What is the best selling album of all time?

While precise sales figures are often debated and difficult to verify across different eras and reporting methods, Thriller by Michael Jackson is widely considered the best-selling album of all time.

Here's what makes it such a strong contender:

• Estimated Sales: Estimates vary, but most place sales somewhere between 66 and 70 million copies worldwide. The discrepancy comes from differing accounting methods and the difficulty in tracking sales across various regions and formats (cassettes, CDs, vinyl, digital downloads).

• Cultural Impact: Beyond sheer sales numbers, Thriller had a massive cultural impact. The music videos, particularly the title track, were groundbreaking for their cinematic quality and MTV airplay, helping propel the music video into a dominant force in the music industry. The album's blend of pop, R&B, rock, and funk appealed to a broad audience.

• Longevity: The album's popularity has endured for decades, continuing to sell copies and generate revenue through streaming and licensing. It remains a significant part of popular culture.

• Critical Acclaim: Thriller wasn't just commercially successful; it received widespread critical praise for its songwriting, production, and Jackson's vocal performance.

It's important to note that other albums, like Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) by Eagles, Back in Black by AC/DC, and Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf, are frequently cited as strong contenders, and the exact ranking is subject to ongoing debate. However, Thriller's widespread recognition and massive estimated sales make it the most likely candidate for the title of best-selling album of all time.