The Official U.K. Charts Company announced today (May 3) that Adele’s blockbuster “21” album has surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in total U.K. sales. “21’s” to-date U.K. sales now stand at 4,274,300 — 500 copies more than “Thriller.”
The UK’s Top 10 biggest selling albums of all-time are now as follows:
1. Queen, “Greatest Hits” (1981)
2. The Beatles, “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)
3. ABBA, “Gold – Greatest Hits” (1992)
4. Oasis, “What’s the Story Morning Glory” (1995)
5. Adele, “21” (2011)
6. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1982)
7. Dire Straits, “Brothers in Arms” (1985)
8. Pink Floyd, “The Dark Side of the Moon” (1973)
9. Michael Jackson, “Bad” (1987)
10. Queen, “Greatest Hits II” (1991)
In the U.S., “21” has sold 8.9 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It is the No. 30 best-selling album since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. In that span of time, the largest selling album is Metallica’s self-titled 1991 release, with 15.8 million.
In terms of all-time figures, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Eagles’ “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” are tied as the top selling albums in the U.S. Each has sold 29 million copies in America, according to the RIAA.