Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 by the Eagles becomes the first album to reach four-times diamond status after shifting 40 million album units in the U.S. alone. March 1972 —- The rock band The Eagles rest in a desert valley. The Eagles were the most popular band of the seventies and their reunion tour in the nineties was also very successful. L-R: Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Randy Meisner. (Photo by Henry Diltz/Corbis via Getty Images)
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For decades, the Eagles have claimed the bestselling album of all time with Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975. The compilation, which features most of the group’s most famous tunes, and which turns 50 years old next month, is one of two releases by the rockers that score new platinum plaques from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
Both of the band’s popular projects advance again on the list of the highest-certified albums in history, with the adored compilation reaching a landmark figure that no other title has come even close to.
Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 Makes History
Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 has officially become the first album in history to rack up four diamond certifications. The compilation has shifted a certified 40 million units, according to the RIAA. That sum includes pure sales as well as streaming equivalent album units.
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of EAGLES; L-R: Bernie Leadon, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Don Felder – posed, group shot, c.1974/1975 (Photo by Gems/Redferns)
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Streams and Sales Both Count
For decades, the RIAA only counted sales of songs and albums when it came to gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond certifications. That changed several years back, once it became obvious that streaming had taken over as the go-to way for the masses to access the music they love. The RIAA’s mission is to certify songs based on consumption, not solely sales or streams, so both need to be accounted for.
Michael Jackson Trails The Eagles
As Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 reaches quadruple diamond status, the compilation furthers its lead over the second most certified album ever, Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Several years back, the blockbuster advanced to 34-times platinum, where it currently holds. Jackson’s classic sits six million units – a massive sum – behind the Eagles compilation.
Hotel California Also Grows
The Eagles claim two of the three highest-certified albums in American history, and both add to their impressive sums. As Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 reaches 40 million copies, Hotel California lifts to 28 million certified album units.
Both Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 and Hotel California collect two new platinum honors from the RIAA. The last time the sets were certified by the music industry organization was in the summer of 2018. At the time, Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 jumped from three-times diamond to 38-times platinum, scoring eight new platinum honors in one massive uptick.
Hotel California leapt from 17-times platinum to 26-times platinum, nearly tacking on an additional diamond certification after years of inactivity when it came to RIAA awards.
AC/DC Pushed Down by The Eagles
Before these new awards were revealed by the RIAA, AC/DC claimed the third-highest-certified album of all time in the U.S. Back in Black is steady at 27-times platinum, and until recently, Hotel California trailed by just one million units. Now, Hotel California surges past Back in Black, ascending from 26-times platinum to 28-times platinum in one notable push.
The Eagles Follow The Beatles, Garth Brooks and Elvis
FRISCO, TEXAS – MAY 11: Co-host Garth Brooks speaks onstage during the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
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The Eagles sit in fourth place on the ranking of the most certified artists when looking at who has moved the most albums. The Beatles continue to lead with 183 million certified albums shifted. The Fab Four is followed by two soloists, Garth Brooks and Elvis Presley, who come in with 162 million and 139 million certified albums moved in the U.S. alone, respectively. The Eagles are now up to 124 million albums shifted throughout the decades – a sum which continues to grow as Americans both buy and stream the group’s work nonstop.