The best-selling album in history: An unbeatable record in the music industry
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Why is 'Thriller' still the best-selling album of all time?
If we're talking about the best-selling album in history, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" takes the title hands down. Since its release in 1982, this album was an instant hit and is still a phenomenon today. Who hasn't done the famous "zombie step" from "Thriller"? And if you've never tried it, you've missed out on the choreography classic! With more than 66 million copies sold worldwide, "Thriller" is not just an album; it's a legend that marked an entire generation and continues to captivate new listeners. It's the perfect mix of pop, R&B and funk, with Michael Jackson's unique energy and a sound that still captivates anyone who listens to it.
Here we explain a little more about why "Thriller" was and continues to be a resounding success and one of those gems that everyone recognizes.
'Thriller' sales and profits (and how MJ struck gold)
Here are some figures to give you an idea of what we are talking about:
| Year | Sales (in millions) | Earnings (in millions of dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 1.4 | 7.0 |
| 1983 | 14.5 | 72.5 |
| 1984 | 14.0 | 70.0 |
| 1985 | 12.9 | 64.5 |
| 1995 | 7.0 | 35.0 |
| 2009 | 5.6 | 28.0 |
As you can see, 1984 was a glorious year , with 14 million copies sold. Just imagine: everyone in the 80s wore shoulder pads, crimped their hair to the clouds and, of course, bought "Thriller" like there was no tomorrow. And they didn't even have Amazon to get it from the couch!
The secret to success: Why did "Thriller" conquer the world?
This album wasn't a hit just for the sake of it. For starters, Michael Jackson was at his best - he danced like there was no gravity, he sang with a unique voice and he had a fashion sense that was... well, different. Then there was the maestro Quincy Jones , who not only produced the album but made sure that every song had an impeccable sound. And speaking of songs, what a collection! "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"... need we go on?
And we can't forget the iconic video for "Thriller." I mean, how many music videos have a prologue, a zombie dance interlude, and a twist ending? Director John Landis and Michael made a video that broke the mold and took the concept of a music video to another level. Today, in the age of YouTube, it remains an absolute classic.
When vinyl was the king of the party
You have to remember that “Thriller” came out in the golden age of vinyl . In those years, there was no Spotify or playlists, only vinyl records and cassettes (if that). If you wanted to listen to music, you bought the record and listened to it from beginning to end. And that gave vinyl a special charm. Those records not only sounded good, but they came with stunning covers and a ritual: take the record out of its sleeve, put the needle in and sit down to listen. It was a complete experience.
And while we have all the songs in the world in our pockets these days, vinyl has made a big comeback. Because, let's face it, there's something special about listening to music like this, with that warm, authentic sound that only vinyl gives you.
The rebirth of vinyl and its "pro" furniture
As it turns out, just as vinyl is back in style, so are record players and record storage furniture. And of course, if you're willing to start a collection, you'll realize that it's not enough to just pile them up anywhere—you need a good place to store your treasures. That's where vinyl furniture comes in: not only does it keep them protected and well-organized, but it's also a stylish addition.
Nowadays, there are everything from minimalist shelves to vintage furniture that takes you back to a 70s record store. And it's not just for aesthetics; a good piece of furniture keeps your records away from dust and direct light, so in addition to looking good, they help preserve the warm, authentic sound that we love about this format.