Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Has Been Dethroned As The Best-Selling Album Of All Time

Few know this, but there are actually three guaranteed things in life: death, taxes and Michael Jackson‘s Thriller being the best-selling album of all time. It’s one of those things that have been true since we were born, and maybe even since the beginning of time. Well, that’s no longer the case (at least on the third count). According to the Recording Industry Association of AmericaThriller has been surpassed – the best-selling album of all time is now Eagles – Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975.

Yes. It is grim, and perhaps indicative of a general decline in civilisation and the looming threat of apocalypse. One of the most iconic pop albums of all times dethroned by a bunch of long-haired hicks playing proto-yacht rock about hotels you’re not allowed to check out of. Sickening! (For the record, Hotel California is actually not on this compilation because it was released in 1977. Let me have this joke.)

The album is now 38 times platinum according to the RIAA. Since 2013, the organisation has counted  plays on YouTube and major streaming services such as Spotify towards the ‘sales’ number of a song. 1,500 streams or 10 song downloads is equivalent to a sale, by their metrics. It’s this tweaking of the metrics which helped The Eagles rocket ahead of MJ on the list.

“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,” said the band’s singer and drummer Don Henley in a statement. “It’s been quite a ride.”

Oh, and The Eagles also hold the fort on the third-best-selling album of all time too. 1977’s Hotel California comes in at number 3 too, proving once and for all that despite the advancements in culture over the past half-century, baby boomers are still ruling the roost. Curse you! Curse you all!

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