According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the 1976 compilation album, which features classic Sunday arvo BBQ bangers such as ‘Desperado’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’, is now certified as 38x platinum, comprising over 38 million streams and album sales. Jackson’s pop masterpiece Thriller, which surpassed Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) in 2009 following Jackson’s passing, is now back in second place with a very tidy 33x platinum certification, while Eagles’ 1977 classic Hotel California sits as America’s third best selling album and is certified 29x platinum.
In a statement to Billboard, chief Eagle Don Henley expressed his gratitude towards the longtime fans of the band, saying, “We are grateful for our families, our management, our crew, the people at radio and, most of all, the loyal fans who have stuck with us through the ups and downs of 46 years. It’s been quite a ride.”
However, when adjusted for international sales figures, M.J. still takes the top spot as the highest selling album in the world with an estimated 66 million copies sold. You’ll never topple the King, Eagles.
Feature image via Grammys.
