Here’s a real “Thriller” for ya… Michael Jackson’s chart-topping album now plays second fiddle to the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975.
Now certified 38x platinum (meaning the album has been sold or streamed 38 million times according to the Recording Industry Association of America {RIAA}), the compilation album has surpassed 1983’s Thriller’s 33x platinum status. The best-selling album of all time proves the power of the Eagles is still flying high, and their songs since the seventies still rock on as the rockers themselves continue to make music together.
The popular album, released in 1976, includes hits such as “Witchy Woman” and “Best of My Love.” As per People, “The L.A.-based band was formed in the early ’70s, and they quickly became figureheads for the new brigade of country-tinged singer-songwriters. They had an unparalleled string of hits in the first half of the decade, including ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling,’ and ‘Take It Easy,’— all of which were (also) featured on the record-breaking greatest hits collection.”
Is it fair that a “Greatest Hits” album can compare to a standalone in terms of which is “better?” Then again, so many of Jackson’s songs are greatest hits in their own right, particularly those on the unforgettable Thriller album. Think “Billie Jean,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Beat It,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Human Nature,” and naturally, “Thriller,” to name some of the selections. Those would all be featured on a “Best Of” anyhow. And sales are sales, so the Eagles are deserving of the honor. Not to mention, they also snagged the #3 spot with their Hotel California album, at 26x platinum. Between streams and sales, the Eagles have honestly earned their top and third spots.
“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,” Don Henley said in a statement. And they’re still riding the wave.
According to Independent, “To measure album sales in a world of streaming and downloads, the RIAA adopted a new method of tallying streams in 2013 – which considers 1,500 streams of an album or 10 song downloads the equivalent to an album sale.” Keeping up with the times and keeping tabs on what’s hot.
In 1998, The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in the category of “Performers.” They also received the Kennedy Center Honor in ’16, the same year band member Glenn Frey passed away at the age of 67.
Will the Eagles ever be surpassed? Time will tell. ‘Till then, they’ll “Take it to the Limit.”
Melissa A. Kay is a New York-based writer, editor, and content strategist. Follow her work on Popdust as well as sites including TopDust, Chase Bank, P&G, Understood.org, The Richest, GearBrain, The Journiest, Bella, TrueSelf, Better Homes & Gardens, AMC Daycare, and more.
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