The 1990s were a transformative decade for music, marked by the rise of new genres and artists who redefined the sound of popular music. From grunge to hip-hop, the 1990s saw a diverse range of musical styles that captivated audiences around the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best selling music albums of the 1990s.
The 9 Biggest Albums of the 90s
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“The Bodyguard” soundtrack – Whitney Houston (1992)
“The Bodyguard” soundtrack was an instant classic, featuring Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” The album sold over 17 million copies in the US alone, making it the best selling album of the decade.
2. “Jagged Little Pill” – Alanis Morissette (1995)
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Alanis Morissette burst onto the music scene in 1995 with her debut album, “Jagged Little Pill.” The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 16 million copies in the US and earning Morissette five Grammy Awards.
3. “Metallica” (also known as “The Black Album”) – Metallica (1991)
Metallica’s self-titled album, commonly referred to as “The Black Album,” was a departure from the band’s earlier thrash metal sound. The album’s hits “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” helped it sell over 16 million copies in the US.
4. “The Lion King” soundtrack – Various Artists (1994)
“The Lion King” soundtrack featured songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, as well as the iconic “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The album sold over 10 million copies in the US and won two Academy Awards.
5. “The Beatles Anthology” – The Beatles (1995)
“The Beatles Anthology” was a collection of rare and unreleased recordings from the iconic band’s career. The album sold over 8 million copies in the US, solidifying The Beatles’ status as one of the most beloved bands in music history.
6. “Spice” – Spice Girls (1996)
The Spice Girls burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut album, “Spice.” The album’s hits “Wannabe” and “Say You’ll Be There” helped it sell over 8 million copies in the US, making it one of the best selling albums of the decade.
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7. “The Sign” – Ace of Base (1993)
Ace of Base’s debut album, “The Sign,” was a surprise hit in the US, thanks to the success of the album’s title track. The album sold over 7 million copies in the US and cemented the band’s place in the pop music landscape of the 1990s.
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8. “The Chronic” – Dr. Dre (1992)
“The Chronic” is widely regarded as one of the most important hip-hop albums of all time. The album sold over 5 million copies in the US and introduced the world to the G-funk sound that would define West Coast rap in the 1990s.
9. “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” – The Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
The Smashing Pumpkins’ third album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” was a double album that featured hits like “1979” and “Tonight, Tonight.” The album sold over 5 million copies in the US and solidified the band’s status as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1990s.
In conclusion, the 1990s was a decade marked by the rise of new genres and artists who redefined the sound of popular music.