Here are the best-selling albums of the 21st century that were the soundtracks of all of our lives at one point or another. The 2000s were the music industry's revolution. Get ready to immerse yourself in nostalgia and good vibes while reminiscing about the best-selling albums of the 21st Century.
1. Blink-182 - Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001)
The reputed American Rock Band and their fourth highly regarded album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001), contributed to the music industry in the 2000s as an example of how revolutionary the 21st Century will sound like.
Take Off Your Pants and Jacket had near-immediate success becoming the first Punk Rock record to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling over 14 million copies worldwide. The album brought with its lyricism a more mature era of the Band.
2. Shakira – Laundry Service (2001)
Laundry Service (2001) is the fifth studio album by the Colombian singer and songwriter Shakira. The album was her first record in English. Her vision to go global was already in mind. She made it very well; the album includes various music styles with a lyrical theme mostly based on Shakira's previous relationships.
The album has topped the charts worldwide, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 20 chart, selling more than 13 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st Century. Now we all know why “whenever wherever” can't be missed in party playlists.
3. Eminem- The Eminem Show (2002)
The fourth album by the American Rapper Eminem, The Eminem Show, was a massive success after its release and regarded as Eminem’s most personal album incorporated with a heavier rap-rock.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 as the best-selling album of 2002 in the US and the best-selling album worldwide, making it the best-selling album of all time selling over 27 million copies worldwide and named the best album of the 2000s decade.
4. Avril Lavigne - Let Go (2002)
The Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne started her career on the right foot, and we all know how important Lavigne was for the millennial generation. Let Go is the debut album by sing-songwriter Avril Lavigne, released on June 4, 2002, giving Lavigne credit as the biggest pop debut of 2002.
Let Go (2002) is Avril Lavigne`s debut album, putting the artist at the top of the charts, with her first album positively reviewed by the music industry, and credited as the biggest pop debut of 2002, moving a generation forward with her.
5. Norah Jones – Come Away with Me(2002)
The American singer Norah Jones debuted her first album in 2002. A year after it was released, the album climbed to the top of the Billboard 200, becoming a global massive success.
The album earned Norah her first Grammy Awards for Album of the Year. It was later certified Diamond and has sold 27 million copies worldwide as of 2016, making it of all time's best-selling albums.
6. Evanescence – Fallen (2003)
The American rock band Evanescence released their first studio album in 2003. Fallen is the band`s most successful album and made it to number seven on Billboard 200.
The lead single of the album "Bring Me Back to Life" spread worldwide, reaching the global radios and selling over 8 million copies in the US and 17 million worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
7. Linkin Park – Meteora (2003)
Meteora (2003) is the second studio album by the American Band Linkin Park. Debuted at number one in the US Billboard 200, selling around 16 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Meteora's lyrics contain important information about what the members of the band were going through at that time.
The Linkin Park era was significant to the music industry, reinventing the music scene and leaving behind a legacy after Chester Bennington's death in 2017. Linkin Park has plans to perform in honor of Chester Bennington; the performance will be with Bennington's hologram on stage. We personally can't wait to see that!
8. Usher – Confessions (2004)
Usher's Biggest single, "Yeah", is one of the most successful songs of the 2000-2009 decade; the American Hip Hop singer Usher does not play when releasing top charts and singles.
The R&B album incorporates music genres such as dance-pop and hip hop, bringing urban music a peak of dominance in the Billboard charts. Confessions sold 10.3 million copies in the US and over 20 million worldwide.
9. Green Day – American Idiot (2005)
The seventh studio album, American Idiot (2005), by American rock band Green Day, charting in 27 countries, peaking number one in 19, was a massive success. Distinguished by its lyrics, based on Jesus of Suburbia, a middle-class American adolescent Antihero.
American Idiot remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, selling 16 million copies worldwide. The success of American Idiot earned the Band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2005 and inspired a Broadway Musical.
10. Coldplay - X&Y(2005)
They inspired the world with their musicality and good vibes to the 2000s. X&Y (2005) was a widespread success, receiving positive reactions from the public and fans. However, some critics cited the album as inferior to the previous albums of the band.
The album showcases a particular point of view of the band, something the public was waiting for them to do; with its melodies and lyricism bringing the new era of Coldplay. The album sold over 13 million copies worldwide, becoming the best album released in 2005, being the first Coldplay album to reach the top chart in the US.
11. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black (2006)
The British singer and songwriter left behind a legacy with her career and album. Black (2006), sold over 16 million copies worldwide and was influenced by the pop and soul music of the 1960s. It became one of the best-selling albums in UK history and the second best-selling album of the 21st century.
Alcohol and drug addiction followed her fame and success; she died of alcohol poisoning in July 2011, at the age of 27. After her death, the album temporarily became the UK`s best-selling album.
12. Nelly Furtado – Loose(2006)
Described by the critics as her thoughtful way of exploring female sexuality and producing music, she became a vital singer back in 2006, known for empowering women to express themselves as they want, putting hits after hits in top charts worldwide.
The number one album, “Loose, “was released by the Canadian singer and songwriter in 2006, and had major influences on dance, R&B, and hip hop. Debuting at number one on US Billboard 200, making the song “Promiscuous” an international success and the first number-one single in the US. The album has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.
13. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds(2006)
Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer also considered an icon in the music industry. The album FutureSex/LoveSounds(2006), influenced by Timberlake`s wide range of eclectic sounds, was considered by the critics and fans as one of his best albums.
Selling over 10 million copies worldwide, four top singles in the US Billboard 100, certified Multi-Platinum in many countries, and topping in the charts worldwide-the album was also considered one of the highest-grossing tours at the time.
14. Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad(2007)
The Barbadian pop singer, songwriter, actress, and one of the most influential fashion designers today; Rihanna released her third album Good Girl Gone Bad, in 2007. The dance-pop album established her as a sex symbol in the music industry.
The lead single of the album, "Umbrella", featuring Jay-Z earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap collaboration. The album sold over 3 million in the US, reaching number one in some countries, and hit the top of Billboard 100 with its five singles.
15. Taylor Swift - Fearless (2008)
Taylor Swift's massive success begins with "Love Story". The lead single of the Album Fearless, released in 2008; was received with acclamation and praised by the critics. The lead single has sold over 18 million copies worldwide, establishing itself as the best-selling singles of all time, initiating The Taylor Swift era.
Fearless is the most awarded album in country music history, won album of the year at the Grammys, sold over 17 million copies worldwide, and spent weeks atop the US Billboard 200. Taylor Swift established her title as American Sweetheart.
16. Lady Gaga - The Fame(2008)
The Fame (2008), was named one of the "100 Greatest Debut Albums of All-Time". It was a commercial success topping the charts in many countries. The lead single of the album Just Dance blew up the US's radios, making sure that everybody knew Lady Gaga.
The Fame reached number two on the Billboard 200, sold over 4 million copies in the US, followed by digital streaming; the massive single's success combined with the album's Deluxe Edition sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
17. Beyoncé - I am... Sasha Fierce (2008)
Queen B and the Album I am ... Sasha Fierce (2008) brought Beyoncé's alter ego "Shasha Fierce" to the music scene. The persona she becomes while performing on stages; the alter ego was born during her hit single "Crazy in Love" to protect Beyoncé from exposing her personal life.
"I am... Sasha Fierce" broke records and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide, and certified double-platinum. Topping the charts globally, the album also won five awards at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Beyonce the most awarded female artist in one night.
18. Susan Boyle - I Dreamed a Dream (2009)
Her voice blew up the judges and the audience in Britain's Got Talent, making Suzan Boyle achieve her merit in the music industry. Her debut studio album I dreamed a Dream (2009) debuted at number one in the UK. The album opened all the doors for Susan Boyle to pursue her career in the industry.
It became the fastest-selling album of all time in UK history, selling over 3.5 million copies in three weeks. It became the best-selling album globally and has sold over 13 million copies in 2009.
19. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream(2010)
The second mainstream album by Kate Perry, Teenage Dream, was released in 2010, achieved massive charts success and debuted at number one on the US billboard 200. It was also the only album to have seven weeks atop the billboard 100. The album is filled with singles that were very important to the revolution of music in the second decade of the 21st century.
Katy Perry's success is due to how she has changed the music scene and the digital era of music, inspiring many people who grew up listening to her music. The album has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, earning her place in music history of the 21st century.
20. Eminem - Recovery (2010)
Eminem`s album Recovery (2010), debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, peaking number one on the Billboard 100, earning Eminem Grammy Music Awards, Billboard music awards, and American music awards.
Recovery was the best-selling album worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics; Eminem transformed the rap industry with his albums and polemical lyricism. The single "Love the way you Lie " featuring Rihanna is listed as Eminem`s best song on the album. Recovery has sold approximately 7 million copies worldwide.
21. Adele - 21 (2011)
Adele had already captivated the public with her first debut album, "19". Her sophomore album 21 (2011) came out with more maturity from Adele in her lyricism, earning Adele more recognition for her conceptual way of expressing herself in music.
Praised by the critics, The album "21" topped the charts in more than thirty countries and became the world`s best selling album by a solo artist of all time. The album, inspired by southern American Blues, has sold over 31 million copies worldwide.
22. Bruno Mars - Doo-Woops & Hooligans(2011)
The first debut album by the Hawaiian singer Bruno Mars became the metamorphosis of the first decade of the 21st Century. Bruno Mars and his Hawaiian vibes album debuted at the number in the UK Billboard 100, also number one in more than ten countries. Just The Way You Are, the lead single, was the best worldwide selling digital single of 2011, selling more than 12 million copies.
The album contains a considerable amount of elements and musical genres that Mars had introduced to the music scene. The successful giant album by 2020 has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
23. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, mAAd city (2012)
The American Rapper Kendrick Lamar released "good kid, mAAd city" in 2012. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, receiving widespread acclamation by the critics and the music industry. The album holds a place in the Hip Hop Canon.
Later certified triple platinum and selling more than one million copies in the US, "good kid, mAAd city", ranked in the115th position in the list of 500 greatest albums of all times.
24. Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday(2012)
The Trinidadian-American Rapper, songwriter, model, and actress, debuted "Pink Friday" in 2010. Her single "Super Bass" received positive reviews, selling over five million digital copies in the US.
The album has been certified 3x platinum and Nominated as Best Rap Album, becoming the most influential Female Rapper\singer in Music. Establishing the singer the title as the "Queen of Rap."
25. One Direction - Midnight Memories(2013)
The English-Irish Boy Band released their third Studio Album in 2013; One Direction was the first group to debut three albums number one in the US Billboard 100, selling over 4 million copies and making it the best-selling album in Amazon UK.
The band's widespread success inspired a generation back in 2013, establishing their remarkable music path. It was almost impossible not to hear One direction playing in the radios around the globe. One Direction announced a Hiatus in 2015, with each group member pursue their solo career, leaving all the fans disappointed with their decision and earning their support later in their solo careers.
26. Taylor Swift - 1989 (2014)
The album 1989 was the crossover era of the American Sweetheart Taylor Swift. The album earned Taylor Swift the title of greatest songwriter of all time. She became the most influential artist of all time, breaking records and giving females artists support throughout their careers.
Seven singles contributed to the commercial success of "1989," with three number one hits on the Billboard hot 100. 1989 won Swift Album of the Year at the 58th Grammy Award, making Taylor Swift the first female to win the award twice and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The success also earned Swift Multi-Platinum certifications in the UK, Australia, and Canada.
27. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die (2012)
Lan Del Rey has a peculiar way of expressing herself through music; her introspective perspective made the public love her music. Del Rey's breakthrough hit "Video Games" was included in the book "1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die".
The album Born To Die (2012) spent 300 weeks on the US Billboard 200, sold over 7 million copies worldwide, and topped the charts in various European countries and Australia. The single "Summertime Sadness" was a massive success on radios worldwide.
28. Lorde - Pure Heroine (2013)
The debut album from the vocalist and songwriter Lorde created a huge impact in the teenage era in the 21st century; with her sharp lyricism and personality, she received widespread acclamation from the critics with her first studio album.
Her number one single, "Royals," debuted on the top of Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Diamond, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time; the single sold 10 million units and the album almost 7 million copies, by 2020 the album has reached 2 billion streams around the globe.
29. Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour (2014)
The album" In Lonely Hour," released in 2014, is the first studio album by the English singer Sam Smith and was a commercial success worldwideץ The album was well-received by the critics. The lead single "Stay With Me" has reached more than 1 billion views on its YouTube Music Video.
Sam Smith explores the dark side of love on the album, packed with slow R&B mold, and incorporating 80s pop in the best way with its ballad "Good Things," expressing the heartbreak of his previous relationship. The album has sold more than 6 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2014\2015.
30. Drake - Views(2016)
The record "Views," released in 2016, is Drake's fourth album. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album sold fast in its first week. The album contains different music genres such as R&B, Afrotrap, pop, and Jamaican music,.
"Views" became Drake's most commercially successful album. It sold over seven million copies worldwide, earning the rapper the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and topping the Billboard 200 albums. In the digital era of mainstreams, the album achieved more than 245 million streams on the globe.
31. Ariana Grande - My Everything (2014)
My Everything is Ariana Grand's third album, released in 2014, it shows her efforts to become the next " Princess of Pop." The album kicked off her career with a single after single on the top of the US Billboard charts.
The lead single of the album "Problem," featuring the Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, earned Grande her most significant digital sales in its first week. The music video was a massive success and has been viewed more than 1.2 billion times on YouTube. As of 2018, the single has sold over 3.7 million copies in the US, reaching 9 million streams worldwide, becoming the best-selling single of all time.
32. Adele - 25 (2015)
The UK pop singer sensation Adele released her album "25" in 2015. After the speculations about the album and what Adele prepared after her global success with her previous album. The album's success comes with the lead single "Hello," and it was a massive success. The album "25" later became the best-selling album of the 21st Century.
During the Carpool Karaoke in The Late Late Show with James Corden on Youtube, Adele showed off her rap abilities. The album "25" also earned Adele the best-selling album of all time and has sold over 23 million copies worldwide.
33. P!nk - Beautiful Trauma(2017)
half a decade after releasing her previous album, P!nk proved that she can still do it again, and she did it; her album Beautiful Trauma (2017) debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
The album and singles sold over three million copies worldwide. It was later certified Platinum by the Record Industry Association of Music of America (RIAA), among other awards. Her success proves that she is a remarkable singer of the 21st Century.
34. Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa (2017)
Dua Lipa's first Album named Dua Lipa (2017) proved that she had come to stay; with her most famous hit single, "New Rules," labeled as the female empowerment anthem, Dua Lupa brought her sophisticated taste to the scene.
The hit single music video has been viewed more than 2 billion times on YouTube. Dua Lipa's first abum is currently the most streamed female album on Spotify, with more than 7.50 Billion streams.
35. Ed Sheeran - ÷(Divide) (2017)
The British singer is also one of Taylor Swift's best friends, and they have a great relationship; as we know that Ed Sheeran collaborated on Swift's albums. But ÷ (pronounced "Divide") by Ed Sheeran was one of the best-selling albums of 2017, and was a global success, topping the charts in more than 14 countries.
The lead single of the album "Shape of You" has reached more than 5 billion views on YouTube, and the album achieved a total of 56 million streams in a single day. Ed Sheeran worldwide concert earned the artist the highest-grossing tour of all time.
36. Taylor Swift - Reputation (2017)
The cathartic process of Reputation (2017) was the most revolutionary period of Taylor Swift's career. To announce her forthcoming album Reputation, Taylor deleted her Instagram feed entirely to rewrite the narrative she lost when the media started to attack her.
Reputation was Swift's fourth consecutive album at the top of the chart; and earned Swift the best-selling album in 2017, with more than 84 million streams since Adele's "Hello." Taylor Swift was tired of the drama Kanye West caused in her career; the album was her escape from the media to rewrite her narrative.
37. Frank Ocean - Blonde (2017)
The second studio album (Blonde, 2016) by the American singer Frank Ocean debuted at number one in the US Billboard 200. It was widely acclaimed for Ocean's introspective perspective and lyricism and different music styles, with predominant genres like R&B, psychedelic pop, and soul.
"Blonde" has generated 404 million audio streams in the US in 2017. Frank Ocean barely gives interviews and is always avoiding the media. His introspection in the music scene is unique where the focus is usually on becoming well known worldwide and reaching the highest fame level.
38. Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy (2018)
Due to her popularity in reality TV shows, followed by her background as a stripper dancer, and her magnetic personality, the singer made a remarkable debut with her first album, Invasion of Privacy (2018).
After the album release, Cardi B became one of the most influential artists in the digital music era, winning the Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album, 3x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA). It is also the most-streamed album on Spotify, with more than 2.8 billion streams.
39. Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019)
Billie Eilish's debut album "When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?" was released in 2019 and made Eilish the youngest person in history to win four principal Grammys Categories, also ranked one of the best-selling artists of 2019 and second female artist after Taylor Swift.
Praised as one of the most acclaimed records in the Billboard 200 three times since its release, Billie Eilish earned more than 15 billion combined streams worldwide. Only 17 years old, Billie Eilish is already the most influential artist of the 21st century, and she is creating a revolution in the music industry.
40. Taylor Swift - Folklore(2020)
Taylor Swift shocked the world in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic by releasing two albums in 2020, surprising her fans and the world with two Masterpiece albums. The albums Folklore(July 2020) and Evermore(December 2020) are both listed as the most influential albums of 2020,
Folklore was Taylor Swift's seventh number-one album in the US and the most-streamed album worldwide, and it has 2 billion streams a month.