Diamond albums are those rare albums that have achieved the highest levels of success in the music industry. These albums have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and are a testament to the enduring power of music. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to achieve diamond status, some of the most successful diamond albums, and how they’ve impacted popular culture.
What are Diamond Albums?
A diamond album is an album that has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful albums ever released. It is a major achievement for any artist or band, and is seen as a testament to the lasting power of their music. To achieve diamond status, an album must have sales across multiple countries and have been highly successful in a variety of formats, including physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
Importance of Diamond Albums in Music Industry
Diamond albums signify a major achievement in the music industry, as they demonstrate an artist or band’s lasting popularity and power. Not only do they demonstrate immense sales success across multiple countries, but they also indicate that the music is being consumed in a variety of ways, including physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming platforms. Diamond albums show that the artist’s music has resonated with listeners around the world, and that it has become an integral part of popular culture.
History of Diamond Albums
First Diamond Album
The very first diamond album was Michael Jackson’s Thriller, released in 1982. It is the highest-selling album of all time, with worldwide sales over 65 million copies. The success of Thriller made it a cultural phenomenon and established Jackson as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Since then, many other albums have achieved diamond status, including Adele’s 21, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Evolution of Diamond Certification
The term “diamond album” was first used in the mid-1980s to describe albums that had achieved a certain level of success in the music industry. Since then, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has formalized the criteria for diamond status. To achieve this status, an album must have sold over 10 million copies in the US alone, and it must also have sold over 20 million units worldwide. This certification is a major achievement for any artist or band, and is seen as a testament to the lasting power of their music.
Artists with Most Diamond Albums
While Michael Jackson’s Thriller remains the highest-selling album of all time, there are several other artists who have achieved diamond status multiple times. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd each have four diamond albums, while Garth Brooks has seven. Other notable artists with multiple diamond-certified albums include Eminem (five), Beyonce (four), and Adele (three). These are some of the most successful acts in music history, and their diamond albums are a testament to their lasting popularity.
Criteria for Diamond Certification
Sales Requirement
To achieve diamond certification, an album must have sold over 10 million copies in the US alone, and it must also have sold over 20 million units worldwide. Diamond albums must also have achieved success across multiple countries and formats, including physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming platforms. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is responsible for certifying albums as diamond after verifying that all of these criteria have been met.
Album Format
To achieve diamond status, an album must have achieved success across multiple formats. Physical copies of albums, such as CDs and vinyl records, are still popular among music fans, and they can contribute significantly to an album’s sales numbers. Digital downloads of albums are also very common, as many people prefer to purchase digital versions of their favorite music over physical copies. In addition, streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they can help an album reach the necessary sales numbers to achieve diamond status.
Eligibility Window
The eligibility window for diamond certification is limited to the first 18 months after an album’s initial release. This means that an album must have achieved its sales success within this time period in order to be eligible for diamond status. This window is designed to ensure that albums with longevity and lasting popularity are the ones that achieve diamond status, rather than albums with short-term success.
Impact of Diamond Albums
Commercial Success
Diamond albums represent a major milestone for any artist or band, and they are seen as a testament to the commercial success of an album. Diamond albums are typically some of the best-selling releases of all time, and they often have an immense impact on popular culture as well. For example, Michael Jackson’s Thriller album is credited with popularizing music videos and revolutionizing the way that music is marketed.
Influence on Music Culture
Diamond albums have had an immense influence on music culture. They are often seen as benchmarks of success in the industry, and they continue to inspire aspiring artists and bands all around the world. The success of diamond albums has helped to shape the sound and image of popular music over the years, inspiring other acts to emulate their style and approach. Diamond albums are also a great source of inspiration for music fans, as they represent the highest levels of success in the industry.
Legacy and Enduring Popularity
Diamond albums have achieved legendary status, and they are often seen as timeless classics that will never go out of style. These albums have had a lasting impact on popular culture, and their success is still celebrated decades after their initial release. Many diamond albums have become staples in the music industry, and they continue to be beloved by both fans and critics alike.
Notable Diamond Albums
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Thriller by Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic albums of all time, having achieved diamond certification from the RIAA and selling over 65 million copies worldwide. Released in 1982, Thriller was an instant success, topping both the Billboard Top 200 chart and the UK Albums Chart. The album spawned seven top 10 singles, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” and it remains one of the most successful albums in history.
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) by Eagles
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) by Eagles is an iconic diamond album that has achieved legendary status since its release in 1976. The compilation album features some of the band’s most beloved songs, including “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” and “One of These Nights.” The album was an instant success upon its release, topping the Billboard Top 200 chart for five consecutive weeks and selling over 29 million copies in the United States alone.
Back in Black by AC/DC
Back in Black by AC/DC is one of the most iconic and successful albums of all time, having achieved diamond certification from the RIAA. Released in 1980, Back in Black debuted at number four on the Billboard Top 200 chart and quickly rose to number one. The album spawned several hit singles, including “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells,” and it remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.
Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette is an iconic diamond album that has achieved legendary status since its release in 1995. The album propelled Alanis to international stardom and it remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, having sold more than 33 million copies worldwide. The album features some of the most beloved songs of all time, including “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic,” and it is widely credited with helping to shape the sound of alternative rock music.
The Bodyguard Soundtrack
The Bodyguard Soundtrack is a diamond album released in 1992. It was the best-selling soundtrack of all time, having sold over 45 million copies worldwide. The album featured hit singles like “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “I Have Nothing” by Lisa Stansfield, as well as several other memorable songs from the film’s all-star cast. The success of the soundtrack helped to propel Whitney Houston to superstardom, and it remains one of the most beloved albums of all time.
Conclusion
Diamond albums have achieved legendary status in the music industry, and they continue to be celebrated by both fans and critics alike. They remain benchmarks of success in the music industry, inspiring aspiring artists and bands from all around the world. Some of the most iconic diamond albums include Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), AC/DC’s Back in Black, Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, and the Bodyguard Soundtrack. These albums have had a lasting impact on popular culture, and they are timeless classics that will never go out of style.
