Thriller: The Best-Selling Album in U.S. History

In the weeks following Michael’s death, sales of his albums have skyrocketed. His songs and albums have even failed to spare the newest American music releases and the top albums of the day by other artists—they’ve been pushed aside.

Thriller’s sales have been so enormous that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) says it is close to breaking the Eagles’ album record, “Their Greatest Hits,” which is a collection of the band’s biggest songs from 1971 to 1975. In 2006, the Eagles’ album sales in the United States surpassed the 29 million mark, earning it its 29th Platinum certification. At the same time, Thriller also received its 28th Platinum certification in March that year, after crossing 28 million copies sold in the United States.

Now, the RIAA estimates that in recent weeks, Thriller’s sales may have passed 29 million as well. If sales continue at the same pace and reach 30 million, Thriller will become the first album to receive the Diamond certification three times.

But worldwide, no album can compete with Thriller. Its 140 million sales, compared to the Eagles’ 42 million, says it all.

Source: eMJey / MTV