edge3
Refugee
I just found this list of the best selling albums of all time in the UK from 'rateyourmusic.com'. It's very up to date and seems to prove that The Joshua Tree has now sold over 2.1M in UK despite only being certified 6xPlat. As you can see JT comes in at #54 - quite impressive but behind Oasis' first 2 albums (MG is at #2, DM is at #48). Coldplay's first 2 albums have also now gone past JT (AROBTTH is at #45, Parachutes #46) - interesting.... :
UK All-Time Best-Selling Albums
A list by jplenton
List of albums that have sold over 2.1 million copies in the UK. Sales of 2.1 million equals seven times platinum status. The initial data source was http://www.everyhit.com. Further information is taken from the BPI (British Phonogram Institute) website; http://www.bpi.co.uk
The accuracy of this list is approximate at best. The most reliable data source are the BPI certified awards but it seems that once an album leaves the UK album chart, it's total sales status is only updated sporadically. The BPI award scheme was only introduced in 1973, and multi-platinum disc awards in 1987; so albums released before these two dates are under-represented on this list.
1
The Beatles
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Sales = 4.5 million
Spent 27 weeks at number 1 in 1967/68.
Happily something good at number one! However I find it odd that this Beatles' album has shifted so much and not one of their other studio albums has passed the 2 million mark.
It's also their best-selling album world-wide. Abbey Road is their next biggest seller on a global scale; but don't know how much it sold in the UK.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
2
Oasis
(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Sales = 4.2 million
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1995/96.
Note: Awarded 13x Platinum (3.9m sales) in October 1997 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 4.2m sales.
3
Michael Jackson
Bad (1987)
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ July 1992.
Thriller is his best-seller worldwide, but interestingly this one has shifted more in the UK.
4
Dire Straits
Brothers in Arms (1985)
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent 14 weeks at number 1 in 1985/86.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ October 1997.
Cor!!! This was the second album I ever bought!
5
ABBA
ABBA Gold - Greatest Hits (1992) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent only 1 week at number 1 in 1992.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ February 2005.
The first of many compilation albums on this list.
Expect sales to continue to rise as this one keeps re-entering the album chart for weekly sales.
Thanks to users Stevereno and daveredgate for updating me on the status of this album.
6
Simply Red
Stars (1991)
Sales = 3.6 million
Spent 12 weeks at nmber 1 in 1991/92.
Awarded 12x Platinum ~ June 1995
7
Madonna
The Immaculate Collection (1990) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.6 million
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 1990.
Awarded 12x Platinum ~ January 2003
8
Queen
Greatest Hits (1981) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.3 million
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 1981.
Awarded 11x Platinum ~ January 1992.
In recent years this compilation has been repackaged and sold together with Greatest Hits 2 and 3. The above sales figure does not include such sales. (cf. Greatest Hits 2 on this list for further information).
Third album on this list that I own.
9
Michael Jackson
Thriller (1982)
Sales = 3.3 million
Spent 8 weeks at number 1 in 1983/84.
Awarded 11x Platinum ~ July 1992.
This is the best-selling album in the world with total sales of over 54 million. "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" by The Eagles is the second biggest seller worldwide but doesn't make the UK list.
10
Spice Girls
Spice (1996)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 15 weeks at number 1 in 1996/97.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ August 1997.
11
Fleetwood Mac
Rumours (1977)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1978.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ January 2000
At one time this was the best-selling album in the world.
12
Shania Twain
Come On Over [International Version] (1998)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1999.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ April 2000.
This is the best-selling album by a female artist worldwide (35million).
13
Alanis Morissette
Jagged Little Pill (1995)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ October 2002.
14
Dido
No Angel (1999)
Sales = 2.8 million
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Note: Awarded 9x Platinum (2.7m sales) in January 2004 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.8m sales.
15
Elton John
The Very Best Of... (1990) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1990.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ March 1995.
This compilation was superceded by a more recent compilation album in 2002; don't expect it to shift much more nowadays as a result. Sales of this album from 1995 to 2002 are outstanding at present though.
16
The Corrs
Talk On Corners (1997)
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1998/99.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ April 1999.
17
Robbie Williams
I've Been Expecting You (1998)
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1998/99.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ August 2000.
18
Travis
The Man Who (1999)
Sales = 2.7m
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 1999/2000.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ October 2003
19
David Gray
White Ladder (1998)
Sales = 2.6 million
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Note: Awarded 8x Platinum (2.4m sales) in November 2002 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.6m sales.
20
Simon and Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
Sales = 2.5 million
Spent 41 weeks at number 1 in 1970/71.
The best-selling album in the UK in the Seventies. Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" must have overtaken it in sales after that decade.
Attribute one unit to yours truly.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
21
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits (1972) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.5 million
First album on the list not to reach number 1.
Reached number 2 in July 1972.
Don't expect much more sales due to other compilations released since.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
22
Robson Green and Jerome Flynn
Robson & Jerome (1995)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 1995.
Note: Awarded 6x Platinum (1.8m sales) in December 1995 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.4m sales.
Note 2 : the only album on this list that I had to add to the database in order to create this list.
23
Various Artists - Film Soundtracks 1960-69
The Sound of Music (1965) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 69 weeks at number 1 from 1965 to 1968!
First soundtrack album on the list.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
24
Phil Collins
...But Seriously (1989)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 15 weeks at number 1 in 1989/90.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ October 1990
25
Tina Turner
Simply The Best (1991) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Reached number 2 in October 1991.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ March 2000
26
Queen
Greatest Hits II (1991) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ March 2000.
Total sales would be more than this if the figure included sales of the various repackagings of this compilation with Queen's other Greatest Hits albums.
(Note: The Platinum Collection has been awarded 3x Platinum ~ 900,000 sales)
The fifth album that I own on this list.
27
The Verve
Urban Hymns (1997)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1997/98.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ April 2001
28
Robbie Williams
Sing When You're Winning (2000)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ February 2003
29
Robbie Williams
Life Thru A Lens (1997)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1998.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ February 2003
Good ol' Robbie has more entries on this list than anyone else.
30
The Beatles
1 (2000) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ July 2003
31
Fleetwood Mac
Tango In The Night (1987)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1987/88.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ November 2004
32
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman (1988)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1988.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ November 2004
33
Dido
Life For Rent (2003)
Sales = 2.2m
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 2003/04.
Note: Awarded 7x Platinum (2.1m sales) in January 2004 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.2m sales.
34
Madonna
True Blue (1986)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1986.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ March 1992
35
Pink Floyd
Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Sales = 2.1m
Reached number 2 in March 1973.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ May 1993.
36
Meat Loaf
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Sales = 2.1m
Only reached number 9 in March 1978.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ November 1993.
37
Various Artists - Film Soundtracks 1990-94
The Bodyguard (1992) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Reached number 1 on the various artist chart in November 1992.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 1994
38
Mike Oldfield
Tubular Bells (1973)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1974.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ March 1994.
39
Simply Red
A New Flame (1989)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1989.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ April 1995
40
Celine Dion
Falling Into You (1996)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 1998.
41
George Michael
Ladies & Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael (1998) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 8 weeks at number 1 in 1998.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ June 1999.
42
Various Artists - Series - Now That's What I Call Music! - UK
Volume 44 (1999) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Unknown chart position as various artist compilations use a separate chart.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 2000
This entry in the long-running Now! series was released just before Christmas 1999. Pre-millennial shopping accounting for its sales perhaps? 2.1 million in three months!!!
43
Eminem
The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Note: Awarded 5x Platinum (1.5m sales) in April 2001 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.1m sales.
44
Robbie Williams
Swing When You're Winning (2001)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2003
45
Coldplay
A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002)
Sales = 2.1 million
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 2002/03
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ December 2003
46
Coldplay
Parachutes (2000)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2004
47
Norah Jones
Come Away With Me (2002)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 2003.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ June 2004
48
Oasis
Definitely Maybe (1994)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1994.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ September 2004
Thanks to user daveredgate for this addition.
49
Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters (2004)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 2004/05.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2005
50
RYM Users
jplenton (1974)
APPENDIX
All of the following albums were awarded 6x Platinum sales (1.8 million) yonks ago. Since then, they must have passed the 2 million sale threshold and are hence eligible for this list. Just awaiting that BPI re-certification.
This list was compiled in May 2004 and updated in April 2005.
51
Whitney Houston
Whitney (1987)
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1988.
52
Kylie Minogue
Kylie (1988)
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1988.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ January 1989.
Oh Yeah!
53
Phil Collins
No Jacket Required (1985)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1985.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ November 1989.
54
U2
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ March 1992.
Another one I own. I bought it in September 1992 so even my purchase ain't included in the BPI award
55
Eurythmics
Greatest Hits (1991) [Compilation]
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ May 1993.
56
Michael Jackson
Dangerous (1991)
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1993.
57
Bob Marley
Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers (1984) [Compilation]
Spent 12 weeks at number 1 in 1984.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1994.
This compilation occaisonally re-enters the Top 75 weekly sales to this day.
58
Meat Loaf
Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993)
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1993.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1994.
59
R.E.M.
Automatic For The People (1992)
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 1992/93.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ March 1995.
I bought my copy in May 1993, so this time my purchase is included in the award!
60
The Beautiful South
Carry On Up The Charts - The Best Of... (1994) [Compilation]
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 1994.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ November 1995.
61
UB40
The Best of UB40 Volume One (1987) [Compilation]
Reached number 3 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1997.
62
George Michael
Older (1996)
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1997.
63
Oasis
Be Here Now (1997)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1997.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ January 1998.
64
Lighthouse Family
Ocean Drive (1995)
Reached number 3 in 1996.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ July 1998.
65
Celine Dion
Let's Talk About Love (1997)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1997/98.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1998.
66
Boyzone
Boyzone...By Request (1999) [Compilation]
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1999.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1999.
Took less than a year to reach 1.8 million sales!
UK All-Time Best-Selling Albums
A list by jplenton
List of albums that have sold over 2.1 million copies in the UK. Sales of 2.1 million equals seven times platinum status. The initial data source was http://www.everyhit.com. Further information is taken from the BPI (British Phonogram Institute) website; http://www.bpi.co.uk
The accuracy of this list is approximate at best. The most reliable data source are the BPI certified awards but it seems that once an album leaves the UK album chart, it's total sales status is only updated sporadically. The BPI award scheme was only introduced in 1973, and multi-platinum disc awards in 1987; so albums released before these two dates are under-represented on this list.
1
The Beatles
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Sales = 4.5 million
Spent 27 weeks at number 1 in 1967/68.
Happily something good at number one! However I find it odd that this Beatles' album has shifted so much and not one of their other studio albums has passed the 2 million mark.
It's also their best-selling album world-wide. Abbey Road is their next biggest seller on a global scale; but don't know how much it sold in the UK.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
2
Oasis
(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Sales = 4.2 million
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1995/96.
Note: Awarded 13x Platinum (3.9m sales) in October 1997 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 4.2m sales.
3
Michael Jackson
Bad (1987)
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ July 1992.
Thriller is his best-seller worldwide, but interestingly this one has shifted more in the UK.
4
Dire Straits
Brothers in Arms (1985)
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent 14 weeks at number 1 in 1985/86.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ October 1997.
Cor!!! This was the second album I ever bought!
5
ABBA
ABBA Gold - Greatest Hits (1992) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.9 million
Spent only 1 week at number 1 in 1992.
Awarded 13x Platinum ~ February 2005.
The first of many compilation albums on this list.
Expect sales to continue to rise as this one keeps re-entering the album chart for weekly sales.
Thanks to users Stevereno and daveredgate for updating me on the status of this album.
6
Simply Red
Stars (1991)
Sales = 3.6 million
Spent 12 weeks at nmber 1 in 1991/92.
Awarded 12x Platinum ~ June 1995
7
Madonna
The Immaculate Collection (1990) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.6 million
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 1990.
Awarded 12x Platinum ~ January 2003
8
Queen
Greatest Hits (1981) [Compilation]
Sales = 3.3 million
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 1981.
Awarded 11x Platinum ~ January 1992.
In recent years this compilation has been repackaged and sold together with Greatest Hits 2 and 3. The above sales figure does not include such sales. (cf. Greatest Hits 2 on this list for further information).
Third album on this list that I own.
9
Michael Jackson
Thriller (1982)
Sales = 3.3 million
Spent 8 weeks at number 1 in 1983/84.
Awarded 11x Platinum ~ July 1992.
This is the best-selling album in the world with total sales of over 54 million. "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" by The Eagles is the second biggest seller worldwide but doesn't make the UK list.
10
Spice Girls
Spice (1996)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 15 weeks at number 1 in 1996/97.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ August 1997.
11
Fleetwood Mac
Rumours (1977)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1978.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ January 2000
At one time this was the best-selling album in the world.
12
Shania Twain
Come On Over [International Version] (1998)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1999.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ April 2000.
This is the best-selling album by a female artist worldwide (35million).
13
Alanis Morissette
Jagged Little Pill (1995)
Sales = 3.0 million
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 10x Platinum ~ October 2002.
14
Dido
No Angel (1999)
Sales = 2.8 million
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Note: Awarded 9x Platinum (2.7m sales) in January 2004 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.8m sales.
15
Elton John
The Very Best Of... (1990) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1990.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ March 1995.
This compilation was superceded by a more recent compilation album in 2002; don't expect it to shift much more nowadays as a result. Sales of this album from 1995 to 2002 are outstanding at present though.
16
The Corrs
Talk On Corners (1997)
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1998/99.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ April 1999.
17
Robbie Williams
I've Been Expecting You (1998)
Sales = 2.7 million
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1998/99.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ August 2000.
18
Travis
The Man Who (1999)
Sales = 2.7m
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 1999/2000.
Awarded 9x Platinum ~ October 2003
19
David Gray
White Ladder (1998)
Sales = 2.6 million
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Note: Awarded 8x Platinum (2.4m sales) in November 2002 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.6m sales.
20
Simon and Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
Sales = 2.5 million
Spent 41 weeks at number 1 in 1970/71.
The best-selling album in the UK in the Seventies. Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" must have overtaken it in sales after that decade.
Attribute one unit to yours truly.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
21
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits (1972) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.5 million
First album on the list not to reach number 1.
Reached number 2 in July 1972.
Don't expect much more sales due to other compilations released since.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
22
Robson Green and Jerome Flynn
Robson & Jerome (1995)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 1995.
Note: Awarded 6x Platinum (1.8m sales) in December 1995 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.4m sales.
Note 2 : the only album on this list that I had to add to the database in order to create this list.
23
Various Artists - Film Soundtracks 1960-69
The Sound of Music (1965) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 69 weeks at number 1 from 1965 to 1968!
First soundtrack album on the list.
Note: this sales figure is according to everyhit.com
24
Phil Collins
...But Seriously (1989)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 15 weeks at number 1 in 1989/90.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ October 1990
25
Tina Turner
Simply The Best (1991) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Reached number 2 in October 1991.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ March 2000
26
Queen
Greatest Hits II (1991) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ March 2000.
Total sales would be more than this if the figure included sales of the various repackagings of this compilation with Queen's other Greatest Hits albums.
(Note: The Platinum Collection has been awarded 3x Platinum ~ 900,000 sales)
The fifth album that I own on this list.
27
The Verve
Urban Hymns (1997)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1997/98.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ April 2001
28
Robbie Williams
Sing When You're Winning (2000)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ February 2003
29
Robbie Williams
Life Thru A Lens (1997)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1998.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ February 2003
Good ol' Robbie has more entries on this list than anyone else.
30
The Beatles
1 (2000) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 9 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ July 2003
31
Fleetwood Mac
Tango In The Night (1987)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1987/88.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ November 2004
32
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman (1988)
Sales = 2.4m
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1988.
Awarded 8x Platinum ~ November 2004
33
Dido
Life For Rent (2003)
Sales = 2.2m
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 2003/04.
Note: Awarded 7x Platinum (2.1m sales) in January 2004 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.2m sales.
34
Madonna
True Blue (1986)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1986.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ March 1992
35
Pink Floyd
Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Sales = 2.1m
Reached number 2 in March 1973.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ May 1993.
36
Meat Loaf
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Sales = 2.1m
Only reached number 9 in March 1978.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ November 1993.
37
Various Artists - Film Soundtracks 1990-94
The Bodyguard (1992) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Reached number 1 on the various artist chart in November 1992.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 1994
38
Mike Oldfield
Tubular Bells (1973)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1974.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ March 1994.
39
Simply Red
A New Flame (1989)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1989.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ April 1995
40
Celine Dion
Falling Into You (1996)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 1998.
41
George Michael
Ladies & Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael (1998) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 8 weeks at number 1 in 1998.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ June 1999.
42
Various Artists - Series - Now That's What I Call Music! - UK
Volume 44 (1999) [Compilation]
Sales = 2.1m
Unknown chart position as various artist compilations use a separate chart.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ January 2000
This entry in the long-running Now! series was released just before Christmas 1999. Pre-millennial shopping accounting for its sales perhaps? 2.1 million in three months!!!
43
Eminem
The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 2000.
Note: Awarded 5x Platinum (1.5m sales) in April 2001 - but Everyhit.com lists it at 2.1m sales.
44
Robbie Williams
Swing When You're Winning (2001)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 2001.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2003
45
Coldplay
A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002)
Sales = 2.1 million
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 2002/03
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ December 2003
46
Coldplay
Parachutes (2000)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 2000.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2004
47
Norah Jones
Come Away With Me (2002)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 2003.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ June 2004
48
Oasis
Definitely Maybe (1994)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1994.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ September 2004
Thanks to user daveredgate for this addition.
49
Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters (2004)
Sales = 2.1m
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 2004/05.
Awarded 7x Platinum ~ February 2005
50
RYM Users
jplenton (1974)
APPENDIX
All of the following albums were awarded 6x Platinum sales (1.8 million) yonks ago. Since then, they must have passed the 2 million sale threshold and are hence eligible for this list. Just awaiting that BPI re-certification.
This list was compiled in May 2004 and updated in April 2005.
51
Whitney Houston
Whitney (1987)
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1988.
52
Kylie Minogue
Kylie (1988)
Spent 6 weeks at number 1 in 1988.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ January 1989.
Oh Yeah!
53
Phil Collins
No Jacket Required (1985)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1985.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ November 1989.
54
U2
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ March 1992.
Another one I own. I bought it in September 1992 so even my purchase ain't included in the BPI award
55
Eurythmics
Greatest Hits (1991) [Compilation]
Spent 10 weeks at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ May 1993.
56
Michael Jackson
Dangerous (1991)
Spent 1 week at number 1 in 1991.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1993.
57
Bob Marley
Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers (1984) [Compilation]
Spent 12 weeks at number 1 in 1984.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1994.
This compilation occaisonally re-enters the Top 75 weekly sales to this day.
58
Meat Loaf
Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993)
Spent 11 weeks at number 1 in 1993.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1994.
59
R.E.M.
Automatic For The People (1992)
Spent 4 weeks at number 1 in 1992/93.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ March 1995.
I bought my copy in May 1993, so this time my purchase is included in the award!
60
The Beautiful South
Carry On Up The Charts - The Best Of... (1994) [Compilation]
Spent 7 weeks at number 1 in 1994.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ November 1995.
61
UB40
The Best of UB40 Volume One (1987) [Compilation]
Reached number 3 in 1987.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1997.
62
George Michael
Older (1996)
Spent 3 weeks at number 1 in 1996.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1997.
63
Oasis
Be Here Now (1997)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1997.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ January 1998.
64
Lighthouse Family
Ocean Drive (1995)
Reached number 3 in 1996.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ July 1998.
65
Celine Dion
Let's Talk About Love (1997)
Spent 5 weeks at number 1 in 1997/98.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ October 1998.
66
Boyzone
Boyzone...By Request (1999) [Compilation]
Spent 2 weeks at number 1 in 1999.
Awarded 6x Platinum ~ December 1999.
Took less than a year to reach 1.8 million sales!
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