You vs. the All-Time Top Ten

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Time to crudely calibrate your tastes against masscult! So which of the ten best-selling albums ever do you personally own? For reference, they're:

1. The Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
3. Pink Floyd: The Wall
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
5. Billy Joel: Greatest Hits, vol. 1 & 2
6. The Beatles: The White Album
7. AC/DC: Back In Black
8. Shania Twain: Come On Over
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
10. OST: The Bodyguard

I'll start: Led Zep, the Beatles, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac. (I feel like I've internalized most of the others & have no need to ever hear them again, though on reflection I've never heard most of either the Shania or the Bodyguard soundtrack.)

― Douglas (Douglas), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:24 (twenty-two years ago)

The Beatles is the only one I have.

― Nick Southall (Nick Southall), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:28 (twenty-two years ago)

when did the Eagles surpass 'Thriller'?! and 'The Bodyguard' - WTF?! i own none of these cos i am young, stubborn and ignorant - yay me

― stevem (blueski), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:28 (twenty-two years ago)

I own two (MJ and Fleetwood Mac); Isabel owns one (Shania). I'd like a copy of the White Album but it's too expensive. I should probably listen to the Led Zeppelin again and if someone gave me the AC/DC as a present I'd not be disappointed.

― Tom (Groke), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:29 (twenty-two years ago)

I once taped half of The Beatles, but it and they are boring, and I've lost it. So NONE, yay!

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:30 (twenty-two years ago)

I own none of them either, unless you count my mum's copy of The White Album. Which I don't really, cos, well, it's hers.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:32 (twenty-two years ago)

I have Thriller, White Album and Zep.

― dleone (dleone), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:32 (twenty-two years ago)

None of 'em. I can't see that changing.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:33 (twenty-two years ago)

I've got The Eagles.... (I have no recollection of how, when or most relevantly why I acquired this but somehow, somewhere along the line, I appear to have done so. I do not believe I have ever played it), The White Album and Back In Black and I have a DVD of The Wall if that counts.

Perhaps significantly, I don't think The White Album is the bast album The Beatles did, I don't think Back In Black is the best album AC/DC did, and I'm completely bloody positive The Wall isn't the best album Pink Floyd ever did; so I shall be continuing to treat the recommendations of Mr. & Mrs. Gross-Sales with considerable suspicion.

― Stewart Osborne (Stewart Osborne), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:49 (twenty-two years ago)

I own The White Album. I would own The Wall as well, but I gave it away cos it's total fucking shit. With the possible exception of Thriller I don't see why any of the other albums would enrich my life significantly.

― DJ Mencap (DJ Mencap), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:51 (twenty-two years ago)

i only own fleetwood mac but i'd probably buy the eagles and ac/dc if they were at a nice price

― the surface noise (electricsound), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:51 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm sure alanis is supposed to be in that list somewhere

― the surface noise (electricsound), Friday, 19 September 2003 11:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I own Thriller on vinyl and the White Album on vinyl (my brother's copy given to me) and CD. I would like to get that Eagles collection, too.

― Al Andalous, Friday, 19 September 2003 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

I own three of them, being the MJ, the Floyd and the Beatles. I am wondering the same thing as Stevem, about when the Eagles surpassed Thriller.

― Jonathan (Jonathan), Friday, 19 September 2003 12:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I have the Zep (on vinyl) and half of the White Album (lost the other CD somewhere a few years back).

― o. nate (onate), Friday, 19 September 2003 12:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Thriller, and I'm happy with that.

― Barima (Barima), Friday, 19 September 2003 12:55 (twenty-two years ago)

Zep Beatles Mac AC/DC.

― My name is Kenny (My name is Kenny), Friday, 19 September 2003 12:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Thriller and Led Zep. There are a couple of tracks on the Billy Joel I'd like I think.

― hinter_land (hinter_land), Friday, 19 September 2003 12:58 (twenty-two years ago)

I could handle all except the Bodyguard and the fucking Eagles < /The Dude>

― Barima (Barima), Friday, 19 September 2003 13:02 (twenty-two years ago)

I have two (MJ + Beatles), wish I had four more (Zep, ACDC, FM, Shania), and actively hate one (guess.).

― Sonny A. (Keiko), Friday, 19 September 2003 13:13 (twenty-two years ago)

None of them, although I want "Thriller" and "Back In Black". I think the biggest seller I own is either "Appetite For Destruction" or "Immaculate Collection".

― Nick H, Friday, 19 September 2003 14:03 (twenty-two years ago)

i have thriller.

― mitch lastnamewithheld (mitchlnw), Friday, 19 September 2003 14:13 (twenty-two years ago)

All of them except for The Bodyguard (wot, no Saturday Night Fever?).

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 19 September 2003 14:32 (twenty-two years ago)

correction: I have Very Best Of The Eagles which is different and longer but fundamentally still the same record??

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 19 September 2003 14:33 (twenty-two years ago)

I got 6 of 'em:

2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
3. Pink Floyd: The Wall
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
6. The Beatles: The White Album
7. AC/DC: Back In Black
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

And, the years I purchase vs. likely last listened to these:
Thriller - 1982 / 1993?
The Wall - 1980 / 1988?
IV - 1981 / 1995?
White Album - 1981 / 1997?
Back in Black - 1980 / 2001 (won on CD at a company xmas party)
Rumors - 1981 / 2001?

I hardly ever listen to my classique rock vinyl anymore...

― Baked Bean Teeth (Baked Bean Teeth), Friday, 19 September 2003 14:34 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't own any of those. My old cassette copy of The Wall died years ago. And anyway, once I saw Pink Floyd on the first post-Waters tour in 1987 I never wanted to listen to them again. I think I had a copy of Back In Black that died, too.

― Phil Freeman (Phil Freeman), Friday, 19 September 2003 14:59 (twenty-two years ago)

I own none of them. I don't even own any other albums by these artists. Because I'm awesome. I actually rarely rarely buy very popular albums, just because I figure they'll always be there, and if I ever really want to hear something, a friend'll loan it to me.

― Horace Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:03 (twenty-two years ago)

4. Led Zeppelin: IV
5. Billy Joel: Greatest Hits, vol. 1 & 2
6. The Beatles: The White Album
7. AC/DC: Back In Black

― actionjackson, Friday, 19 September 2003 15:06 (twenty-two years ago)

Beatles on CD, Michael Jackson on vinyl

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:11 (twenty-two years ago)

Just The Beatles. Must get Thriller at some point. In fact, that seems to be the moral of the thread: ILM is getting a copy of Thriller for Christmas!

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:12 (twenty-two years ago)

I've always thought that popularity is a better predictor of the pop music I will like than critical approval, so I'm surprised to realise I only own one of these (the White Album, intermittently great but patchy). I think the Led Zeppelin is the only other one I've heard from start to finish. I liked it one one time but wouldn't now, when I hear LZ nowadays they do nothing for me. I would know most of Thriller, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, like pretty much everyone, I imagine. All of those are pretty good pop but overfamiliar/not what I'd play at home. Most of the rest I've never heard, but the bits I have heard wouldn't make me want to buy them. I think AC/DC would be good, but I rarely find myself in the mood for listening to loud rock nowadays - I doubt I'd play it if I owned it.

Mainly makes me think sales are not a particularly reliable indicator of popularity.

― ArfArf, Friday, 19 September 2003 15:14 (twenty-two years ago)

8. Shania Twain: Come On Over?? Does anyone here own this one? What were the hit singles on this? I couldn't name a single track from this, whereas -- even though I don't own anything on the list except Zep IV -- I could probably sing along to every track on every other album on the list (okay, fine, not the Bodyguard).

― Ben Boyer (Ben Boyer), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Thriller, The Wall, Zep4, Back in Black.
The last one I played? = Thriller
The one I've played the least? = The Wall
Do I wish I had any of the others? = No

― peepee (peepee), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:28 (twenty-two years ago)

Ben the hits were "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" and "That Don't Impress Me Much" both of which are IMO terrific fun - unfortunately the rest isn't much cop, too Ramones-influenced for my liking, but I think I've only heard it all through once. I am surprised it's sold so much to be honest, I knew it was a hit but not the 8th biggest hit ever!

― Tom (Groke), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

3. Pink Floyd: The Wall
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
6. The Beatles: The White Album
7. AC/DC: Back In Black
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

some, hand-me-downs

wish I owned - Thriller

― mentalist (mentalist), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:34 (twenty-two years ago)

I only have Back in Black.

― jel -- (jel), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Ben the hits were "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" and "That Don't Impress Me Much"

Plus "You're Still the One"

― Sam J. (samjeff), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I think the only other ones I would consider getting are Shania and the Eagles.

― jel -- (jel), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:43 (twenty-two years ago)

I only have the White Album. And I only have that because I inherited it from my uncle.

― oops (Oops), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:49 (twenty-two years ago)

none of them! but...

you know the pooh sticks' song "on tape"? well, that's me as regards several of these rekkids. i think i've got all of 3, and parts of 2, 6 and 9 on ultra-duff quality C-90s somewhere

and i do own different albums by 1,2,3,4, 6 and 9

― zebedee (zebedee), Friday, 19 September 2003 15:49 (twenty-two years ago)

i'd venture that those who own less than half of these were born post 1980.

btw: i own all but The Eagles, Shania Twain and The Bodyguard

― mohair (jon kapper), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh, okay... I once heard Will Oldham cover "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Remarkable.
I'm still amazed it's the 8th biggest seller ever.

― Ben Boyer (Ben Boyer), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Only the White Album; I will probably get Led Zep IV at some point (I was born pre-80).

― Jeremy (Jeremy), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Only "Led Zeppelin IV", tho it's the Zep album I play least.

I should have "Thriller". "White Album" is the only Beatles' album I've ever been interested in owning.

― Dadaismus (Dada), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:30 (twenty-two years ago)

That list looks very different from the last time I saw an all-time top 10 list. I'm not saying you're wrong (these things change) but the last list I saw included Boston, Meat Loaf, one or two Springsteen albums, and Guns 'n' Roses and no Floyd, Zeppelin, Beatles, or AC/DC. I guess I'm just surprised by how quickly this changed and more surprised that the list has become more in keeping with the trad classic rock canon. Anyway I only actually own Zeppelin and Beatles from that list.

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:35 (twenty-two years ago)

4. Led Zeppelin: IV
7. AC/DC: Back In Black

...currently in between copies of Thriller (my old disc was used and a bit of a mess so I figured I'd just get the reissue one of these days)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Friday, 19 September 2003 16:59 (twenty-two years ago)

I own Rumours (which I like) and the white album (which I don't).

― Burr (Burr), Friday, 19 September 2003 17:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Led Zep and Pink Floyd, of which I only still listen to Led Zep. I ALSO need a copy of Thriller, and know it the best out of any of the others (most of which I don't know at all).

― Jordan (Jordan), Friday, 19 September 2003 17:14 (twenty-two years ago)

sundar, you hallucinated that list.

― Al Andalous, Friday, 19 September 2003 17:22 (twenty-two years ago)

What I have (All on vinyl!):

2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
3. Pink Floyd: The Wall
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
6. The Beatles: The White Album
7. AC/DC: Back In Black
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

What I still listen to:
2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

What I should proabably get:
8. Shania Twain: Come On Over (I really like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," but maybe it's just the video.)

― J (Jay), Friday, 19 September 2003 17:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Skipping 51 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

I've got the top 10 except for the horrible Bodyguard and marginally less horrible Wall, and Back in Black, which I could have sworn I had on LP.

If you count cassette dubs, I've got about half of the Top 100. I was ranking them, and I'd estimate that at least a dozen of them are among my favorite records, the top quarter are all very good, and the top 50 are solid. Probably only the bottom quarter are awful.

Overall, I'd say classic rock orthodoxy mars the list at least as much as housewifey popcrap. Beatles are weighted toward the later less-good and "important" albums, at least partly because the overlapping titles in their early catalog I'm sure, but also because of the "classic" aesthetic overvalues their artrock stuff.

― Keith Harris (kharris1128), Saturday, 20 September 2003 20:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Own and play quite regularly:

7 The Beatles - The Beatles
29 ... Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
33 Greatest Hits - Simon & Garfunkel
35 Abbey Road - The Beatles
51 Dirty Dancing - Soundtrack
57 The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Stolen from me:

7 Like A Virgin - Madonna

Own but never play:

80 Nevermind - Nirvana

Regret giving to sister in exhange for Happy Mondays record:

36 Hot Rocks - The Rolling Stones

Played obsessively by dad before he fucked off for good:

44 No Jacket Required - Phil Collins

Given to mum as Christmas present (it was on her list):

46 The Woman In Me - Shania Twain

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Saturday, 20 September 2003 23:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Bought Eliminator for 3 bucks on used vinyl today, so now I own 29 of them.

Did anyone else notice that there are exactly ZERO Elvis records on that list.

My OP10 of the Top 100:

1. Born in the USA
2. Immaculate Collection
3. Licensed to Ill
4. Legend
5. Purple Rain
6. Rumours
7. Thriller
8. Sgt. Pepper's
9. Nevermind
10. Fly

― chris herrington (chris herrington), Saturday, 20 September 2003 23:45 (twenty-two years ago)

I "own" (dubbed or shoplifted)

2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
7. AC/DC: Back In Black
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

Like and listen to the first 3 occasionally.

Last week I found while dumpster diving:

3. Pink Floyd: The Wall
-would have put it back, but it was worth keeping to give to a friend.

I also have maybe 10 more of the top 100, but most of the rest I would also throw back if I fished them from the trash.

― sucka (sucka), Sunday, 21 September 2003 04:16 (twenty-two years ago)

you're cool!

― cinniblount (James Blount), Sunday, 21 September 2003 04:23 (twenty-two years ago)

got Thriller, Led Zeppelin IV, The Beatles, Rumours, Appetite For Destruction, Born In The U.S.A., Saturday Night Fever, Purple Rain, Abbey Road, Led Zeppelin II, Crazysexycool, Houses Of The Holy, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Devil Without A Cause, Dookie, Led Zeppelin, Legend, Life After Death, Nevermind, Tapestry, The Immaculate Collection, Licensed to Ill, all of which I like.

― M Matos (M Matos), Sunday, 21 September 2003 06:28 (twenty-two years ago)

i own the eagles greatest hits, thriller and rumours. i would like to own the white album, come on over, and back in black.

― The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Sunday, 21 September 2003 06:35 (twenty-two years ago)

I own even less of these than I thought: White Album, Billy Joel Greatest Hits, Dark Side of the Moon, Physical Graffiti, Immaculate Collection, Joshua Tree. I owned the Matchbox 20 at one point, sadly. Wouldn't mind owning a lot of these though.

― Vinnie (vprabhu), Sunday, 21 September 2003 17:52 (twenty-two years ago)

1. The Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
2. Michael Jackson: Thriller
4. Led Zeppelin: IV
9. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

― Lord Custos Epsilon (Lord Custos Epsilon), Sunday, 21 September 2003 18:14 (twenty-two years ago)

I've got 6/10 of them, the same ones as Mr.Baked Bean Teeth above. The Eagles one's probably good; I've got "One of these nights" for the Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy tune but no hits thing. I'm unlikely to ever buy the soundtrack to the Bodyguard but the others seem possible.

― Keith Watson (kmw), Sunday, 21 September 2003 18:23 (twenty-two years ago)

i never have anything on these lists. i once owned slippery when wet on cassette.

― keith (keithmcl), Monday, 22 September 2003 03:47 (twenty-two years ago)

i have

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol (taped from my friend's little brother's copy)
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise (this is actually my sister's but i like it)
76 Life After Death Notorious B.I.G. Bad Boy/Arista
90 All Eyez On Me 2 Pac Death Row/Polygram

ok and here down the bottom of my post is where i also admit to owning
74 Legend Bob Marley & The Wailers Island

― minna (minna), Monday, 22 September 2003 04:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Of the list, I have....

3 The Wall Pink Floyd Columbia
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
11 Boston Boston Epic
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
20 Greatest Hits Elton John Rocket
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
36 Hot Rocks The Rolling Stones Abkco
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
43 Metallica Metallica Elektra
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
58 Ten Pearl Jam Epic
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
62 Greatest Hits Aerosmith Columbia
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise
68 Eliminator ZZ Top Warner Bros.
69 Faith George Michael Columbia
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
74 Legend Bob Marley & The Wailers Island
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
92 Brothers In Arms Dire Straits Warner Bros.
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 22 September 2003 13:17 (twenty-two years ago)

eight months pass...

There are only 3 worth listening to, Led Zep, AC/DC and Fleetwood Mac

― Tommy, Friday, 28 May 2004 15:01 (twenty-one years ago)

two years pass...

85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island

... is the only one in the top 100 that i own@!

― Stephen Bush (Stephen B.), Saturday, 21 October 2006 23:14 (eighteen years ago)

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
3 The Wall Pink Floyd Columbia
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
11 Boston Boston Epic
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
39 Hysteria Def Leppard Mercury
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
62 Greatest Hits Aerosmith Columbia
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

― gear (gear), Saturday, 21 October 2006 23:20 (eighteen years ago)

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic *
16 The Beatles 1967 - 1970 The Beatles Capitol *
23 The Beatles 1962 - 1966 The Beatles Capitol *
25 Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys Jive
29 ... Baby One More Time Britney Spears Jive
81 Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em Hammer Capitol *
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros. *

*inherited cassettes from sister (and I listen to them in my car actively, too...)

― Tape Store (Tape Store), Saturday, 21 October 2006 23:43 (eighteen years ago)

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
22 Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Polydor/Atlas
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
86 The Lion King Soundtrack Walt Disney
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.

― a.b. (alanbanana), Sunday, 22 October 2006 01:06 (eighteen years ago)

This, even for this place, is an extraordinarily pointless contest.

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Sunday, 22 October 2006 01:18 (eighteen years ago)

don't own the eagles (hate them), michael jackson (don't like post jackson 5 much), shania twain (probably horrible), the bodyguard soundtrack (wtf). i'd own the billy joel if i didn't already have some of his other records

all the other 5 i own and mostly love

― Charlie Howard (the sphinx), Sunday, 22 October 2006 03:21 (eighteen years ago)

If it weren't for Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, I think I have about 3 of these.

― jim wentworth (wench), Sunday, 22 October 2006 04:13 (eighteen years ago)

I currently own or have owned:

------------------------------

1 Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975 The Eagles Elektra
2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
3 The Wall Pink Floyd Columbia
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
5 Greatest Hits Volume I & II Billy Joel Columbia
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
11 Boston Boston Epic
16 The Beatles 1967 - 1970 The Beatles Capitol
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
18 Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen Columbia
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
20 Greatest Hits Elton John Rocket
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
23 The Beatles 1962 - 1966 The Beatles Capitol
30 Live 1975 - 1985 Bruce Springsteen Columbia
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
33 Greatest Hits Simon & Garfunkel Columbia
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
36 Hot Rocks The Rolling Stones Abkco
38 Forrest Gump Soundtrack Epic
39 Hysteria Def Leppard Mercury
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
43 Metallica Metallica Elektra
44 No Jacket Required Phil Collins Atlantic
45 Slippery When Wet Bon Jovi Mercury
48 Greatest Hits, Volume II The Eagles Elektra
50 Crazysexycool TLC LaFace
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
54 Greatest Hits James Taylor Warner Bros.
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
58 Ten Pearl Jam Epic
60 Wide Open Spaces Dixie Chicks Columbia Nashville
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
62 Greatest Hits Aerosmith Columbia
63 Best Of The Doobies Doobie Brothers Warner Bros.
64 Can't Slow Down Lionel Richie Motown
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise
68 Eliminator ZZ Top Warner Bros.
69 Faith George Michael Columbia
71 Greatest Hits Journey Columbia
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
74 Legend Bob Marley & The Wailers Island
76 Life After Death Notorious B.I.G. Bad Boy/Arista
77 Like A Virgin Madonna Sire
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
82 Tapestry Carole King Ode
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
87 Tragic Kingdom No Doubt Trauma/Interscope
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
92 Brothers In Arms Dire Straits Warner Bros.
94 Escape Journey Columbia
95 Footloose Soundtrack Columbia
98 Hi Infidelity R.E.O. Speedwagon Epic
99 Greatest Hits John Denver RCA
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Sunday, 22 October 2006 04:38 (eighteen years ago)

larf out loud, i only own #100, which i haven't played since 1988 or so. my older sibs had all the classic rock stuff, so i assimilated a large chunk of the top 100, and i recently downloaded a bunch of the less played out Zep tunes (not that easy really). there isn't one post-1980 record on the list that i would like to own. i was always a contrarian, even as a kid.

― timmy tannin (pompous), Sunday, 22 October 2006 05:15 (eighteen years ago)

Rank Album Title Artist Record Label
14 Jagged Little Pill Alanis Morissette Maverick
18 Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen Columbia
26 Bat Out Of Hell Meat Loaf Epic
36 Hot Rocks The Rolling Stones Abkco
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
50 Crazysexycool TLC LaFace
56 Pieces Of You Jewel Atlantic
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
76 Life After Death Notorious B.I.G. Bad Boy/Arista
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
87 Tragic Kingdom No Doubt Trauma/Interscope

― milo z (mlp), Sunday, 22 October 2006 15:23 (eighteen years ago)

I have:

Pink Floyd - The Wall.
Led Zeppelin - IV.
AC/DC - Back In Black.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell.
Nirvana - Nevermind.
U2 - The Joshua Tree.

― GLC (ZakAce), Monday, 23 October 2006 04:26 (eighteen years ago)

i got two of them. led zeppelin iv and the beatles white album which is my fave album of 1968.

― alex in mainhattan (alex63), Monday, 23 October 2006 04:42 (eighteen years ago)

of #11-100 i have dark side of the moon (cd and my fave of 1973), abbey road (lp), sgt. pepper's (lp) and brothers in arms (cd). btw iv and the white album were lp's. 6/100.

― alex in mainhattan (alex63), Monday, 23 October 2006 07:18 (eighteen years ago)

Note that this is the US all-time bestsellers, not the worldwide list. I own everything apart from "Bodyguard" and The Eagles (I own another, more extensive, Eagles compilation though - unless I may have sold it after I bought all of their studio albums)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 23 October 2006 11:46 (eighteen years ago)

Out of the US Top 100, I own the following:

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
3 The Wall Pink Floyd Columbia
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
5 Greatest Hits Volume I & II Billy Joel Columbia
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
9 Come On Over Shania Twain Mercury (Nashville)
11 Boston Boston Epic
13 Hotel California The Eagles Elektra
14 Jagged Little Pill Alanis Morissette Maverick
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
18 Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen Columbia
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
22 Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Polydor/Atlas
23 The Beatles 1962 - 1966 The Beatles Capitol
26 Bat Out Of Hell Meat Loaf Epic
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
34 Whitney Houston Whitney Houston Arista
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
36 Hot Rocks The Rolling Stones Abkco
39 Hysteria Def Leppard Mercury
40 II Boyz II Men Motown
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
43 Metallica Metallica Elektra
44 No Jacket Required Phil Collins Atlantic
50 Crazysexycool TLC LaFace
51 Dirty Dancing Soundtrack RCA
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
58 Ten Pearl Jam Epic
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
62 Greatest Hits Aerosmith Columbia
64 Can't Slow Down Lionel Richie Motown
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise
68 Eliminator ZZ Top Warner Bros.
69 Faith George Michael Columbia
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
74 Legend Bob Marley & The Wailers Island
77 Like A Virgin Madonna Sire
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
82 Tapestry Carole King Ode
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
90 All Eyez On Me 2 Pac Death Row/Polygram
92 Brothers In Arms Dire Straits Warner Bros.
94 Escape Journey Columbia
95 Footloose Soundtrack Columbia

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 23 October 2006 11:54 (eighteen years ago)

Back in Black. I bought it when I was 10 and haven't listened to it since I was 12

I kind of have the wall on vinyl, but it's really my brothers and I never really put it on.

― Thomas Mehlt (Tokyo Ghost Stories), Monday, 23 October 2006 15:23 (eighteen years ago)

For god's sake, that Bodygaurd soundtrack must have been bumped off the top 10 by now.

― darin (darin), Monday, 23 October 2006 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

Yep - here's the updated list:

1 Eagles Greatest Hits
2 Thriller Michael Jackson
3 Led Zep IV
4 The Wall Pink Floyd
5 Back in Black ACDC
6 Billy Joel Greatest Hits
7 Double Live Garth Brooks
8 Come on Over Shania Twain
9 White Album Beatles
10 Rumous Fleetwood Mac

― darin (darin), Monday, 23 October 2006 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

You vs. "You vs. the All-Time Top Ten" thread:

So which of the dozens of list-excerpts above have you personally digested?

Me, I can see, in the small space above this box, that old darin there has rumours and the white album. Can anyone do any better?

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

Haha that's not even true.

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

Um... I was just posting a revised all-time top ten list since this thread is 3 years old.

― darin (darin), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

I know!

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

This is definitely one of ILM's best list threads.

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:54 (eighteen years ago)

10. OST: The Bodyguard

I know this is all strictly C+P, but I have an incredibly hard time believing this.

― Black lets you know that it's a far too late to be put in your vagina. (nickalic, Monday, 23 October 2006 18:57 (eighteen years ago)

You shouldn't. That record was totally inescapable for a couple of years that coincided with a peak CD-buying period. Not to mention a blockbuster movie.

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Monday, 23 October 2006 18:59 (eighteen years ago)

i can't imagine anyone still buys it.

― gear (gear), Monday, 23 October 2006 19:07 (eighteen years ago)

me either. still, timing etc. help explain it.

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Monday, 23 October 2006 19:14 (eighteen years ago)

Here's mine out of the top 100:

4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
13 Hotel California The Eagles Elektra
16 The Beatles 1967 - 1970 The Beatles Capitol
18 Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen Columbia
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
23 The Beatles 1962 - 1966 The Beatles Capitol
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
36 Hot Rocks The Rolling Stones Abkco
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
48 Greatest Hits, Volume II The Eagles Elektra
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
62 Greatest Hits Aerosmith Columbia
67 Dookie Green Day Reprise
68 Eliminator ZZ Top Warner Bros.
77 Like A Virgin Madonna Sire
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
82 Tapestry Carole King Ode
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
87 Tragic Kingdom No Doubt Trauma/Interscope
92 Brothers In Arms Dire Straits Warner Bros.
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

― Radio Free Albemuth (DocMartensBoots), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:00 (eighteen years ago)

Albums I own in some way (CD, LP, MP3, whatevers):

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
18 Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen Columbia
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

― nate p. (natepatrin), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

Albums I still make it a point to listen to:

2 Thriller Michael Jackson Epic
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
61 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) Van Halen Warner Bros.
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

So yeah. Hooray for Led Zeppelin.

― nate p. (natepatrin), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:09 (eighteen years ago)

i have #80 (nirvana) and probably all of #33 (simon & garfunkel) as part of that 3cd box they did. that's all. americans be having bad musical taste 8)

― Koogy Yonderboy (koogs), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:12 (eighteen years ago)

Wow I own:

1 Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975 The Eagles Elektra
3 The Wall Pink Floyd Columbia
4 Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin Swan Song
6 Back In Black AC/DC Atco
7 The Beatles The Beatles Capitol
8 Rumours Fleetwood Mac Warner Bros.
11 Boston Boston Epic
13 Hotel California The Eagles Elektra
17 Appetite For Destruction Guns 'N Roses Geffen
19 Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Capitol
20 Greatest Hits Elton John Rocket
21 Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Swan Song
22 Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Polydor/Atlas
32 Purple Rain Soundtrack Warner Bros.
35 Abbey Road The Beatles Capitol
42 Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin Atlantic
43 Metallica Metallica Elektra
44 No Jacket Required Phil Collins Atlantic
53 Houses Of The Holy Led Zeppelin Atlantic
57 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles Capitol
68 Eliminator ZZ Top Warner Bros.
73 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Atlantic
77 Like A Virgin Madonna Sire
80 Nevermind Nirvana DGC
82 Tapestry Carole King Ode
84 The Immaculate Collection Madonna Warner Bros.
85 The Joshua Tree U2 Island
89 Van Halen Van Halen Warner Bros.
92 Brothers In Arms Dire Straits Warner Bros.
94 Escape Journey Columbia
95 Footloose Soundtrack Columbia
98 Hi Infidelity R.E.O. Speedwagon Epic
99 Greatest Hits John Denver RCA
100 Licensed to Ill Beastie Boys Def Jam Records

my penchant for loading up on 3/$1 used album deals is revealed!

― zaxxon25 (zaxxon25), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

According to Wikipedia, these are the worlds best selling albums. Though I think it's fair to say there is a fair amount of guesstimation involved.

Albums alleged to have sold at least 50 million copies

Michael Jackson Thriller

Albums alleged to have sold at least 40 million copies

AC/DC Back in Black
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon

Albums alleged to have sold at least 30 million copies

Backstreet Boys Millennium
The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles The Beatles a.k.a. The White Album*
The Beatles 1
Boyz II Men II
Céline Dion Falling Into You
Céline Dion Let's Talk About Love
Fleetwood Mac Rumours
James Horner Titanic (soundtrack)
Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin IV)
Meat Loaf Bat out of Hell
Pink Floyd The Wall
Shania Twain Come on Over
Various Artists Saturday Night Fever
Whitney Houston The Bodyguard

Albums alleged to have sold at least 25 million copies

ABBA Gold - Greatest Hits
Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill
The Beatles Abbey Road
Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet
Britney Spears ...Baby One More Time
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms
The Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975
Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction
Mariah Carey Daydream
Mariah Carey Music Box
Michael Jackson Bad
Michael Jackson Dangerous
Queen Greatest Hits
Santana Supernatural
Simon & Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Water
Various Artists Grease (soundtrack)

Albums alleged to have sold at least 20 million copies

Ace of Base Happy Nation/The Sign
Barbra Streisand Guilty
The Beatles 1962-1966
The Beatles 1967-1970
The Bee Gees Spirits Having Flown
Billy Joel Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2
Blondie Parallel Lines
Britney Spears Oops!... I Did It Again
Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A.
Carole King Tapestry
The Eagles Hotel California
Elton John Greatest Hits
Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem The Eminem Show
Garth Brooks Double Live
Garth Brooks No Fences
Green Day Dookie
Julie Andrews and others The Sound of Music (soundtrack) Linkin Park Hybrid Theory
Lionel Richie Can't Slow Down
Madonna Like a Virgin
Madonna True Blue
Madonna The Immaculate Collection
MC Hammer Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em
Metallica Metallica a.k.a. The Black Album
Michael Jackson Off the Wall
Norah Jones Come Away with Me
Ricky Martin Ricky Martin
Simon & Garfunkel Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits
Spice Girls Spice
Tina Turner Private Dancer
U2 The Joshua Tree
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

White Album
Metallica
Sgt. Pepper’s
Ten
Dookie
Nevermind
Tragic Kingdom

― Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

Lord does this make me feel lame!

― Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

Do those guesses and allegations include all the pirated CDs sold in Asia and Southern and Eastern Europe?

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Tuesday, 24 October 2006 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

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