Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II & 11 Other Double Diamond Albums
‘Greatest Hits — Volume I & Volume II’ has sold 23 million units. This is Joel’s first greatest hits collection. It spans his career from 1973 to 1985. In addition to his biggest hits, the collection also features two previously unreleased tracks: “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” and “The Night Is Still Young.”
‘Back In Black’ sold 25 million units in the United States. The album has sold 50 million units worldwide. ‘Back In Black’ acts as a tribute to AC/DC singer Bon Scott, who died in Feb. 1980. After recruiting Brian Johnson, ‘Back In Black’ was released in July 1980.
‘The Beatles’ has sold 24 million units. The album, of course, is affectionately known at “The White Album.” It is the only double album The Beatles ever released. Featuring 30 songs, “The White Album” spans various sub-genres, including folk, blues, country rock and proto-metal.
‘Hotel California’ has sold 26 million units. The building on the cover is of the famed Beverly Hills Hotel. The title track won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. However, the album lost the Album of the Year Grammy to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours,’ which you’ll also find on this list.
‘Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)’ has sold 38 million units. Currently, it’s the biggest-selling album in the history of the United States. It was selected by the Library of Congress in 2017 to be added to the National Recording Registry. Titles are added to the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.”
‘Rumours’ has sold 21 million units. The album is known as much for its incredible songs as it is for the wild surrounding its making. Notably, major breakups within the band and their collective drug use has fueled the legend of ‘Rumours’ for decades. With every new generation, it continues to attract new fans.
‘The Wall’ has sold 23 million units. The iconic rock opera served as the basis for the 1982 film ‘Pink Floyd — The Wall.’ Among its classic tracks are “Run Like Hell,” “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” and “Comfortably Numb.” It initially received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, but it’s considered one of the greatest, most influential albums of all time.
‘Thriller’ has sold 34 million units in the United States. The classic album has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. At the 1984 Grammy Awards, it won eight awards. Among them were Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Beat It.”
‘Led Zeppelin IV’ has sold 24 million units. The album features the iconic tracks “Stairway to Heaven,” “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll.” In November 2023, the mysterious man on the cover was discovered to be Lot Long, a 69-year-old from Wiltshire, England, who made thatched roofs. The photo of Long was taken during the 1890s.
‘Cracked Rear View’ has sold 21 million units. It’s the only debut studio album to sell over 20 million copies in the United States. Released in July 1994, the album went on to top the ‘Billboard’ 200 album chart on five different occasions in 1995. “Let Her Cry” went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
‘Come On Over’ has sold 20 million units. Released in November 1997, this was Twain’s third studio album and a massive crossover success that melded the genres of country, pop and rock. ‘Come On Over’ features the smash hits “You’re Still the One,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “From This Moment On.”
‘Double Live’ has sold 23 million units. It is the only album in RIAA history to sell more that 20 million units. In its first week of release, it sold more one million units. ‘Double Live’ was recorded during Brooks’ 1996-98 world tour.
