Shipments USA - Single Albums - 9,000,000

Ace Of Base The Sign 6,504,000 feb 2013 1,080,000
Beastie Boys License to Ill 5,697,000 jan 2013 1,130,000
Billy Ray Cyrus Some Gave All 7,505,000 feb 2013 1,080,000
Bob Seger Greatest Hits 9,242,000 jan 2013
BoysIImen Cooleyhighharmoney 6,973,000 feb 2013 1,130,000
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms 1,096,295 may 2005
John Denver Greatest Hits 1,186,000 jul 2006
Journey Escape 727,000 jun 2006 + 199,000 dec 2011
Mariah Carey Mariah Carey 4,868,000 oct 2012
Nelly Country Grammar 8,534,000 feb 2013
REO Speedwagon High Infidelity 836,000 jan 2006
Soundtrack Footloose 2,245,000 jul 2007
Soundtrack Top Gun 3,178,000 jul 2007
Whitney Houston Whitney 1,020,000 mar 2012 806,000
Will Smith Big Willie Style 6,042,000 feb 2013 1,290,000

All Time Shipments USA - Single Albums - 8,000,000

Aerosmith Toys in the Attic 1,247,000 feb 2006
Back Street Boys Black and Blue 5,440,000 feb 2013 992,000
Christine Aguilera 8,248,000 feb 2013 935,000 (should be 9xPlatinum)
Destiny's Child Writing 6,333,000 feb 2013 703,000
The Eagles Hell Freezes Over 8,765,000 feb 2013
Faith Hill Breathe 6,534,000 feb 2013
Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits 4,615,000 jan 2013
Michael Jackson Off the Wall 2,100,000 sep 2011
Kenny G Miracles 7,286,000 feb 2013
Lauryn Hill Miseducation 7,286,000 feb 2013 880,000
Led Zeppelin I 1,684,000 jan 2013
Live Throwing Copper 5,867,000 feb 2013
Metallica Justice For All 5,423,000 aug 2011
Michael Bolton Time Love 6,732,000 feb 2013
Michael Jackson Bad 1,783,000 jan 2013 879,000
Nickleback All the Right Reasons 7,664,000 jan 2013
NKOTB Hangin' Tough
Police Synchronicity 506,000 jan 2006
Queen Greatest Hits 7,065,000 jan 2013
Sarah McLachan Surfacing 5,830,000 feb 2013 985,000
Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over 1,210,000 jan 2006
Soundtrack O Brother Where Art Thou 7,784,000 jan 2013
Stone Temple Pilots Core 5,001,000 feb 2013
Toni Braxton Secrets 5,386,000 feb 2013 927,000
Toni Braxton Toni Braxton 5,159,000 feb 2013 972,000
U2 Achtung Baby 5,597,000 feb 2013
Whitesnake Whitesnake 680,000

All Time Shipments USA - Single Albums - 7,000,000

AC/DC Highway to Hell 2,083,000 jun 2010
Aerosmith Get A Grip 4,638,000 feb 2013
Aerosmith Pump 1,363,000 feb 2005
Billy Joel 52nd Street 460,000 jan 2006
Billy Joel Innocent Man 860,000 jan 2006
Billy Joel Glass Houses 442,000
Bobby Brown Don't Be Cruel
Bon Jovi New Jersey 901,000 feb 2006
Bonnie Raitt Luck of Draw 5,471,000 feb 2013
Boston Don't Look Back 1,162,000 aug 2011
Carpenters Singles 1969-73
Carrie Underwood Some Hearts 7,290,000 jan 2013
Celine Dion Decade of Song 8,001,000 feb 2013 1,100,000 (should be 9xPlatinum)
Counting Crows August 6,085,000 feb 2013
Cranberries No Need To Argue 4,137,015 may 2005
CSN&Y Deja Vu 1,100,000 jan 2006
Dave Matthews Crash 5,680,000 feb 2013
Eagles The Long Run 552,000 nov 2007
Enya Day Without Rain 6,955,000 feb 2013
Eric Clapton Timepieces 4,521,000 sep 2011
Evanessence Fallen 7,699,000 jan 2013
Foreigner Records 1,782,000 jan 2006
Foreigner Double Vision
Garth Brooks Garth Brooks 4,100,000 feb 2005
Garth Brooks Sevens 5,726,000 oct 2012
Guns n Roses Use Your Illusion Two 5,631,000 feb 2013
Guns n Roses Use Your Illusion One 5,546,000 feb 2013
Huey Lewis Sports 448,000 may 2006
Jackson Browne Running on Empty 1,020,000 jan 2006
Janis Joplin Greatest Hits 4,351,000 apr 2012
Jimmy Buffett Song You Know 6,575,000 jan 2013
Limp Bizkit Significant 7,575,000 feb 2013
Linda Ronstadt Greatest Hits 1,230,000 dec 2005
Madonna True Blue 383,000 sep 2006 301,000
Michael Jackson Dangerous 5,787,000 feb 2013 298,000
Natalie Cole Unforgettable 6,194,000 feb 2013 1,030,000
Paula Abdul Forever Your Girl 1,100,000 jan 2007
Pearl Jam V's 6,004,000 feb 2013
Puff Daddy No Way Out 5,263,000 feb 2013 978,000
Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar 4,786,000 feb 2013
Ricky Martin Ricky Martin 7,012,000 feb 2013 987,000
Santana Greatest Hits 2,163,000 apr 2005
Savage Garden Savage Garden 5,298,000 feb 2013
Sheryl Crow Tuesday Night 4,567,000 feb 2013 833,000
Soundtrack Waiting to Exhale 5,148,000 feb 2013 886,000
Spice Girls Spice 7,447,000 feb 2013
Vanilla Ice To the Extreme 2,647,000 oct 2005

All Time Shipments USA - Single Albums - 6,000,000

Abba Gold 5,403,000 jan 2013 884,000
AC/DC Dirty Deeds 1,799,000 apr 2009
Alan Jackson Greatest Hits 5,798,000 feb 2013
Alan Jackson A Lot about Livin'
Alicia Keyes Songs in A Minor 6,305,000 feb 2013 995,000 (should be 7xPlatinum)
Avril Lavinge Let Go 6,812,000 feb 2013
Beatles Rubber Soul 2,805,000 jan 2013
Beatles Magical Mystery Tour 1,898,000 jan 2013
Blues Traveler Four 3,900,000
Bob Seger Night Moves 865,000 jan 2006
Bob Seger Stranger in Town
Brooks & Dunn Brand New Man 3,500,000
Bruce Springsteen Born to Run 711,000 dec 2005
Bush Sixteen Stone 6,042,000 feb 2013
The Cars The Cars
The Cars Greatest Hits 1,451,000 nov 2007
Celine Dion Color Of 4,479,000 may 2006
Chicago 17 490,000 2006
Creed Weathered 6,436,000 jan 2013
Creed My Own Prison 6,413,000 jan 2013
CSN&Y So Far
Cyndi Lauper She's So Unusual 742,000 may 2006
Dave Matthews Under the Table 4,790,000 feb 2013
Dixie Chicks Home 6,051,000 feb 2013
Don Henley End Of Innocence
Dr Dre 2001 7,624,000 jan 2013 (should be 7xPlatinum)
Elvis Presley Golden Records Vol 1 1,356,000 dec 2005
Faith Hill Faith 3,200,000
50 Cent Get Rich 8,169,000 jan 2013 (should be 8xPlatinum)
Foreigner Four
Fugees The Score 6,089,000 feb 2013 822,000
Garth Brooks In Pieces 4,300,000 feb 2005
Garth Brooks The Chase 5,128,000 oct 2012
Genesis Invisible Touch 780,000 dec 2005
George Strait Pure Country 4,767,000 feb 2013
Green Day American Idiot 6,115,000 jan 2013
INXS Kick 831,000 jan 2006
Janet Jackson Janet 7,039,000 feb 2013 860,000 (should be 7xPlatinum)
Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation 1,318,000 1,100,000
Journey Frontiers 276,000 jun 2006 + 91,000 aug 2012
Kelly Clarkson Breakaway 6,278,000 feb 2013
Leann Rimes Blue 6,022,000 feb 2013
Led Zeppelin III 1,139,000 apr 2005 dec 2006
Led Zeppelin In Through Out Door 782,000 dec 2006
Limp Bizkit Chocolate 6,756,000 feb 2013
Manneheim Fresh Aire 3,548,000 oct 2007
Manneheim Christmas 3,391,000 oct 2007
Mariah Carey Emancipation Of Mimi 5,978,000 feb 2013
Melissa Etheridge Yes I Am
Men At Work Business As Usual 392,000 dec 2005
Metallica Master of Puppets 4,767,000 feb 2013
Metallica Ride the Lightning 4,411,0000 aug 2011
Michael Bolton Soul Provider
Milli Vanilli Girl You Know
Motley Crue Dr Feelgood 1,166,000 jan 2007
Nat King Cole Christmas Song
Nelly Nellyville 6,501,000 feb 2013
Nickleback Silver Side Up 5,599,000 feb 2013 692,000
Offspring Smash 6,248,000 feb 2013
Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here 3,343,000 may 2012
Quiet Riot Metal Health
R Kelly 12 Play
Rolling Stones Some Girls 1,250,000 may 2010
Shaggy Hot Shot 6,822,000 feb 2013
Soundtrack The Little Mermaid
Soundtrack Space Jam 4,766,000 feb 2013
Soundtrack Flashdance 626,000 jul 2007
Soundtrack The Big Chill
Stone Temple Pilots Purple 4,215,000 aug 2006
Taylor Swift Fearless 6,698,000 jan 2013
Third Eye Blind 3,526,000 842,000 jan 2004
TLC Fanmail 4,750,000 feb 2013 877,000
Three Doors Down Better Life 5,639,000 feb 2013
Tim McGraw Not A Moment 6,073,000 feb 2013
Tim McGraw Greatest Hits 6,248,000 jan 2013
Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman 2,276,000 may 2006
Usher My Way 4,000,000 796,000
Van Halen 5150 1,167,000 may 2006
Wham Make it Big 419,000 jan 2006

All time Shipments USA - Single Albums - 5,000,000

AC/DC Who Made Who 1,814,000 nov 2008
AC/DC Razor's Edge 2,469,000 jul 2006
Aerosmith Permanent Vacation 920,000 jan 2006
Air Supply Greatest Hits
Alabama Mountain Music
Alabama Greatest Hits
Amy Grant Heart in Motion
Anita Baker Rapture
Bad Company Bad Company
Barbra Streisand Memories 1,068,000 dec 2005
Barbra Streisand Guilty 235,000
Barbra Streisand Greatest Hits Vol 2 440,000
Barbra Streisand Christmas 1,578,000 oct 2012
Beatles Meet the Beatles 50,000 oct 2007
Beatles Revolver 2,346,000 jan 2013
Billy Joel River of Dreams 3,749,000
Black Crowes Shake Your
Blink 182 Enema
Bob Dylan Greatest Hits 705,000 sep 2005
Bob Seger Against the Wind
Bonnie Raitt Nick Of Time
Box Scaggs Silk Degrees
Brandy Never Say Never 4,604,000 feb 2013 665,000
Bread Best Of
Brooks & Dunn Hard Working Man
Bryan Adams So Far
Bryan Adams Reckless
C&C Music Factory Gonna Make You
Celine Dion These are Special Times 5,275,000 feb 2013
Chicago Greatest 1982-89 2,574,000 sep 2007
Chicago IX Greatest Hits 1,307,000 jan 2006 +271,000
Christopher Cross
Cranberries Everybody Else
Deana Carter Did I Shave
DMX And Then There Was 4,981,000 feb 2013
Earth Wind & Fire Best Of Vol 1 1,700,000 jan 2006
Elton John Greatest Hits Vol 2 1,512,000 dec 2005
Elvis Presley #1's 4,845,000 jan 2013
Enya Shepherd Moons 4,712,000 feb 2013
50 Cent The Massacre 5,306,000 feb 2013
Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac 860,000 jan 2006
Fleetwood Mac The Dance 4,300,000 oct 2004
Foreigner Head Games
Foreigner Foreigner
Godsmack Godsmack 3,760,000 may 2006
Gretchen Wilson Here For the Party 4,599,000 feb 2013
Guns n Roses Guns n Lies 1,296,000 feb 2006
Guns n Roses Greatest Hits 5,401,000 jan 2013
Hank Williams Jnr Greatest Hits 3,056,000 may 2012
Heart Heart
Janet Jackson Control 455,000 dec 2004 883,000
Jay-Z Hard Knock Vol 2 5,374,000 feb 2013
John Mellencamp Scarecrow 1,277,000 dec 2005
John Mellencamp American Fool 1,380,000 sep 2011
Johnny Mathis Merry Christmas
Josh Groban Closer 5,989,000 feb 2013
Josh Groban Noel 5,589,000 feb 2013
Kenny G Duotones
Kenny Rogers The Gambler
Kid Rock Cocky 5,225,000 feb 2013
Korn Follow the Leader 3,638,000 apr 2004
Lynyrd Skynyrd Innards 2,071,000 jan 2006
Madonna Madonna 416,000 sep 2006
Mariah Carey Butterfly 3,709,000 sep 2007
Mariah Carey Number Ones 3,564,000 sep 2007 1,000,000
Mariah Carey Christmas 5,298,000 feb 2013
Meatloaf Bat Out of Hell Two 4,808,000 feb 2013 909,000
Metallica Load 5,098,000 feb 2013
Monkees The Monkees
Monkees More Of the Monkees
Natalie Merchant Tigerlily
Neil Diamond The Jazz Singer 419,000 apr 2006
Nirvana In Utero 3,976,000 dec 2006
Nirvana Unplugged 4,847,000 feb 2013
Offspring Americana 5,015,000 feb 2013
Paul Simon Graceland 1,875,000 may 2006
Pearl Jam Vitalogy 4,765,000 feb 2013
Peter Gabriel So 1,414,000 dec 2005
Phil Collins Face Value 1,187,000 oct 2010
Pink Missundazstood 5,587,000 feb 2013
Poison Open Up 644,000 jan 2007
Police Every Breath 2,902,000 nov 2008
R Kelly R Kelly
Randy Travis Always & Forever
Rascal Flatts Feels Like Today 5,252,000 feb 2013
Reba McEntire Greatest Hits Vol 2
Red Hot Chili Peppers Californication 5,689,000 feb 2013
Salt n Pepa Very Necessary
Santana Abraxus 1,400,000 jan 2007
Sisqo Unleash the Dragon
Skid Row Skid Row 1,211,000 may 2012
Sly & The Family Stone Greatest Hits
Soundgarden Superunknown 3,570,000
Soundtrack City Of Angels 5,520,000 feb 2013
Spin Doctors Pocket Full
Staind Break the Cycle 5,658,000 feb 2013
Stevie Nicks Belladonna
Sublime Sublime 6,347,000 jan 2013 (should be 6 x Platinum)
N'SYNC Celebrity 4,917,000 feb 2013 826,000
Taylor Swift Taylor Swift 5,315,000 jan 2013
Tears For Fears Big Chair 520,000 aug 2006
Tina Turner Private Dancer 689,000
Tom Petty Full Moon Fever 1,356,000 may 2012
Tracy Chapman New Beginning
Van Halen Van Halen Two 695,000 may 2006
Vince Gill I Still Believe
Waylon Jennings Greatest Hits
Willie Nelson Stardust
Wilson Phillips
Wynonna Judd Wynonna
ZZ Top Afterburner

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:00 am

Key
Year of release
Artist/Title
Soundscan figure where available with date

Double Albums Shipping 2,000,000 in USA

1997 - 2 Pac - R U Still Down 2,093,000
1972 - Aretha Franklin - Amazing Grace
1986 - Beach Boys - Made in the USA
1994 - The Beatles - At the Beeb 1,518,000 jan 2007
1996 - The Beatles - Anthology Vol Two 1,739,000 jan 2007
1979 - Bee Gees - Greatest 1,938,000 may 2008
1976 - Black Sabbath - We Sold Our Souls 1,135,000 jan 2007
1966 - Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde 720,000 feb 2007
1997 - Bone Thugs - Art Of War 1,592,000 jan 2006
1985 - The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More
1969 - Chicago - Chicago Transit Authority
1981 - Dan Fogelberg - Innocent Age
1979 - Donna Summer - Bad Girls 67,000 2005
1979 - Donna Summer - On the Radio 387,000 2005
1987 - Elvis Presley - The Top Ten Hits
1979 - Fleetwood Mac - Tusk 220,000
1975 - Gordon Lightfoot - Gord's Gold
1970 - Grand Funk Railroad - Live Album
1972 - Grateful Dead - Europe 72
1976 - Harry Chapin - Greatest Stories Live
1980 - Heart - Greatest Hits/Live
1982 - Jane Fonda - Workout Record
1968 - Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland 840,000
1981 - Journey - Captured
1977 - Kiss - Alive Two 292,000 oct 2006
1998 - Master P - MP Da Last Don
1972 - Neil Diamond - Hot August Night 280,000 jan 2006
1977 - Neil Diamond - Love at the Greek
1987 - Ozzy Osbourne - Tribute 1,025,000 dec 2006
1987 - Paul McCartney - All the Best 946,000 dec 2005
1990 - Paul Simon - Rhythm of the Saints
2001 - Pink Floyd - Echoes 2,105,000 feb 2007
2006 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium 2,123,000 jul 2007
2002 - Rolling Stones - Forty Licks 2,750,000 may 2007 (should be 5xPlatinum)
1977 - Santana - Moonflower
1982 - Simon & Garfunkel - Central Park
1970 - Soundtrack - Woodstock
1987 - Sting - Nothing Like the Sun 539,000 jan 2006
1969 - The Who - Tommy 684,000 jan 2006
1978 - Willie Nelson & Family - Live
1980 - Willie Nelson - Honeysuckle Rose
1997 - Wu Tang Clan - Forever

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:31 am

Key
Year of release
Artist/Title
Soundscan figure where available with date

Double Albums Shipping 1,500,000 in USA

2001 - 2 Pac - Until the End Of Time 2,083,000 (should be 4xPlatinum)
1994 - Barbra Streisand - The Concert 1,102,000 jun 2007
1996 - The Beatles - Anthology Three 1,363,000 jan 2007
1999 - Dave Matthews - Live Luther College 1,918,000
2002 - Jay Z - Blueprint 2 1,896,000
1975 - John Denver - An Evening With
1989 - Luther Vandross - Best Of Love 1,600,000 jan 2006
1992 - Neil Diamond - Greatest Hits 1966-1992
2001 - Pink Floyd - Echoes 2,105,000 feb 2007 (should be 4xPlatinum)
1988 - Pink Floyd - Delicate Sound Thunder 1,016,000 jan 2007
1978 - Ted Nugent - Double Live Gonzo

by **Fedepeti** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:05 am

Great work, thanks!

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:09 am

Key
Year of release
Artist/Title
Soundscan figure where available with date

Double Albums Shipping 1,000,000 in USA

2002 - 2 Pac - Better Dayz 1,649,000 (should be 3xPlatinum)
1992 - AC/DC - Live Collectors Edition 1,049,000 mar 2007
2002 - Aerosmith - Oh Yeah, Greatest Hits 1,572,000 mar 2007 (should be 3xPlatinum)
1978 - Aerosmith - Live Bootleg
1971 - Allman Brothers - Fillmore East 422,000 jan 2006
1972 - Allman Brothers - Eat A Peach
1983 - Broadway Cast - Cats
1976 - The Beatles - Rock n Roll Music 216,000 jan 2007
1977 - The Bee Gees - Here At Last Live 41,000
1987 - Billy Joel - Kohuept
2001 - Billy Joel - Essential 1,606,000 jan 2013
1971 - Chicago - Three
1974 - Chicago - Seven
2002 - Chicago - Very Best Of
1980 - Clash - London Calling
1997 - Dave Matthews - Live at Red Rocks 1,400,000
1999 - Dave Matthews - Listener Supported 800,000
1973 - Deep Purple - Made in Japan 127,000 jan 2006
1978 - Donna Summer - Live and More 30,000 2005
1977 - ELO - Out of the Blue
1976 - Elton John - Blue Moves 30,000 dec 2005
1987 - Elton John - Live in Australia 500,000 dec 2005
1994 - Elvis Presley - Amazing Grace
1985 - Elvis Presley - 50 Years 50 Hits
1976 - Elvis Presley - Double Dynamite
1970 - Elvis Presley - Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits
1978 - George Benson - Weekend in LA
1998 - George Michael - Ladies & Gentlemen 1,100,000 oct 2006
1977 - Grateful Dead - Long Strange Trip
1971 - Hank Williams - 24 Greatest Hits
1985 - Iron Maiden - Live After Death 580,000 mar 2006
1993 - James Taylor - Live
2003 - Jimmy Buffett - Meet Me in Margaritaville 1,636,000 jul 2007 (should be 3xPlatinum)1972 - Johnny Mathis - All Time Greatest Hits
1978 - Kansas - Two For the Show
1978 - Kiss - Double Platinum 506,000 oct 2006
1997 - Led Zeppelin - BBC Sessions 1,273,000 dec 2006
2007 - Led Zeppelin - Mothership 1,789,000 jan 2013
1978 - Little Feat - Waiting For Columbus
1974 - Loggins & Messina - On Stage
1987 - Neil Diamond - Hot August Night 2 736,000
1979 - Neil Young - Live Rust 551,000
1987 - Neil Young - Decade 788,000
1984 - Neville Marriner - Amadeus
1999 - Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile
1972 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Will the Circle
1996 - Original Cast - Evita
1980 - Original Cast - Rent 1,100,000 may 2005
1982 - Ozzy Osbourne - Speak of the Devil 283,000 dec 2006
2001 - Paul McCartney - Wingspan 1,027,000 dec 2005
2002 - Paul McCartney - Back in the USA 981,000 dec 2005
1976 - Paul McCartney - Wings Over America 20,000
1995 - Pink Floyd - Pulse 1,539,000 jan 2007 (should be 3xPlatinum)
1969 - Pink Floyd - Ummagumma 482,000 jan 2007
1987 - Prince - Sign o the Times 270,000 dec 2005
1979 - Queen - Live Killers 507,000
1977 - REO Speedwagon - Live
1980 - REO Speedwagon - Decade
1990 - Robert Johnson - Complete
1972 - Rolling Stones - Exile on Main Street 707,000 sep 2005
1990 - Rush - Chronicles 825,000 jan 2007
1976 - Rush - All the World's A Stage 246,000 jan 2007
1981 - Rush - Exit Stage Left 542,000 jan 2007
1997 - Soundtrack - Gang Related 834,000 sep 2005
1978 - Soundtrack - Thank God It's Friday
1980 - Soundtrack - Urban Cowboy
1978 - Soundtrack - Sgt Pepper
1977 - Soundtrack - Star Wars
1978 - Soundtrack - FM
1981 - Soundtrack - Heavy Metal
1971 - Soundtrack - Fiddler on the Roof
1973 - Soundtrack - Jesus Christ Superstar
1985 - Scorpions - World Wide Live
1978 - Steely Dan - Greatest Hits
1986 - Stevie Ray Vaughan - Live Alive
1973 - Temptations - Anthology
1989 - The 2 Live Crew - As Nasty
1997 - Tru - Tru 2 Da Game
1998 - U2 - Best 1980-1990/B Sides 1,400,000
1993 - Van Halen - Live 717,000 may 2006
1973 - The Who - Quadrophenia
1979 - The Who - The Kids Are Alright
1973 - Yes - Yessongs

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:26 am

Key
Year of release
Artist/Title
Soundscan figure where available with date

Double Albums Shipping 500,000 in USA

1998 - Aerosmith - Little South of Insanity 678,000 sep 2002
1977 - Al Jarreau - Look to the Rainbow
1973 - Allman Brothers - Beginnings
1977 - Average White Band - Person to Person
1972 - The Band - Rock of Ages
2002 - Barbra Streisand - The Essential 506,000 jun 2007
2000 - Barbra Streisand - Timeless 477,000 jun 2007
1973 - Beach Boys - In Concert
1975 - Beach Boys - Spirit of America
1964 - The Beatles - Story 3,000 jan 2007
2001 - The Bee Gees - The Record 1,309,000 may 2006 (should be 2xPlatinum)
1998 - Black Sabbath - Reunion 493,000 jan 2004
1974 - Bobby Bland/BB King - Together
1996 - Blues Traveller - Live From the Fall
1974 - Bob Dylan - Before the Flood
2000 - Bob Dylan - The Essential 1,289,000 jan 2013 (should be 2xPlatinum)
1970 - Bob Dylan - Self Portrait
1975 - Bob Dylan - Basement Tapes
1975 - Blue Oyster Cult - On Your Feet or On Your Knees
2001 - Bruce Springsteen - Live in New York
2003 - Bruce Springsteen - The Essential
1970 - Chicago - Chicago Two
1978 - Chuck Mangione - Children of Sanchez
1988 - The Clash - Story
1974 - Crusaders - Southern Comfort
1987 - The Cure - Kiss Me
1968 - Cream - Wheels Of Fire
1995 - Cypress Hill - Skull & Bones
2001 - Dave Matthews - Live Chicago 1998
2002 - Dave Matthews - Live Folsom Field
1974 - David Bowie - David Live
2005 - Def Leppard - Rock Of Ages 699,000 sep 2007
1998 - Depeche Mode - Singles 1986-1998 562,000 apr 2006
1981 - Diana Ross - All the Great Hits
1971 - Dionne Warwick - Story
1977 - Donna Summer - Once Upon A Time 24,000 2005
1988 - Dokken - Beast From the East
1968 - Donovan - Gift From A Flower to a Garden
1991 - The Doors - In Concert 795,000
1970 - The Doors - Absolutely Live 259,000
1972 - The Doors - Weird Scenes
1972 - Duane Allman - Anthology
1980 - Earth Wind & Fire - Faces
1972 - Edgar Winter - Roadwork
1974 - ELP - Welcome Back
1977 - ELP - Works Vol 1
1991 - Elvis Presley - World Gold Awards Vols 1&2
1969 - Elvis Presley - From Vegas to Memphis & Back
1981 - Elvis Presley - The Rock n Roll Era
1970 - Eric Clapton - Layla
1972 - Eric Clapton - History
1973 - Eric Clapton - Derek & Dominoes in Concert
1980 - Eric Clapton - Just One Night
1969 - Ferrante & Teicher - 10th Anniversary
1971 - Fifth Dimension - Live
2002 - Fleetwood Mac - Very Best Of 1,100,000 jan 2006 (should be 2xPlatinum)
1980 - Fleetwood Mac - Live
1973 - Focus - Three
1968 - Four Seasons - Edizione D'Oro
1980 - Frank Sinatra - Trilogy
1966 - Frank Sinatra - At the Sands 273,000 jan 2006
1965 - Frank Sinatra - A Man & His Music
1984 - Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Pleasuredome
1974 - Genesis - Lamb Lies Down on Broadway 182,000 jan 2006
1982 - Genesis - Three Sides Live
1979 - George Benson - Livin' Inside Your Love
1981 - George Benson - Collection
1969 - Glen Campbell - Live
1972 - Grand Funk Railroad - Mark Don & Mel
1970 - Grateful Dead - Live Dead
1990 - Grateful Dead - Without a Net
1959 - Harry Belafonte - At Carnegie Hall
1960 - Harry Belafonte - Returns to Carnegie
1971 - Humble Pie - Rockin' the Fillmore
1971 - Ike & Tina Turner - What You See Is What You Get
1995 - Indigo Girls - 1200 Curfews
1971 - Isaac Hayes - Shaft
1973 - Isaac Hayes - Live at Sahara Tahoe
1979 - Isley Brothers - Winner Takes All
1974 - James Brown - The Payback
1984 - Jane Fonda - New & Improved Workout
1972 - Janis Joplin - In Concert
1977 - Jefferson Airplane - Flightlog
1972 - Jethro Tull - Living in the Past
1978 - Jethro Tull - Live Bursting Out
1978 - Jimmy Buffett - You Had To Be There
1969 - Joan Baez - Any Day Now
1971 - Joan Baez - Blessed Are
1970 - Joe Cocker - Mad Dogs & Englishmen
1969 - Jose Feliciano - Alive Alive-O
1988 - John Lennon - Imagine Soundtrack
2003 - John Mayer - Any Given Thursday
1970 - Johnny Cash - The World Of
2002 - Johnny Cash - The Essential 1,414,000 jan 2013 (should be 2xPlatinum)
1987 - Jonathan Butler - Jonathan Butler
1974 - Joni Mitchell - Miles Of Aisles
2001 - Journey - The Essential 1,103,000 sep 2012
1961 - Judy Garland - At Carnegie Hall
1980 - Kenny Loggins - Alive
1980 - Kinks - One For the Road
1975 - Kiss - Alive 254,000 oct 2006
1999 - Krayzie Bone - Thug Mentality
2002 - Lauryn Hill - Unplugged
1989 - London Cast - Miss Saigon 719,000 may 2005
1987 - London Cast - Les Miserables 589,000 may 2005
2002 - Led Zeppelin - Best Of Vols 1 & 2 1,603,000 sep 2007 (should be 3xPlatinum)
1973 - Leon Russell - Leon Live
1977 - Linda Ronstadt - Retrospective
2003 - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Thyrty 836,000 may 2007
20?? - Lynyrd Skynyrd - The Essential
2001 - Mariah Carey - Greatest Hits 950,000 sep 2007
1974 - Marshall Tucker - Where We All Belong
1981 - Maze - Live in New Orleans
1970 - Miles Davis - Bitches Brew 350,000 jan 2006
1974 - Moody Blues - This Is
1978 - Natalie Cole - Live
2001 - Neil Diamond - The Essential 618,000 may 2006
1979 - Willie Nelson/Leon Russell - One For the Road
1987 - New Order - Substance
1972 - The Osmonds - Live
1978 - The Outlaws - Bring it Back Alive
1993 - Ozzy Osbourne - Live and Loud 668,000 dec 2006
1977 - Parliament - Live
2004 - Pearl Jam - Rear View Mirror 1,188,000 jan 2013
1964 - Peter Paul & Mary - In Concert
1995 - Phish - A Live One
2000 - Pink Floyd - The Wall Live 537,000 jan 2007
1973 - Pink Floyd - A Nice Pair 18,000 dec 2005
1995 - The Police - Live
1992 - Queen - Live at Wembley 1986 480,000
1994 - Queen - Greatest Hits I & II 886,000 feb 2007
1988 - The Ramones - Mania
1972 - Rare Earth - In Concert
1969 - The Rascals - Freedom Suite
1967 - Ray Charles - A Man & His Soul
1978 - Richard Pryor - Wanted
1982 - Rod Stewart - Absolutely Live
1976 - Rod Stewart - Best Of 746,000 dec 2006
1957 - Roger Williams - Fabulous Songs of the 50's
1972 - Rolling Stones - More Hot Rocks 125,000 dec 2005
1977 - Rolling Stones - Love You Live 159,000 dec 2005
1989 - Roy Orbison - In Dreams Greatest Hits
1989 - Rush - A Show Of Hands 173,000 jan 2007
1978 - Rush - Archives
1971 - Soundtrack - Woodstock 2
1978 - Soundtrack - The Wiz
1975 - Soundtrack - Tommy
1979 - Soundtrack - Hair
1980 - Soundtrack - The Empire Strikes Back
1990 - Soundtrack - Fantasia (50th)
1998 - Scarface - My Homies 741,000
1973 - Sha Na Na - Golden Age of RnR
2003 - Simon & Garfunkel - The Essential
1987 - The Smiths - Louder Than Bombs
1972 - Stephen Stills - Manassas
1970 - Steppenwolf - Live
1972 - Steve Miller - Anthology
1982 - Stevie Wonder - Original Musiquarium 432,000 jan 2006
1980 - Supertramp - Paris
1974 - The Supremes - Anthology
1979 - Teddy Pendergrass - Live
1981 - The Jacksons - Live 100,000
1973 - Three Dog Night - Around the World With
1972 - Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything
1971 - Tom Jones - Live at Caesers Palace
1972 - Tony Bennett - All Time Greatest Hits
1999 - Tori Amos - To Venus 448,000
1973 - Uriah Heep - Live
2004 - Van Halen - Best Of Both Worlds 633,000 may 2006
1994 - Various - Woodstock 94
1998 - Various - Lilith Fair
1972 - Various - Concert For Bangla Desh
1973 - Various - Wattstax
1972 - Various - Tommy
1979 - Various - No Nukes
1970 - Various - Jesus Christ Superstar
1979 - Village People - Live & Sleazy
1974 - War - Live
1977 - War - Platinum Jazz
1981 - The Who - Hooligans
1974 - Yes - Tales From Topographic Oceans

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:47 am

Herkenrath wrote:Would it be asked too much to explain how you came up with the Elvis and Beatles figures? Believe it or not, but both Elvis and the Beatles have sold more albums than that in America. Just interested how you did that en detail.

I don't see how they sold more albums than I've listed.

The Beatles catalogue is heavily certified to the tune of 129.85 million albums shipped. I went through their entire US catalogue looking at release date, chart performance and certification dates - plus soundscan figures to see how each individual album in their catalogue still sells. I came up with a total of 161.35 million albums sold - EVER. Capitol keeps the certifications fairly well up to date and I accounted for sales for albums not recently certified. Also a few non-certified like Introducing the Beatles. In all there is not much slack regarding non-certified sales. I'm willing to post my work on their sales - but not that Elvis catalogue - I'm still recovering from that!!

However as I said the Beatles catalogue is extensively certified so I can't see where any more missing sales may be.

For Elvis, he has shipped 97,616,000 albums. RCA have gone to great lengths to certify every possible album. Still, his catalogue is vast and I had to go through it all and came up with a grand total of 166.15 million albums sold. Despite a huge catalogue some albums have sold quite poorly and not even charted - I accounted for all these though.

We'll probably have to discuss this further.

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:49 am

Fedepeti wrote:Great work, thanks!

No worries, US stuff is my scene!

by **manowar555** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:33 am

where is metallica live shit box set,15x platinum

by **pagronek** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:36 am

Very well done, Basil.

by **Basil** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:14 pm

manowar555 wrote:where is metallica live shit box set,15x platinum

The riaa counts that as a video. You only require 100,000 sales for a platinum award with videos. 15x platinum is therefore 1,500,000. With 3 videos in the box ACTUAL shipment was 500,000. The soundscan figure of 548,000 confirms this.

For Sales and Shipments of DVD box sets in the USA, see

http://www.ukmix.org/forums/viewtopic.p ... 97&start=0

by **Basil** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 7:58 pm

Key
Year of release
Artist/Title
Soundscan figure where available with date

Double Albums Shipping 250,000 in USA

2001 - Aerosmith - Anthology 105,000 feb 2002
2002 - Alison Krauss - Live
1997 - Ani DeFranco - Living in Clip
2004 - Barry Manilow - Two Nights
2000 - Billy Joel - Millenium Concert
1979 - Bob Dylan - At Budokan
2002 - Bob Dylan - Bootleg Series Vol Five
1998 - Bob Dylan - Bootleg Series Vol Four
2005 - Bob Dylan - Bootleg Series Vol Seven
1995 - Bonnie Raitt - Road Tested
1981 - The Clash - Sandinista
1998 - Counting Crows - Across A Wire
2004 - Dave Matthews - The Gorge
1989 - Depeche Mode - 101
2003 - Diplomats - Immunity
1984 - Dire Straits - Alchemy
2003 - Dixie Chicks - Top of the World 924,000 may 2006 (should be Platinum)
2003 - The Doors - Legacy 362,000
1998 - E-40 - Element of Surprise
20?? - Earth Wind & Fire - The Essential
1971 - Elvis Presley - The Other Sides:World Gold Awards Vol 2
1987 - Elvis Presley - The Complete Sun Sessions
1996 - Elvis Presley - Gospel Treasury
1981 - Elvis Presley - This is Elvis
1999 - Eric Clapton - Blues
1991 - Eric Clapton - 24 Nights
2007 - Eric Clapton - Complete 283,000 jan 2008
1998 - Frank Sinatra - Very Best Of
1999 - Gang Star - Full Clip
1995 - Grateful Dead - Hundred Year Hall
1999 - Guns n Roses - Live Era 729,000 2005 (should be Platinum)
1998 - Insane Clown Posse - Forgotten Freshness 197,000
2001 - Jill Scott - Experience
1998 - Jimi Hendirx - BBC Sessions
1999 - Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock
1993 - Joe Satriani - Time Machine
1995 - John Denver - Wildlife Concert
1993 - Led Zeppelin - Box Set Two 222,000 dec 2006
19?? - Kenny Rogers - 42 Ultimate Hits
1986 - Linda Ronstadt - Round Midnight
1995 - Luis Miguel - El Concierto
1997 - Los Tigres - Jefe De Jefes
1994 - Neil Diamond - Live in America
1998 - Neil Diamond - The Movie Album
2000 - New Life - Not Guilty
2003 - Ozzy Osbourne - The Essential 537,000 dec 2006 (should be Platinum)
2000 - Jimmy Page/Black Crowes - At the Greek
2003 - Pearl Jam - Lost Dogs 379,000
1994 - Peter Gabriel - Secret World Live
1991 - Poison - Swallow This 441,000 dec 2006
1990 - Righteous Brothers - Anthology
2004 - Rolling Stones - Live Licks 126,000 jun 2006
1997 - Soundtrack - Star Wars A New Hope
2002 - Soundtrack - XXX
2003 - Soundtrack - Matrix Reloaded
1988 - Santana - Viva
2002 - Santana - The Essential
2002 - Stevie Ray Vaughan - The Essential
1997 - Styx - Return to Paradise
1999 - Tru - Da Crime Family
1999 - Various - Woodstock 99
1993 - Various - Dylan's 30th Anniversary Concert
1991 - Various - Dr Dementoe's 20th Anniversary
2002 - The Who - Ultimate Collection
2003 - Willie Nelson - The Essential

by **Basil** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:14 pm

pagronek wrote:Very well done, Basil.

Just seen your post tucked in there. Your thanks is very much appreciated.

by **Basil** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:36 pm

Now that all the serious work has been posted on this thread we can have some fun...

The Top 5 Of Everything.

All Time Top Selling Albums USA - Single Albums

Bands - Original Albums
Led Zeppelin Four - 23m
AC/DC Back In Black - 21m
Fleetwood Mac Rumours - 19m
Boston Boston - 17m
Eagles Hotel California - 16m

Male Solo - Original Albums
Michael Jackson Thriller - 27m
Bruce Springsteen Born in USA - 15m
Meatloaf Bat Out Of Hell - 14m
Garth Brooks No Fences - 14m
Prince Purple Rain - 13m

Female Solo - Original Albums
Shania Twain Come On Over - 20m
Whitney Houston The Bodyguard - 17m
Alanis Morissette Jagged Little - 16m
Britney Spears Baby One More - 14m
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston - 13m

Compilation Albums
Eagles Greatest Hits 71-75 - 29m
Elton John Greatest Hits - 16m
Simon & Garfunkel Greatest Hits - 14m
Journey Greatest Hits - 14m
Steve Miller Greatest Hits 74-78 - 13m

Soundtrack Albums
Dirty Dancing - 11m
Titanic - 11m
The Lion King - 10m
Footloose - 9m
Top Gun - 9m

Live Albums
Eric Clapton Unplugged - 10m
Eagles Hell Freezes Over - 8m
Jackson Browne Running On Empty - 7m
Nirvana Unplugged - 5m
Fleetwood Mac The Dance - 5m

Christmas Albums
Elvis Presley - 9m
Kenny G Miracles - 8m
Mannheim Fresh Aire - 6m
Mannheim Christmas - 6m
Barbra Streisand - 5m

All Time Best Sellers USA - Double Albums

Bands - Original Albums
Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever - 15m
Pink Floyd The Wall - 11.5m
Beatles White Album - 9.5m
Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti - 8m
Outkast Speakerboxxx - 5.5m

Male/Female Solo - Original Albums
Elton John Yellowbrick Road - 7m
Shania Twain Up - 5.5m
Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key Of Life - 5m
Notorious Big Life After Death - 5m
Bruce Springsteen The River - 5m

Compilation Albums
Billy Joel Greatest Hits 1&2 - 10.5m
Beatles Blue Album - 8m
Creedence Clearwater Revival Chronicle - 8m
Beatles Red Album 7.5m
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks - 6m

Soundtrack Albums
Grease - 8m
Forrest Gump - 6m
Phantom Of Opera (London Cast) - 4m
American Graffiti - 3m
Les Miserables (Broadway Cast) - 2m

Live Albums
Garth Brooks Double Live - 8m
Peter Frampton Comes Alive - 6m
Elvis Presley Aloha Hawaii - 5m
Bob Seger Live Bullet - 5m
Crosby Stills Nash & Young 4 Way Street - 4m

by **Edu** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 1:33 am

Good work, Basil, especially the soundscan data.
Two corrections:

1) I discovered some weeks ago that "The Sign" by Ace Of Base was certified by RIAA as DIAMOND album (10xPlatinum) in 21 of May of 2002 (along a 2xPlatinum certification for their "The Bridge" album). I checked in Billboard certifications archive and it is there too.. (but i don't know why i didn't see it back in 2002; maybe a mystery like the 8xPlatinum of Madonna's "True Blue" that only appeared on RIAA archives some years later..)

2) Springsteen's "Live 1975-85" sold actually 13m / 3 = 4,333,333 copies , because when the new rule for multi-disks sets was changed back in 1992 what is counted is the number of CDs on the box-set regardless the number of disks on the vinyl version.

by **mansfield** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:02 am

thanks. Are you able to edit USA's All Time Best Selling Artists according SINGLES sales ??

or anyway...a UK'S all Time best selling artist with sales ?

by **Basil** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 4:45 pm

Edu wrote:Two corrections:

1) I discovered some weeks ago that "The Sign" by Ace Of Base was certified by RIAA as DIAMOND album (10xPlatinum) in 21 of May of 2002 (along a 2xPlatinum certification for their "The Bridge" album). I checked in Billboard certifications archive and it is there too.. (but i don't know why i didn't see it back in 2002; maybe a mystery like the 8xPlatinum of Madonna's "True Blue" that only appeared on RIAA archives some years later..)

Thanks Edu, this is exactly the kind of feedback I need to make these figures more accurate.

I have most of the 19,700 riaa certs on file and can go through each page in date order. I had a look at May and there was The Bridge, but no The Sign. So I looked at site under Ace Of Base and there it was.

Like you, I've found this sort of thing before with riaa data. Will now be promoting Ace of Base when I edit the above posts and will also promote Norah Jones who has just gone 10x platinum.

If you search the net you get the same lazy copies of the riaa list(and others), never updated and including multiple sets. This is the only forum where people look beyond these raw figures and seek to make sense of them. All of the figures have flaws

riaa - obvious one of not always having certifications up to date. Their site, like any other, is created by people and that means errors. The list with total artist certs has some incorrect totals - Neil Diamond for instance.

soundscan - this extrapolates missing figures from grocery and convenience stores which apparently includes Walmart. Also excluded are Record Clubs and some mail order companies and stuff.

billboard charts - their methodology is strange and has varied over time. The charts are a record industry tool, rather than for the benefit of folks like us. There are also a few errors in the billboard chart books you can buy.

Please let us know if you spot anything else. I think we have the most accurate figures on the net so far, but I'm sure there are ideas out there to improve them still further. One idea I think I'll use is Nelson's idea to include record club sales posted recently.

by **Basil** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 4:58 pm

Edu wrote:2) Springsteen's "Live 1975-85" sold actually 13m / 3 = 4,333,333 copies , because when the new rule for multi-disks sets was changed back in 1992 what is counted is the number of CDs on the box-set regardless the number of disks on the vinyl version.

I've had a close look at this.

In one place it says "Each unit in multi-disc set counts as one towards certification" By each unit I understand it to mean one CD or one vinyl or one cassette.

In another place for 1992 change it says "The criteria are changed so that each unit within a set is counted separately" Again I understand this to mean either CD vinyl or cassette.

By this each CD sale Bruce's box set would count 3 times and the vinyl/cassette version 5 times.

However this could still be ambiguous. It makes quite a difference to a number of titles. If you are correct it would make my calculations so much simpler.

I'm really not sure now! Can you help further?

by **Basil** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:12 pm

mansfield wrote:thanks. Are you able to edit USA's All Time Best Selling Artists according SINGLES sales ??

or anyway...a UK'S all Time best selling artist with sales ?

Thanks mansfield.

Well first I've got to finish the LP's down to 5 million and then keep the figures up to date.

The USA All Time Best Selling Singles was covered on a recent thread (early February). Hanboo and Nelson posted a lot of info there. I may add a post to this thread later combining all their info with the riaa stuff and so on. I'd see how the information looked first, and as I said it won't be for a while. The certification criteria has changed for singles over time so you have to do a lot of work with dates.

Again, the forum has covered UK best selling albums at various times. It might be something to look again later, even if its just a question of pulling all the material together in one chart. I've no idea how long that would take, but if I can find a viable way of presenting the information in a new form, I might give it a go.

by **Basil** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 10:04 pm

Note - Further Soundscan information including artists totals, analysis of the top selling albums, plus the best selling albums annually and per decade can be found at

http://www.ukmix.org/forums/viewtopic.p ... 80&start=0