You never know what will become an artist's top-performing album, with a prime example being the best-selling classic rock band of all time having a greatest hits record as theirs. This is very reminiscent of how the U2 released an album in an unprecedented way, for something to catch on. Often, fans are looking for the best product possible, which is why compilations of some of these greatest hits do so well.

Nonetheless, when it comes to rock and roll royalty, many might expect their first album to be at the top of the list. There are plenty of classic rock artists who have released 10/10 debut records, which continue to be their top-grossing releases. However, not all situations are the same, and time periods can play a significant role in this as well. As generations continue on, they may want to hear these top hits instead of going back and sifting through deep cuts. No matter how it's done, any artist's job is to sell their records, and this is something this classic rock band has done better than anyone.

The Beatles' Best-Selling Album Is Their Greatest Hits Compilation

It's Shocking None Of Their Other Albums Sured This

When it comes to The Beatles, they are a household name. They extend beyond the music industry and have become a part of pop culture. After debuting in 1960, the core lineup of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison would take the world by storm, becoming international stars by 1964. They were so big that they even had their own term, "Beatlemania," which helped describe the love that surrounded them. No matter where they showed up, they were greeted by crowds. This helped them achieve tremendous commercial success in their career.

When you go through the list of best-selling albums, it is no surprise to see the biggest names in music on there. In fact, a few are on there twice, showcasing the star power these musicians had. However, something that may be shocking to some is that The Beatles are not immediately on the list. With how revered they are, it is reasonable to assume that they would be towards the very top, and while they do appear, it takes a second to find them. You actually have to go through almost twenty artists before reaching their first inclusion on the list.

While they had released other compilations before, perhaps this one was too big because now their fans span many generations.

The first record of theirs that shows up is their greatest hits compilation titled 1, which was released in November 2000. It was actually issued on a historic anniversary, as it was 30 years after their breakup. While they had released other compilations before, perhaps this one was so big because now their fans spanned many generations. Those buying the CDs were no longer just the audience that grew up with them; instead, it was a growing audience that was having this music ed down to them like family heirlooms.

Even As The Best-Selling Artist Ever, Their Albums Don't Rank That High

The Numbers Reveal Surprising Facts

After you find them on the best-selling list once, it doesn't take long to find them again. Two more of their records fall under the distinction of having sold 30-39 million copies. These were Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road. While these albums came out less than three years apart, there were actually a few records in between them. However, they arguably became so popular not only because they produced top hits but also due to their iconic cover art.

Once you move into the 20-29 million records sold category, you actually don't see the band come up again. This comes as a huge surprise given the fact that they released 12 studio albums in their career, along with a slew of compilations, and even live albums. Among these are Help! and Let It Be, both of which included number one hits, but perhaps it takes more than just the great songs to elevate an album's record sales. When you look at some of the artists on the list, one thing they have in common was a desire to make a full production out of their records.

One standout is Michael Jackson, who actually appears three times on the list before The Beatles appear once. Jackson was known for making a spectacle out of everything he did. When it comes to The Beatles, they were only around for less than 15 years and in that time, they released so much it is possible, some sales are hindered due to that. The one thing their greatest hits compilation can do is provide listeners with 27 tracks that represent the biggest things the band ever did, instead of making them seek them out individually.

Will The Beatles Ever End Up Being Outsold?

There Is A King That Could Do It

As of right now, The Beatles remain the best-selling act of all time, with an estimated 600 million units sold. However, it is possible that they could be dethroned someday. Currently, the artist right behind them is Michael Jackson, with over 500 million units sold. Since Jackson is often above them on the list of top-selling records, it seems there will be no stoppage in sales, which could rapidly increase his numbers over time.

Also keeping up with The Beatles and Jackson is Elvis Presley. He has been a great example of how a career can continue to grow even long after it's over. Additionally, Elton John isn't as close, but with over 300 million records sold and a new album that has just arrived, there is a chance his sales could rapidly increase as well. Others that are near this mark include Queen, Madonna, and Led Zeppelin, all recognized for having 250 million units or more sold.

Until then, The Beatles will remain at the top and be recognized for all they have accomplished. There is no telling what else could be released for them in the future. However, anything that has The Beatles' name on it will always have a chance to become a bestseller, given how special they are not only to music but also as pop culture icons.