Top 10 most sold rock albums in music history

#1 - Eagles - Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975). Certified units: 29 million

"Eagles - Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)" is a compilation album by the American rock band Eagles. It was released on February 17, 1976, and it is one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album includes some of the Eagles' most iconic and popular songs from their early years, which are from their first four studio albums:

1. "Take It Easy" - from their 1972 self-titled debut album, "Eagles."
2. "Witchy Woman" - also from the "Eagles" album.
3. "Lyin' Eyes" - from their 1975 album "One of These Nights."
4. "Already Gone" - from their 1974 album "On the Border."
5. "Desperado" - the title track from their 1973 album "Desperado."
6. "One of These Nights" - from the album of the same name, released in 1975.
7. "Tequila Sunrise" - from the "Eagles" album.
8. "Take It to the Limit" - also from "One of These Nights."
9. "Peaceful Easy Feeling" - from the "Eagles" album.
10. "Best of My Love" - from their 1974 album "On the Border."

This compilation album was hugely successful and played a significant role in establishing the Eagles as one of the most popular and enduring rock bands in history. It was certified platinum in just a few months and has since gone on to achieve multi-platinum status. The songs on this album remain classics in the rock and pop music canon, and they continue to be beloved by fans of all generations.

#2 Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV. Certified units: 23 million

"Led Zeppelin IV" is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released on November 8, 1971. This album is often referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV" due to the band's decision not to officially title it. Instead, it is commonly known by several other names, including "Four Symbols," "Runes," "Zoso," or simply "Untitled." The cover of the album features a series of symbols representing each band member, including Jimmy Page's "Zoso" symbol.

"Led Zeppelin IV" is considered one of Led Zeppelin's greatest and most influential albums, and it includes several iconic songs:

1. "Black Dog" - A hard-rocking track with a memorable guitar riff.
2. "Rock and Roll" - An energetic and upbeat rock song.
3. "The Battle of Evermore" - A folk-influenced song featuring guest vocalist Sandy Denny.
4. "Stairway to Heaven" - One of the band's most famous and enduring songs, known for its epic structure and guitar solo.
5. "Misty Mountain Hop" - A bluesy, rock song with a catchy melody.
6. "Four Sticks" - A heavy and rhythmic track.
7. "Going to California" - An acoustic folk-inspired song.
8. "When the Levee Breaks" - A bluesy track known for its distinctive drum sound and harmonica.

"Led Zeppelin IV" is often regarded as a classic of rock music and is frequently cited as one of the greatest albums ever made. "Stairway to Heaven" is particularly famous and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The album showcases Led Zeppelin's versatility, blending various musical styles, including hard rock, folk, and blues, and is a must-listen for any rock music enthusiast.

#3 Pink Floyd - The Wall. Certified units: 23 million

"The Wall" is the eleventh studio album by the British progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released on November 30, 1979. It is a rock opera concept album that tells a semi-autobiographical story, primarily written by the band's bassist and primary lyricist, Roger Waters. The album is known for its thematic exploration of isolation, personal alienation, and the wall that people build around themselves. It was later adapted into a highly successful film of the same name in 1982.

The album consists of 26 tracks, which are divided into two discs. Some of the most well-known and iconic songs from "The Wall" include:

1. "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" - This song features a children's choir and became a massive hit.
2. "Comfortably Numb" - Known for its powerful guitar solos and emotional lyrics.
3. "Hey You" - A haunting and atmospheric track.
4. "Mother" - A song that delves into themes of overprotective parenting.
5. "Run Like Hell" - A high-energy, rock-oriented track.
6. "Young Lust" - A song with explicit lyrics about sexual desire.
7. "Is There Anybody Out There?" - An instrumental piece featuring acoustic guitar.

The album as a whole is a narrative that follows the life of the protagonist, Pink, as he deals with various traumas, including the loss of his father in World War II, an overbearing mother, and an oppressive education system. He constructs a metaphorical wall around himself to protect against further emotional harm.

"The Wall" was a commercial and critical success, and it remains one of Pink Floyd's most iconic and influential works. It's regarded as a landmark in the history of rock music and is often cited as one of the greatest rock albums ever produced. The album's themes of alienation and emotional isolation have resonated with many listeners over the years.

#4 AC/DC - Back In Black. Certified units: 22 million

"Back in Black" is the seventh studio album by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released on July 25, 1980. The album is notable for several reasons, including its enduring popularity and the fact that it marked a significant turning point in the band's career. "Back in Black" is often considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

Here are the tracks on the album:

1. "Hells Bells" - The album opens with the iconic ringing of a bell, setting the tone for the album.
2. "Shoot to Thrill" - A high-energy, hard-rocking track.
3. "What Do You Do for Money Honey" - A song with a catchy, bluesy riff.
4. "Given the Dog a Bone" - A straightforward, no-nonsense rock song.
5. "Let Me Put My Love into You" - A song with suggestive lyrics and a classic AC/DC groove.
6. "Back in Black" - The title track and one of AC/DC's most recognizable songs.
7. "You Shook Me All Night Long" - Perhaps the band's most famous song, known for its catchy chorus and energetic guitar work.
8. "Have a Drink on Me" - An upbeat track with bluesy influences.
9. "Shake a Leg" - A fast-paced, riff-heavy song.
10. "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" - The album closes with this anthemic track.

"Back in Black" was a tribute to the band's former lead singer, Bon Scott, who had passed away earlier in 1980. The album's success marked the debut of Brian Johnson as the band's new lead vocalist. It was a commercial triumph, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album's hard-hitting rock and catchy riffs, combined with Johnson's distinctive vocals, have made it a timeless classic in the world of rock music. The title track, "Back in Black," has become an anthem for the band and is recognized worldwide.

#5 - Fleetwood Mac - Rumours. Certified units: 20 million

"Rumours" is the eleventh studio album by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on February 4, 1977. The album is one of the most iconic and successful albums in rock music history, known for its memorable songs, harmonious vocals, and the interpersonal dramas of the band members that fueled its creation.

Here are the tracks on the album:

1. "Second Hand News" - An upbeat and catchy song that opens the album.
2. "Dreams" - One of Fleetwood Mac's most famous songs, written and sung by Stevie Nicks.
3. "Never Going Back Again" - A beautiful acoustic track penned by Lindsey Buckingham.
4. "Don't Stop" - Written by Christine McVie, this is one of the album's more optimistic and uplifting songs.
5. "Go Your Own Way" - Another major hit from the album, written by Lindsey Buckingham.
6. "Songbird" - A tender and emotional ballad sung by Christine McVie.
7. "The Chain" - A track with a driving rhythm and harmonious vocals, often associated with the band's unity despite personal conflicts.
8. "You Make Loving Fun" - Another hit written and sung by Christine McVie.
9. "I Don't Want to Know" - A brisk and energetic song written by Lindsey Buckingham.
10. "Oh Daddy" - A heartfelt track sung by Christine McVie.
11. "Gold Dust Woman" - A song by Stevie Nicks that closes the album on a haunting and ethereal note.

"Rumours" was created during a time of intense turmoil within the band, marked by strained relationships and breakups. The emotional upheaval and personal struggles of the band members heavily influenced the lyrical content of the album. Despite these challenges, the album became a massive commercial success and received critical acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

The album's enduring appeal is due to its emotional honesty, excellent songwriting, and the seamless blending of the band members' distinctive voices and musical styles. "Rumours" is often considered one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music and remains a beloved classic to this day.

#6 - The Beatles - The Beatles (The White Album). Certified units: 19 million

"The Beatles," commonly referred to as "The White Album," is the ninth studio album by the legendary British rock band The Beatles. It was released on November 22, 1968, and is a double album with no official title other than the band's name, which is written in plain white text on a stark white cover, hence its nickname "The White Album." The album is highly regarded for its diversity of musical styles and its impact on the development of rock music.

"The White Album" contains 30 tracks, featuring a wide range of musical influences, from rock and pop to folk, blues, and experimental sounds. Some of the standout tracks from the album include:

1. "Back in the U.S.S.R." - An energetic rocker with a Beach Boys influence.
2. "Dear Prudence" - A gentle and melodic song.
3. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - A bluesy and introspective track featuring Eric Clapton on guitar.
4. "Blackbird" - A simple and beautiful acoustic song.
5. "Helter Skelter" - A raw and raucous rock song.
6. "Revolution 1" - A slower version of "Revolution" with a more contemplative mood.
7. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" - An upbeat and catchy pop song.
8. "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" - A complex and experimental piece.
9. "I'm So Tired" - A song with a dreamy and surreal atmosphere.
10. "Sexy Sadie" - A song with veiled criticism of a spiritual teacher.
11. "Rocky Raccoon" - A folk-influenced story song.
12. "Julia" - A heartfelt tribute to John Lennon's mother.

"The White Album" showcases the individual songwriting talents of each band member, with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr all contributing their compositions. The album is known for its variety of musical styles and its willingness to experiment with different genres and approaches. It's often regarded as a landmark in the history of rock music and has left an indelible mark on the genre.

While the album has faced criticism for its length and the inclusion of some unconventional tracks, it is still considered a classic and is celebrated for its innovation and influence on subsequent rock music.

#7 - Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction. Certified units: 18 million

"Appetite for Destruction" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Guns N' Roses, released on July 21, 1987. It is widely considered one of the most influential and iconic rock albums of all time. The album marked the beginning of Guns N' Roses' meteoric rise to fame and is known for its raw and aggressive sound.

The album includes the following tracks:

1. "Welcome to the Jungle" - The album opens with this high-energy, hard-hitting song.
2. "It's So Easy" - A gritty and rebellious track.
3. "Nightrain" - A song about alcohol and life on the streets.
4. "Out Ta Get Me" - A song that conveys a sense of danger and defiance.
5. "Mr. Brownstone" - A song addressing the band's struggles with addiction.
6. "Paradise City" - One of the band's most well-known songs, featuring a mix of heavy rock and an anthemic chorus.
7. "My Michelle" - A song that explores themes of drug addiction.
8. "Think About You" - A more melodic and reflective track.
9. "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Perhaps the band's most famous song, known for its iconic guitar riff and heartfelt lyrics.
10. "You're Crazy" - A fast-paced, punk-influenced song.
11. "Anything Goes" - A song with a playful and rebellious attitude.
12. "Rocket Queen" - The album closes with this song, which has elements of punk and hard rock.

"Appetite for Destruction" was a major commercial success, and it helped establish Guns N' Roses as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1980s. The album is known for its gritty and honest portrayal of life on the streets, and it resonated with a wide audience. "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Paradise City" became massive hits and remain iconic rock anthems.

The album's enduring popularity, along with its edgy and rebellious image, has cemented it as a classic of rock music. It continues to be celebrated for its raw and authentic sound, making it a must-listen for rock enthusiasts.

#8 - Boston - Boston. Certified units: 17 million

"Boston" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Boston, released on August 25, 1976. The album is often referred to as a self-titled album, and it is one of the most successful and influential rock albums of the 1970s.

Here are the tracks on the album:

1. "More Than a Feeling" - The album opens with this iconic and instantly recognizable rock song.
2. "Peace of Mind" - A track known for its catchy guitar riff and harmonious vocals.
3. "Foreplay/Long Time" - This track is actually a combination of two songs, featuring a guitar-heavy instrumental section followed by "Long Time," a rock anthem.
4. "Rock & Roll Band" - A song that tells the story of the band's formation and early struggles.
5. "Smokin'" - A high-energy, guitar-driven track.
6. "Hitch a Ride" - A melodic and bluesy rock song.
7. "Something About You" - A catchy and radio-friendly rock track.
8. "Let Me Take You Home Tonight" - The album closes with a more mellow and reflective song.

"Boston" was a groundbreaking album for its time, known for its polished sound and the use of multi-layered guitars and harmonies. The album was a commercial success, and songs like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind" became classic rock staples. The album's production and sound engineering, overseen by Tom Scholz, were also groundbreaking, and the album's influence on the development of arena rock and AOR (album-oriented rock) cannot be overstated.

"Boston" is regarded as one of the best-selling debut albums in rock history and remains a significant and enduring piece of rock music. It continues to be celebrated for its classic rock sound and is a favorite among fans of the genre.

#9 - Elton John - Greatest Hits. Certified units: 17 million

"Elton John - Greatest Hits" is a compilation album by the British singer-songwriter Elton John. It was released in 1974 and contains a selection of some of his most popular and iconic songs up to that point in his career. The album was a massive commercial success and played a significant role in cementing Elton John's status as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the 1970s and beyond.

The specific tracklist on "Elton John - Greatest Hits" may vary depending on the edition and reissues, but some of the songs commonly featured on the album include:

1. "Your Song"
2. "Daniel"
3. "Honky Cat"
4. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
5. "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"
6. "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"
7. "Bennie and the Jets"
8. "Candle in the Wind"
9. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
10. "Border Song"
11. "Crocodile Rock"
12. "The Bitch Is Back"

These songs are among Elton John's most beloved and enduring hits, and they helped establish him as a global superstar. "Elton John - Greatest Hits" remains one of the best-selling and most well-known compilation albums in the history of popular music, and it has introduced generations of listeners to his classic songs. 

#10 - The Beatles - The Beatles 1967-1970. Certified units: 17 million

"The Beatles 1967-1970" is a compilation album by the English rock band The Beatles, often referred to as the "Blue Album" due to its cover. It was released in 1973 as a follow-up to "The Beatles 1962-1966," also known as the "Red Album." This compilation covers the second half of the Beatles' career and is sometimes called the "Blue Album" to distinguish it from the "Red Album."

"The Beatles 1967-1970" features a selection of some of the Beatles' most famous and influential songs from their later years, which were marked by a more experimental and psychedelic sound. These songs were originally released on albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "The White Album," "Abbey Road," and "Let It Be." The album includes classic tracks like "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Hey Jude," "Come Together," "Let It Be," and many more.

The "Certified units: 17 million" figure you mentioned likely represents the number of copies sold or certified units for that particular compilation album in the United States. "The Beatles 1967-1970" remains a popular and influential collection of the Beatles' music, and it serves as an excellent overview of their later work for fans and new listeners alike. The Beatles' music from this period is celebrated for its creativity and musical experimentation, and this compilation album is a testament to their enduring impact on the world of popular music.

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