Some people believe that artists’ music is what makes them great in the music industry. However, the majority of people believe that the more artists sell records and albums, the greater that makes them. This article will show the top three best selling artists in each decade since the 1980s.
1980:
1. Michael Jackson – 181 million copies sold across the world. His fame comes from making music about racial discrimination and how to break them in a predominately white industry. Some of his famous songs are “Thriller,” “Billie Jean” and “Bad.”
2. Madonna – 131 million copies sold. Her style of blending pop and dance music with a catchy vibe makes her one of the best female artists of all time. Popular songs she sang are “Into the Groove,” “Like A Prayer” and “Borderline.”
3. Phil Collins – 119 million copies sold. Collins got his fame from his position as a drummer for the progressive rock band Genesis. His best selling songs are “In the Air Tonight” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.”
1990:
1. Céline Dion – 160 million copies sold. She famously recorded the theme of Disney’s animated feature hit “Beauty and the Beast.” Other hit songs she made are “The Power of Love” and “Because You Loved Me.”
2. Mariah Carey – 144 million copies sold. She is another popular female singer that got her fame for her impressive vocals and songs like “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “We Belong Together.”
3. Garth Brooks – 108 million copies sold. He is the number one selling solo artist in the United States in 1989. His famous songs “Much Too Young,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The Dance.”
2000:
1. Eminem – 123 million copies sold. Eminem’s raw talent as a rapper and songs about controversial topics made him one of the most famous rappers in the 2000s. Emienem’s famous songs are “Lose Yourself,” “Till I Collapse” and “The Real Slim Shady.”
2. Linkin Park – 67 million copies sold. Linkin Park is a rock band that combines heavy metal and hip hop called nu metal. Their famous songs are “What I’ve Done,” “In the End,” and “Papercut.”
3. Coldplay – 66 million copies sold. Their fame comes from their consistency and their energy they have. Coldplay’s famous songs are “Speed of Sound,” “Clocks” and “Viva la Vida.”
2010:
1. Adele – 73 million copies sold. Adele’s powerful voice and songs that brought forth her emotions paved the way for her fame. She is famous for her songs “Rolling in the Deep,” “Skyfall” and “Easy on Me.”
2. Justin Bieber – 66 million copies sold. He is a Canadian singer and songwriter who had early success in the music industry. Famous songs he made are “Sorry,” “Love Yourself” and “Peaches.”
3. Taylor Swift – 64 million copies sold. Her fame came from her Eras Tour and domination of the music industry. Her famous songs are “You Belong With Me,” “All Too Well” and “Shake it Off.”
