The best-selling albums of the 21st century
The Best-Selling Albums of the 21st Century
The 21st century has seen some of the biggest and most successful albums in history. These albums have not only dominated the charts but also broken records, won awards and shaped the music industry. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
1. Adele - '21' (2011)
Released in the early part of the decade, Adele's '21' album took the world by storm. The British singer-songwriter's second studio album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 31 million copies worldwide. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Rolling in the Deep' and 'Someone Like You', won seven Grammy Awards and cemented Adele's place as one of the top artists of the 21st century.
2. Eminem - 'The Eminem Show' (2002)
Eminem's third studio album, 'The Eminem Show', was released in 2002 and quickly became one of the best-selling albums of the decade. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Without Me' and 'Cleanin' Out My Closet', won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and sold over 27 million copies worldwide. Emimen's unique style and controversial lyrics made him one of the most successful and recognizable artists of the 21st century.
3. Norah Jones - 'Come Away with Me' (2002)
Released in early 2002, Norah Jones' debut studio album, 'Come Away with Me', was a huge success. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Don't Know Why' and 'Come Away with Me', won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It sold over 27 million copies worldwide and cemented Jones' place as one of the best-selling and most successful artists of the 21st century.
4. Taylor Swift - '1989' (2014)
Released in 2014, Taylor Swift's fifth studio album, '1989', was a departure from her previous country-inspired sound. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Shake It Off' and 'Blank Space', won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It sold over 26 million copies worldwide and solidified Swift's place as one of the top female artists of the 21st century.
5. Linkin Park - 'Meteora' (2003)
Linkin Park's second studio album, 'Meteora', was released in 2003 and quickly became one of the best-selling rock albums of the 21st century. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Somewhere I Belong' and 'Numb', sold over 27 million copies worldwide and won numerous awards, including the Teen Choice Award for Choice Rock Album. Linkin Park broke the boundaries of rock music and established themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.
6. Usher - 'Confessions' (2004)
Released in 2004, Usher's fourth studio album, 'Confessions', was a critical and commercial success. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Yeah!' and 'Burn', won three Grammy Awards and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Usher's soulful voice and R&B-inspired sound made him a huge success and established him as one of the top male artists of the 21st century.
7. The Beatles - '1' (2000)
Although The Beatles were a band of the 20th century, their greatest hits album, '1', released in 2000, quickly became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century. The album sold over 31 million copies worldwide and featured 27 of The Beatles' number-one hits. It showcased the band's incredible talent and cemented their place as one of the greatest and most successful bands in history.
8. Beyoncé - 'Dangerously in Love' (2003)
Released in 2003, Beyoncé's debut solo studio album, 'Dangerously in Love', was a huge success. The album, which featured hit singles like 'Crazy in Love' and 'Baby Boy', won five Grammy Awards and sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Beyoncé's powerful voice and R&B-inspired sound made her a force to be reckoned with and established her as one of the top female artists of the 21st century.
9. Coldplay - 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' (2002)
Coldplay's second studio album, 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', released in 2002, was a critical and commercial success. The album, which featured hit singles like 'In My Place' and 'The Scientist', won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and sold over 22 million copies worldwide. Coldplay's unique sound and emotional lyrics made them one of the most successful and recognizable bands of the 21st century.
10. Justin Timberlake - 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' (2006)
Released in 2006, Justin Timberlake's second studio album, 'FutureSex/LoveSounds', was a departure from his previous pop-inspired sound. The album, which featured hits like 'SexyBack' and 'What Goes Around... Comes Around', won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Timberlake's smooth vocals and futuristic sound made him one of the top male artists of the 21st century.
In conclusion, the 21st century has seen some of the best and most successful albums in history. Adele, Eminem, Norah Jones, Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Usher, The Beatles, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Justin Timberlake have all broken records, won awards and cemented their place in music history. Their unique sounds and styles have shaped the music industry and inspired countless other artists. The legacy of these albums will live on for generations to come.