The Most Successful Pop Album, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the pop album you think is the most successful!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:58
In the dynamic world of music, pop albums stand out for their catchy melodies and broad appeal, often defining the soundtrack of generations. Understanding which albums have climbed to the top isn't just about numbers; it's about the impact on culture, trends, and individual lives. By ranking these albums, we can see which ones have resonated the most with audiences worldwide.
Every vote casts a spotlight on what listeners truly cherish in their musical experiences. This interactive ranking lets fans have a say in celebrating the artists and works that have shaped the landscape of pop music. It serves not only as a reflection of popular opinion but also as an invitation to influence future lists with your own preferences.
What Is the Most Successful Pop Album?
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155votes
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Michael JacksonReleased in 1982, this album has sold over 110 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the greatest pop albums of all time. It features iconic hits like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It".Thriller is the sixth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released on November 30, 1982. It is widely regarded as the best-selling album of all time, having sold over 66 million copies worldwide. Thriller incorporates a mix of pop, R&B, funk, rock, and post-disco genres, making it a groundbreaking and influential record. The album features production from Quincy Jones and showcases Jackson's exceptional vocal range and dance-oriented musical style. Thriller produced a record-breaking seven top 10 hits, including iconic tracks like 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' and the title track 'Thriller.' It revolutionized the music video industry through Jackson's visually stunning and highly choreographed videos, most notably the 14-minute-long 'Thriller' short film. The album's success not only elevated Jackson to the status of pop icon but also established him as an innovative and trendsetting artist.- Release Date: November 30, 1982
- Genre(s): Pop, R&B, Funk, Rock, Post-disco
- Record Label: Epic
- Producer: Quincy Jones
- Sales: Over 66 million copies worldwide
Thriller by Michael Jackson in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular album of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular cassette tape
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228votes
The Bodyguard Soundtrack by Various Artists
Various ArtistsReleased in 1992, this album has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and features Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You".The Bodyguard Soundtrack is the soundtrack album for the 1992 film 'The Bodyguard', starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. It was released on November 17, 1992, by Arista Records. The album features various artists, primarily Whitney Houston, who also starred in the film. It is considered one of the most successful pop albums of all time, selling over 45 million copies worldwide.- Release Date: November 17, 1992
- Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul, Soundtrack
- Label: Arista Records
- Main Artist: Whitney Houston
- Number of Tracks: 12
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317votes
Back in Black by AC/DC
AC/DCReleased in 1980, this album has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1980. It is one of the most popular and influential albums of all time, considered a landmark in hard rock and heavy metal music.- Genre: Hard rock, heavy metal
- Release Date: July 25, 1980
- Recorded: April-May 1980
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Producer: Robert John 'Mutt' Lange
Back in Black by AC/DC in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular album of all time
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422votes
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood MacReleased in 1977, this album has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and features hits like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams".Rumours is the eleventh studio album by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. It was released on February 4, 1977, by Warner Bros. Records. The album is known for its unique blend of rock, pop, and soft rock, and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It features heartfelt lyrics, beautiful harmonies, and catchy melodies that have captivated audiences for decades.- Release Date: February 4, 1977
- Label: Warner Bros. Records
- Genre: Rock, Pop, Soft Rock
- Length: 39:07
- Number of Tracks: 11
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular album of all time
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511votes
XL Recordings, Columbia Records · Public domain21 by Adele
AdeleReleased in 2011, this album has sold over 31 million copies worldwide and won six Grammy Awards. It features the hit songs "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You".21 is the second studio album by Adele. It was released on January 24, 2011, and quickly became one of the most successful pop albums of all time. The album showcases Adele's powerful and emotive vocals, coupled with heartfelt lyrics that touch upon themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.- Release Date: January 24, 2011
- Genre: Pop
- Label: XL, Columbia
- Duration: 48:12
- Number of Tracks: 11
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610votesReleased in 1976, this album has sold over 42 million copies worldwide and features hits like "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California".Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) by Eagles is a compilation album featuring some of the most iconic pop songs from the American rock band Eagles. It was released in 1976 and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
- Release Year: 1976
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Record Label: Asylum
- Certifications: 29x Platinum (RIAA)
- Total Length: 43:08
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714votes
Come On Over by Shania Twain
Shania TwainReleased in 1997, this album has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and features hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "You're Still the One".Come On Over is the third studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain. It was released on November 4, 1997, and is considered one of the most successful albums of all time. The album showcases Twain's unique blend of country and pop music, featuring catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.- Release Date: November 4, 1997
- Genre: Country, Pop
- Label: Mercury Nashville
- Total tracks: 16
- Certifications: Diamond (USA, CAN); Various certifications worldwide
Come On Over by Shania Twain in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular album of all time
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813votes
Bad by Michael Jackson
Michael JacksonReleased in 1987, this album has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and features hits like "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Smooth Criminal".Bad is the seventh studio album by American singer Michael Jackson. It was released on August 31, 1987, by Epic Records. The album features a mix of pop, rock, dance, and R&B genres, showcasing Jackson's versatility as a performer. Bad was a commercial success, spawning several hit singles and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.- Release Date: August 31, 1987
- Record Label: Epic Records
- Genre: Pop, rock, dance, R&B
- Total Tracks: 11
- Certifications: 10× Platinum (RIAA)
Bad by Michael Jackson in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular cassette tape
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914votes
Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce SpringsteenReleased in 1984, this album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and features hits like "Dancing in the Dark" and the title track.Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by American musician Bruce Springsteen, released in 1984. It is considered one of his most successful albums, featuring a blend of rock, pop, and heartland rock. The album explores themes of American identity, working-class struggles, and disillusionment.- Release Date: June 4, 1984
- Genre: Rock, Pop, Heartland Rock
- Label: Columbia
- Producer: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, Chuck Plotkin
- Certifications: 15x Platinum (RIAA)
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108votes
Like a Virgin by Madonna
MadonnaReleased in 1984, this album has sold over 21 million copies worldwide and features hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl". It helped establish Madonna as a pop icon.Like a Virgin is the second studio album by American singer Madonna, released on November 12, 1984, by Sire Records. It marked Madonna's transition from her debut album's sound to a more mainstream pop style. The album incorporates elements of dance-pop, pop rock, and new wave, presenting a more polished and catchy sound. Like a Virgin received critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling and most successful pop albums of all time.- Release Date: November 12, 1984
- Record Label: Sire Records
- Genre: Pop
- Length: 40 minutes and 33 seconds
- Number of Tracks: 9
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Discussion
Ranking factors for successful pop album
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Chart performanceThe number of weeks an album spent on the Billboard 200 or other charts is also an important factor to consider.
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ImpactThe impact an album had on the music industry and culture at the time of its release can be a key factor in determining its success. This can include critical reception, awards won, and influence on other artists and genres.
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SinglesThe number of successful hit singles that were released from an album can also contribute to its success.
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LongevityAn album’s ability to remain popular and relevant over time can also be an important factor in determining its success.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful pop album. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or album is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2073 views
- 191 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each album once every 24 hours. The rank of each album is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful pop album
Pop music has been a dominant force in the music industry for decades, and with the rise of digital music streaming services and social media, it has become easier than ever for artists to reach a wider audience. With the release of countless pop albums over the years, it can be difficult to determine which ones have truly stood the test of time and have been the most successful. From Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to Adele's "21," there have been numerous pop albums that have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. In this article, we will explore some of the most successful pop albums of all time and what has made them stand out in a crowded field.
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