Amazing The Eagles Just Broke Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Record; ‘Greatest Hits’ Now Top-Selling Album Ever
The Eagles' greatest hits compliation—Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975—has supplanted Michael Jackson's Thriller as the top-selling record of all time. According to a report by the Associated Press, the RIAA or Recording Industry Association of America has confirmed the album's certification as 38 times platinum meaning that it has been bought or downloaded the equilvelent of 38 millions times since its initial release.
First pressed in 1976, Their Greatest Hits includes songs such as "Take It Easy" and "Lyin' Eyes" from the early, more country-influenced chapter of the the Eagles' career. "Hotel California," which was released in the same year, has gone platinum 26 times, placing it in third place on the all-time best-sellers list behind "Thriller" with its 33 times platinum certification.
In a statement, Don Henley said, “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. It’s been quite a ride.”
It's worth noting that the RIAA changed its method of certifying platinum and gold statues in 2013 to incorporate streaming data in addition to traditional sales. As of that change, 1,500 streams or 10 song downloads of an album count as equivalent album sale. For those who prefer physical media to a download, you can find Their Greatest Hits and the rest of the Eagles catalog over on Reverb LP.
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2016.