Many of the independent artists pride themselves on their deep knowledge of the music industry, statistics, and international trends. After all, indie acts do have to be both entrepreneurs and musicians to sustain their careers. Today we’re helping you in enlarging your expertise on the top 10 best-selling albums of the 21st century thus far. Read on and be marveled at the numbers these illustrious musicians have achieved.
10. The Fame by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s debut album that instantly established the singer as the new Madonna, sold over 15 million copies since its release in 2008. Mainly Pop, The Fame pulls inspiration and direction from Electro, Synth, and Dance music. The album was nominated for a total of five Grammy Awards at the 52nd Grammy Awards ceremony, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. It won the Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album and the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for the single “Poker Face.” Stream on Spotify HERE.
9. Confessions by Usher
Usher’s 4th studio album sold over 15 million copies since its release in 2004. Primarily an R&B album, Confessions cemented Usher’s artistry and reputation in the music business and across his fandom worldwide. The album got a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. True to the title, Usher has bared his heart on the album and has invited everyone in to know him and his controversial personal life. Stream on Spotify HERE.
8. Let Go by Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go, succeeded in selling a whopping 16 million copies worldwide. Released in 2002, Let Go was marketed as an Alternative Rock album with a Post-Grunge-oriented sound. The album was certified seven times Platinum in the US and five nominations for the album at the 2003 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. Stream on Spotify HERE.
7. Meteora by Linkin Park
Meteora, Linkin Park’s second studio album, sold over 16 million copies and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 when it was released in 2003. It is certified 7x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It ranked number 36 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums of the 2000s. The song “Session” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2004. Stream on Spotify HERE.
6. Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
With over 16 million copies sold since its debut, Back to Black by Amy Winehouse is the second and final studio album by the English singer and songwriter. Released in 2006, Back to Black is based on Amy’s personal heartbreak and heavily influenced by the 1960s’ Soul Pop mixed with R&B and Neo-Soul. At the 2008 Grammy Awards, Back to Black won Best Pop Vocal Album and was also nominated for Album of the Year. At the same ceremony, Winehouse won four additional awards, tying her with five other artists as the second-most awarded female in a single ceremony. Stream on Spotify HERE.
5. Fallen by Evanescence
Aw man… the good ol’ Rock days of Evanescence and emo kids. Fallen, the group’s debut album released in 2003, sold over 17 million copies worldwide. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 with 141,000 copies sold in its first weekend topping the charts in more than ten countries. It was certified seven-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and it earned Evanescence five nominations at the 46th Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, Best Hard Rock Performance, and Best New Artist. The band won in the latter two categories. Stream on Spotify HERE.
4. 25 by Adele
Well, ain’t Adele the modern queen of selling records like hotcakes. She’s the only artist on the list whose top-selling albums were released after 2010. The other albums were all released in the first decade of the new century. Released in 2015, 25 marks Adele’s maturing with the singer incorporating her thoughts on motherhood, nostalgia, and regret. At the 59th Grammy Awards, the album won six Grammys: Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for 25, while Hello won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Adele became the first artist in history to win all three general field awards in the same ceremony twice, previously winning all three categories in 2012. 25 sold over 22 million copies. Stream on Spotify HERE.
3. The Eminem Show by Eminem
Eminem’s 4th studio album, The Eminem Show, is the 3rd best-selling album of the 21st century with over 27 million copies sold across the globe. Released in 2002, it was the album that essentially marked Eminem’s official role as a hands-on producer. While of course it was heavily centered around the 2000s’ Rap mannerism, it drew strong influences from Rock music. Think Numb by Linkin Park. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and stood there for six non-consecutive weeks. At the 2003 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Rap Album. Stream on Spotify HERE.
2. Come Away with Me by Norah Jones
Shockingly, the second-best sold album of the century is the 2002 debut album of the American singer Norah Jones. While the album and singer are predominantly known in the US, Come Away with Me peaked at number one on Billboard Top 200, and received Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. It has sold over 27 million copies across the world. The Acoustic-Pop project features 14 songs and it was released through Blue Note Records, owned by Universal Music Group. Stream on Spotify HERE.
1. 21 by Adele
Released in 2011, 21 sold over 31 million copies worldwide. Mixing Country and Blues, Adele mostly focused on her real-life breakup of the time and topped the charts in over 30 countries. In America, the album held the top position for 24 weeks, longer than any other album since 1985. With 21, Adele became the first female to have three singles simultaneously in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist. In February 2013, it was announced that 21 had spent two full years on the Billboard 200, never charting lower than number 35 on the chart. This makes 21 the best-selling album of the past 10 years and the fifth best-selling album released since January 2000. Stream on Spotify HERE.
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