Review: Beyoncé escapes to dance world in ‘Renaissance’
“Renaissance,” Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
Beyoncé has been reborn again; this time it’s on a shimmering dance floor.
But in her seventh studio album, “Renaissance,” she has subverted the public’s perception of her hitmaking history. Six years since her Grammy award-winning“Lemonade,” people expect Beyoncé to consistently deliver. But she does not allow herself to be pigeonholed in her consistency, perfectionism and pop/R&B genre. She croons confidently in “Cozy,” that she is “comfortable in my skin. Cozy with who I am,” and it shows in this hour-long 16-track album.
Her voice glides with comfortability and ease in this cohesive dance-music album influenced by Black artists like disco queens Diana Ross and Donna Summer (“Summer Renaissance,”) sampling Summer’s “I Feel Love,” Afrobeats (“Move”) and most surprisingly twinges of Generation Z’s favorite fast-paced hyperpop (“All Up In Your Mind”).
Each song is an adventurous, experimental journey into Beyoncé’s pandemic psyche. In the album announcement posted on her Instagram, she said that creating this album has allowed her “to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world.”
Beyoncé builds a wistful, fun, out-of-body and almost extraterrestrial world filled with love, joy and friendship in “Renaissance.” It’s a world devoid of the intensity of the political, social and environmental challenges she states are present in 2022.
Speaking of an extraterrestrial world, “Alien Superstar,” sampling Right Said Fred’s 90s hit “I’m Too Sexy,” pays homage to ballroom dance culture. The singer boldly states against a thumping rhythm and synth, that she is “too classy for this world, forever, I’m that girl.”
The album’s high points are significantly due to the seamless transitions into each song like “Cuff It” and “Energy.” “Cuff It” begins as a summer disco/R&B fusion anthem to fall in love with as Beyoncé proclaims she feels like falling in love with a drink in her hand. “Cuff It” transitions to “Energy,” which starts with Jamaican American rapper BEAM.
Standouts are “Virgo’s Groove” and “Heated,” which was co-written by Drake who dropped his own dance-inspired album earlier this summer. In both songs, Beyoncé is enjoying a summer filled with partying, dancing and self-love but also romantic love, singing that her partner’s love keeps her alive in “Virgo’s Groove.”
The singer’s long-awaited album is a successful reclaiming of dance music. She emphasizes a need to look outward and create a circle of love where people can venture out to the dance floor with no hesitation, no judgment — just dance.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowHarvest
When Apple launched iTunes in 2003, the way people digest music changed forever. Instead of buying CDs, records, or cassettes, fans were able to pay for their favorite song without having to purchase the full album. When Spotify launched in 2008, it revolutionized the music industry even more, allowing listeners to surf through artist catalogs and create their own playlists without having to buy each track.
But before the 21st century, albums were king. Artists ranging from the Eagles to Britney Spears soared to superstardom thanks to album sales. And before the age of the playlist, greatest hits albums were the only way fans could listen to their favorite songs by an artist all in one place (unless you had the time and patience to make a mixtape). As a result, compilations were gold mines for artists in the 20th century.
Stacker took a look at Recording Industry Association of America record sales data and compiled a list of the 42 bestselling albums of all time, measured by certified units sold. (Note: RIAA only provides record sales in rounded-up millions, hence all the ties.) Only one album of the 21st century was able to sell enough units to make the list, and the album in the #1 spot might surprise you.
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HarvestWhen Apple launched iTunes in 2003, the way people digest music changed forever. Instead of buying CDs, records, or cassettes, fans were able to pay for their favorite song without having to purchase the full album. When Spotify launched in 2008, it revolutionized the music industry even more, allowing listeners to surf through artist catalogs and create their own playlists without having to buy each track.
But before the 21st century, albums were king. Artists ranging from the Eagles to Britney Spears soared to superstardom thanks to album sales. And before the age of the playlist, greatest hits albums were the only way fans could listen to their favorite songs by an artist all in one place (unless you had the time and patience to make a mixtape). As a result, compilations were gold mines for artists in the 20th century.
Stacker took a look at Recording Industry Association of America record sales data and compiled a list of the 42 bestselling albums of all time, measured by certified units sold. (Note: RIAA only provides record sales in rounded-up millions, hence all the ties.) Only one album of the 21st century was able to sell enough units to make the list, and the album in the #1 spot might surprise you.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowArista
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Arista
Whitney Houston was a star from the get-go. Her debut self-titled album ruled the Billboard 200 chart for 14 weeks in 1986 and spun off three #1 singles: “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love For You,” and “Greatest Love of All.”
Arista- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Arista
Whitney Houston was a star from the get-go. Her debut self-titled album ruled the Billboard 200 chart for 14 weeks in 1986 and spun off three #1 singles: “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love For You,” and “Greatest Love of All.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowMonument
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Monument
“Wide Open Spaces” may be the Chicks’ fourth studio album, however, it’s the one that made them mainstream thanks in part to new lead singer Natalie Maines. The album produced hits like “There’s Your Trouble,” “You Were Mine,” and the title track.
Monument- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Monument
“Wide Open Spaces” may be the Chicks’ fourth studio album, however, it’s the one that made them mainstream thanks in part to new lead singer Natalie Maines. The album produced hits like “There’s Your Trouble,” “You Were Mine,” and the title track.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowWarner Bros. Records
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.
Most soundtracks feature various artists, but Prince recorded all the music for his film “Purple Rain.” In addition to the famous title track, the album also features hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “I Would Die 4 U.” “Purple Rain” is also notable for being Prince’s first #1 album.
Warner Bros. Records- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.
Most soundtracks feature various artists, but Prince recorded all the music for his film “Purple Rain.” In addition to the famous title track, the album also features hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “I Would Die 4 U.” “Purple Rain” is also notable for being Prince’s first #1 album.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowEpic
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Epic
“Ten” is Pearl Jam’s debut album, which earned two nominations at the 35th Grammy Awards, including Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. It features some of the band’s most well-known songs, including “Jeremy,” “Alive,” and “Even Flow.”
Epic- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Epic
“Ten” is Pearl Jam’s debut album, which earned two nominations at the 35th Grammy Awards, including Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. It features some of the band’s most well-known songs, including “Jeremy,” “Alive,” and “Even Flow.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band Live 1975-85” is a monstrous live album that features 40 tracks recorded from various concerts across a 10-year period. It includes live versions of some of the Boss’ most popular songs, like “Born in the U.S.A.,” “I’m on Fire,” and “Born to Run.”
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Columbia- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band Live 1975-85” is a monstrous live album that features 40 tracks recorded from various concerts across a 10-year period. It includes live versions of some of the Boss’ most popular songs, like “Born in the U.S.A.,” “I’m on Fire,” and “Born to Run.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowJive
- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Jive
The third studio album by the Backstreet Boys, “Millennium” features the singles “I Want It That Way,” “Larger Than Life,” “The One,” and “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.” The record also garnered the boy band five Grammy nominations.
Jive- Certified units sold: 13 million
- Record label: Jive
The third studio album by the Backstreet Boys, “Millennium” features the singles “I Want It That Way,” “Larger Than Life,” “The One,” and “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.” The record also garnered the boy band five Grammy nominations.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits” is the first compilation released by the duo, which came out in 1972, two years after Simon & Garfunkel split up. In addition to studio recordings, the album also features four previously unreleased live recordings.
Columbia- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits” is the first compilation released by the duo, which came out in 1972, two years after Simon & Garfunkel split up. In addition to studio recordings, the album also features four previously unreleased live recordings.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowEpic
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Epic
“Bat Out of Hell” is Meat Loaf’s debut album and was developed from a musical called “Neverland.” It was so successful that it spawned two sequel albums: 1993’s “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell” and 2006’s “Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose.”
Epic- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Epic
“Bat Out of Hell” is Meat Loaf’s debut album and was developed from a musical called “Neverland.” It was so successful that it spawned two sequel albums: 1993’s “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell” and 2006’s “Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowCapitol Nashville
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Capitol
“Ropin’ the Wind” is Garth Brooks’ third studio album and his first to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. It also features three #1 singles: “Shameless,” “What She’s Doing Now,” and “The River.”
Capitol Nashville- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Capitol
“Ropin’ the Wind” is Garth Brooks’ third studio album and his first to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. It also features three #1 singles: “Shameless,” “What She’s Doing Now,” and “The River.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowOde
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Ode
Carole King’s sophomore album “Tapestry” won her four Grammy awards in 1972, including Album of the Year. Its lead singles, “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” also spent five weeks atop the Billboard 100 chart, as well as Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.
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Ode- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Ode
Carole King’s sophomore album “Tapestry” won her four Grammy awards in 1972, including Album of the Year. Its lead singles, “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” also spent five weeks atop the Billboard 100 chart, as well as Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowJive
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive
“…Baby One More Time” introduced Britney Spears’ music to the world in 1999. It may be a debut, but the collection is the pop star’s bestselling album thanks to singles like “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” “Sometimes,” and of course, “...Baby One More Time.”
Jive- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive
“…Baby One More Time” introduced Britney Spears’ music to the world in 1999. It may be a debut, but the collection is the pop star’s bestselling album thanks to singles like “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” “Sometimes,” and of course, “...Baby One More Time.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowJive
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive
The late ’90s were the pinnacle of boy band fame. When the Backstreet Boys released their self-titled album, a compilation of their first two, it shot them to superstardom with such singles as “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
Jive- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Jive
The late ’90s were the pinnacle of boy band fame. When the Backstreet Boys released their self-titled album, a compilation of their first two, it shot them to superstardom with such singles as “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia
Adele’s sophomore effort saw the singer adapt more of a blues and country influence to the soulful sound of her debut album, and the change paid off. “21” ended up being the bestselling album in the world for two years in a row, spawning hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.”
Columbia- Certified units sold: 14 million
- Record label: Columbia
Adele’s sophomore effort saw the singer adapt more of a blues and country influence to the soulful sound of her debut album, and the change paid off. “21” ended up being the bestselling album in the world for two years in a row, spawning hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowApple
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Apple
“The Beatles 1962-1966,” also known as “The Red Album,” is a compilation of greatest hits ranging from the dates in the title. Those singles include “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” and “Eleanor Rigby.”
Apple- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Apple
“The Beatles 1962-1966,” also known as “The Red Album,” is a compilation of greatest hits ranging from the dates in the title. Those singles include “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” and “Eleanor Rigby.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowCapitol
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Capitol
Compilation albums were all the rage in the ’60s and ’70s, and Steve Miller Band’s “Greatest Hits 1974-1978” ended up being the group’s bestselling record. The album includes the title track of 1973’s “The Joker,” as well as 13 songs off 1976’s “Fly Like an Eagle” and 1977’s “Book of Dreams.”
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Capitol- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Capitol
Compilation albums were all the rage in the ’60s and ’70s, and Steve Miller Band’s “Greatest Hits 1974-1978” ended up being the group’s bestselling record. The album includes the title track of 1973’s “The Joker,” as well as 13 songs off 1976’s “Fly Like an Eagle” and 1977’s “Book of Dreams.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowArista
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Arista
While some artists’ debut albums end up becoming bestsellers, for Santana, that prestigious designation came with their 18th. The Latin rock band was interested in writing more radio-friendly music and enlisted artists like Lauryn Hill, Rob Thomas, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and CeeLo Green for features. “Supernatural” won nine Grammys in 2000, including Album of the Year.
Arista- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Arista
While some artists’ debut albums end up becoming bestsellers, for Santana, that prestigious designation came with their 18th. The Latin rock band was interested in writing more radio-friendly music and enlisted artists like Lauryn Hill, Rob Thomas, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and CeeLo Green for features. “Supernatural” won nine Grammys in 2000, including Album of the Year.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowHarvest
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Harvest
“The Dark Side of the Moon” is Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album. The concept album is revered as one of the best rock albums of all time and is still highly influential today. In 2013, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
Harvest- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Harvest
“The Dark Side of the Moon” is Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album. The concept album is revered as one of the best rock albums of all time and is still highly influential today. In 2013, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Columbia
Journey’s first “Greatest Hits” compilation is their bestselling album. It features some of the band’s biggest singles, including “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It.”
Columbia- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Columbia
Journey’s first “Greatest Hits” compilation is their bestselling album. It features some of the band’s biggest singles, including “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowIsland
- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Island
Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Legend” may be a compilation, but it’s still the bestselling reggae album of all time. In addition to featuring some of Marley’s biggest hits, it also includes alternate versions of songs like “Buffalo Soldier,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Stir It Up.”
Island- Certified units sold: 15 million
- Record label: Island
Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Legend” may be a compilation, but it’s still the bestselling reggae album of all time. In addition to featuring some of Marley’s biggest hits, it also includes alternate versions of songs like “Buffalo Soldier,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Stir It Up.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowElektra
- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Atlantic Records / Elektra Records
Metallica’s self-titled album, also known as “The Black Album,” is actually the band’s fifth studio album. Its five singles—“Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad but True”—are some of Metallica’s best-known songs.
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Elektra- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Atlantic Records / Elektra Records
Metallica’s self-titled album, also known as “The Black Album,” is actually the band’s fifth studio album. Its five singles—“Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad but True”—are some of Metallica’s best-known songs.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowSwan Song
- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Swan Song
“Physical Graffiti” is Led Zeppelin’s sixth studio album. When they were done recording the album, it barely covered three sides of an LP, so the band included previously unreleased songs from their “Led Zeppelin III,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Houses of the Holy” sessions to fill a double album.
Swan Song- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Swan Song
“Physical Graffiti” is Led Zeppelin’s sixth studio album. When they were done recording the album, it barely covered three sides of an LP, so the band included previously unreleased songs from their “Led Zeppelin III,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Houses of the Holy” sessions to fill a double album.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowRSO
- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Capitol
The Bee Gees’ soundtrack for the film “Saturday Night Fever” is the second-bestselling soundtrack of all time and features the band’s hit “Stayin’ Alive.” In 2012, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
RSO- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Capitol
The Bee Gees’ soundtrack for the film “Saturday Night Fever” is the second-bestselling soundtrack of all time and features the band’s hit “Stayin’ Alive.” In 2012, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowMaverick
- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Maverick
“Jagged Little Pill” is Alanis Morissette’s third studio album and her first to be influenced by alternative rock, spawning hit singles like “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic.” It was nominated for nine Grammy Awards and won five, including Album of the Year.
Maverick- Certified units sold: 16 million
- Record label: Maverick
“Jagged Little Pill” is Alanis Morissette’s third studio album and her first to be influenced by alternative rock, spawning hit singles like “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic.” It was nominated for nine Grammy Awards and won five, including Album of the Year.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowEMI
- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: EMI
“The Beatles 1967-1970,” also known as “The Blue Album,” features some of the band’s biggest songs from that time period. “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Hey Jude,” “Across the Universe,” and more hits are included on the double LP.
EMI- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: EMI
“The Beatles 1967-1970,” also known as “The Blue Album,” features some of the band’s biggest songs from that time period. “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Hey Jude,” “Across the Universe,” and more hits are included on the double LP.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowIsland
- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Island
“Greatest Hits” is Elton John’s first compilation album. Though he’d go on to release four more, this first collection is his bestselling. It was released in 1974 and contains singles spanning the years 1970-74 including “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time),” and “Bennie and the Jets.”
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Island- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Island
“Greatest Hits” is Elton John’s first compilation album. Though he’d go on to release four more, this first collection is his bestselling. It was released in 1974 and contains singles spanning the years 1970-74 including “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time),” and “Bennie and the Jets.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Born in the U.S.A.” is Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album and was praised at the time for being more pop-oriented and radio-friendly than his older work. It features seven Top 10 singles, including “Dancing in the Dark,” “I’m on Fire,” and the album’s title track.
Columbia- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Born in the U.S.A.” is Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album and was praised at the time for being more pop-oriented and radio-friendly than his older work. It features seven Top 10 singles, including “Dancing in the Dark,” “I’m on Fire,” and the album’s title track.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowEpic
- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Epic
Boston’s self-titled debut album took the rock world by storm in August 1976, thanks to its hit single “More Than a Feeling.” It sold 500,000 copies in just a few weeks and went platinum by November 1976.
Epic- Certified units sold: 17 million
- Record label: Epic
Boston’s self-titled debut album took the rock world by storm in August 1976, thanks to its hit single “More Than a Feeling.” It sold 500,000 copies in just a few weeks and went platinum by November 1976.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowArista
- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: RCA Records
“The Bodyguard” soundtrack may technically feature various artists, but it’s Whitney Houston that is synonymous with the album (and who also starred in the film). “The Bodyguard” is the bestselling soundtrack of all time, thanks to hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I’m Every Woman.”
Arista- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: RCA Records
“The Bodyguard” soundtrack may technically feature various artists, but it’s Whitney Houston that is synonymous with the album (and who also starred in the film). “The Bodyguard” is the bestselling soundtrack of all time, thanks to hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I’m Every Woman.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowGeffen
- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Geffen
When “Appetite for Destruction” came out in 1987, it flew under the radar. It wasn’t until the next year, after a subsequent tour and airplay of singles “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” that Guns N’ Roses’ freshman effort took off and eventually became the bestselling debut album of all time.
Geffen- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Geffen
When “Appetite for Destruction” came out in 1987, it flew under the radar. It wasn’t until the next year, after a subsequent tour and airplay of singles “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” that Guns N’ Roses’ freshman effort took off and eventually became the bestselling debut album of all time.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowCapitol Nashville
- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Pearl Records, Inc.
“No Fences” is Garth Brooks’ sophomore album and the one that shot him to superstardom. The collection features some of the country icon’s biggest hits, including “The Thunder Rolls” and “Friends in Low Places.”
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Capitol Nashville- Certified units sold: 18 million
- Record label: Pearl Records, Inc.
“No Fences” is Garth Brooks’ sophomore album and the one that shot him to superstardom. The collection features some of the country icon’s biggest hits, including “The Thunder Rolls” and “Friends in Low Places.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowMercury Nashville
- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Mercury Nashville
Shania Twain’s third album, “Come on Over,” is not only her bestselling album, it’s also the biggest-selling studio album by a female solo artist, according to Guinness World Records. Of the album’s 16 tracks, a whopping 12 were released as singles, including her biggest hit, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
Mercury Nashville- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Mercury Nashville
Shania Twain’s third album, “Come on Over,” is not only her bestselling album, it’s also the biggest-selling studio album by a female solo artist, according to Guinness World Records. Of the album’s 16 tracks, a whopping 12 were released as singles, including her biggest hit, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowWarner Bros. Records
- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.
For their 11th studio album, Fleetwood Mac sought to make a pop record, and they succeeded. “Rumours” spawned hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way,” and it took home the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1977.
Warner Bros. Records- Certified units sold: 20 million
- Record label: Warner Bros.
For their 11th studio album, Fleetwood Mac sought to make a pop record, and they succeeded. “Rumours” spawned hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way,” and it took home the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1977.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowRhino
- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Rhino
“Cracked Rear View” is another insanely successful debut album. It topped the Billboard 200 chart five separate times in 1995 and features Hootie & The Blowfish’s biggest single, “Only Wanna Be With You.”
Rhino- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Rhino
“Cracked Rear View” is another insanely successful debut album. It topped the Billboard 200 chart five separate times in 1995 and features Hootie & The Blowfish’s biggest single, “Only Wanna Be With You.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowCapitol Nashville
- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Capitol Nashville
“Double Live” is Garth Brooks’ first live album and comprises songs from his 1996-1998 world tour. The two-disc set is the bestselling live album in history.
Capitol Nashville- Certified units sold: 21 million
- Record label: Capitol Nashville
“Double Live” is Garth Brooks’ first live album and comprises songs from his 1996-1998 world tour. The two-disc set is the bestselling live album in history.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia
Pink Floyd’s 11th studio album, “The Wall,” is their most successful release. The rock opera spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
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Columbia- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia
Pink Floyd’s 11th studio album, “The Wall,” is their most successful release. The rock opera spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II” is Billy Joel’s first compilation album and features songs from 1973 through 1985. It also includes two previously unreleased tracks, “The Night Is Still Young” and “You’re Only Human (Second Wind).”
Columbia- Certified units sold: 23 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II” is Billy Joel’s first compilation album and features songs from 1973 through 1985. It also includes two previously unreleased tracks, “The Night Is Still Young” and “You’re Only Human (Second Wind).”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowApple
- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Apple
The Beatles’ self-titled record, famously known as “The White Album,” is the band’s ninth studio album. The double album is praised for its diversity, incorporating a number of genres including folk, ska, and blues.
Apple- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Apple
The Beatles’ self-titled record, famously known as “The White Album,” is the band’s ninth studio album. The double album is praised for its diversity, incorporating a number of genres including folk, ska, and blues.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowAtlantic
- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Atlantic
Led Zeppelin’s fourth untitled album, commonly referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV,” is the band’s bestselling album. That’s probably because it features their signature song, “Stairway to Heaven.”
Atlantic- Certified units sold: 24 million
- Record label: Atlantic
Led Zeppelin’s fourth untitled album, commonly referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV,” is the band’s bestselling album. That’s probably because it features their signature song, “Stairway to Heaven.”
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowColumbia
- Certified units sold: 25 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Back in Black” is the seventh album by AC/DC and their first with vocalist Brian Johnson. The band recruited Johnson after their original singer, Bon Scott, died from alcohol poisoning in February 1980.
Columbia- Certified units sold: 25 million
- Record label: Columbia
“Back in Black” is the seventh album by AC/DC and their first with vocalist Brian Johnson. The band recruited Johnson after their original singer, Bon Scott, died from alcohol poisoning in February 1980.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowRhino
- Certified units sold: 26 million
- Record label: Rhino
The Eagles struck gold with their fifth studio album “Hotel California.” It was their first with guitarist Joe Walsh and its title track won Record of the Year at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards.
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Rhino- Certified units sold: 26 million
- Record label: Rhino
The Eagles struck gold with their fifth studio album “Hotel California.” It was their first with guitarist Joe Walsh and its title track won Record of the Year at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowEpic
- Certified units sold: 34 million
- Record label: Epic Records
Michael Jackson revolutionized pop music with his sixth studio album “Thriller.” Produced by Quincy Jones, the album features seven hit singles: “Beat It,” “The Girl Is Mine,” “Human Nature,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” and “Thriller.” It’s Jackson’s first #1 album and spent a whopping 37 nonconsecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Epic- Certified units sold: 34 million
- Record label: Epic Records
Michael Jackson revolutionized pop music with his sixth studio album “Thriller.” Produced by Quincy Jones, the album features seven hit singles: “Beat It,” “The Girl Is Mine,” “Human Nature,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” and “Thriller.” It’s Jackson’s first #1 album and spent a whopping 37 nonconsecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
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Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ release: What you need to knowAsylum
- Certified units sold: 38 million
- Record label: Rhino
1976 was a great year for the Eagles. Before releasing “Hotel California” that December, the band released its first compilation album, “Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975.” The set features songs off their first four albums and spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was also the first album to be certified platinum by the RIAA (a designation for a million units sold), which it achieved in its first week of release, and has since gone platinum 38 times. In 2017, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
Asylum- Certified units sold: 38 million
- Record label: Rhino
1976 was a great year for the Eagles. Before releasing “Hotel California” that December, the band released its first compilation album, “Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975.” The set features songs off their first four albums and spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was also the first album to be certified platinum by the RIAA (a designation for a million units sold), which it achieved in its first week of release, and has since gone platinum 38 times. In 2017, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
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