Special Report

100 Best Pop Albums of All Time

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Arising in the 1950s, pop (short for “popular”) music originally meant mostly rock-and-roll. Its definition evolved over the years, however, to encompass numerous other genres, including not just rock but also electronica, R&B, middle-of-the-road, funk, rap, country, and countless hybrids of the above.

24/7 Tempo generated a weighted index using data from the Billboard 200 chart and record sales numbers from the Recording Industry Association of America to compile a list of the 100 best pop albums of all time (well, the best since 1967, since that’s the year Billboard began tracking the top 200 albums)..

Iconic rock bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin had some of the earliest record-breaking album sales. To date, Led Zeppelin has put out five of the 100 best pop albums ever – more than any other band or recording artist – making them undoubtedly one of the most popular rock bands of all time.

While six of the best pop albums on this list are from the 1960s, the three subsequent decades feature an increasing number of bests, with 33 of them released in the 1990s. Mariah Carey dominated the ‘90s, releasing four of the best albums ever in a span of five years. Artists who have three bests include Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, and The Beatles.

Click here to see the 100 best pop albums of all time
Click here for our detailed methodology

Album sales plummeted in the 2000s as the recording industry struggled to keep up with the increasing popularity of digital music, and the list reflects what some in the industry refer to as “music’s lost decade.” Only five of the best pop albums came out of the 2000s. Numbers increased in the 2010s, however, when many new, younger artists including Cardi B, Post Malone, and Billie Eilish released top-selling albums that earned spots on this list. (Here is the most famous musician born the year you were born.)

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100. Seal, “Seal” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 15 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 181 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 4 million

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Rich Fury / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

99. Green Day, “American Idiot” (2004)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 143 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

Ian Gavan / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

98. Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 111 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

97. Kelly Clarkson, “Breakaway” (2004)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 3 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 104 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

Rich Fury / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

96. Post Malone, “Hollywood’s Bleeding” (2019)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 5 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 122 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 3 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

95. Iron Butterfly, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” (1968)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 140 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 4 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

94. Prince, “1999” (1982)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 7 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 163 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 4 million

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Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

93. Bush, “Sixteen Stone” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 109 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

Dave J Hogan / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

92. U2, “Achtung Baby” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 101 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

91. Bonnie Raitt, “Nick Of Time” (1989)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 185 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 5 million

Cindy Ord / Getty Images

90. Bonnie Raitt, “Luck Of The Draw” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 120 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

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89. Mariah Carey, “Merry Christmas” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 3 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 107 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

88. Billy Joel, “An Innocent Man” (1983)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 5 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 111 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

Steve Jennings / Getty Images

87. Christina Aguilera, “Christina Aguilera” (1999)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 97 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

86. Aerosmith, “Toys In The Attic” (1975)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 11 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 128 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

85. Taylor Swift, “Speak Now” (2010)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 147 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

MJ Kim / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

84. Enya, “Shepherd Moons” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 17 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 238 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 5 million

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

83. The Black Crowes, “Shake Your Money Maker” (1990)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 167 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 5 million

Rick Diamond / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

82. Faith Hill, “Breathe” (1999)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 103 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

81. Spice Girls, “Spice” (1996)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 5 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 105 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

80. Cardi B, “Invasion Of Privacy” (2018)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 196 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 3 million

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David Becker / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

79. Imagine Dragons, “Evolve” (2017)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 232 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 2 million

78. The Notorious B.I.G., “Life After Death” (1997)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 4 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 87 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 11 million

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

77. Billie Eilish, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” (2019)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 145 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 3 million

Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

76. Mariah Carey, “Daydream” (1995)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 81 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Ed Rode/Nashville Rising / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

75. Taylor Swift, “Red” (2012)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 7 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 185 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

74. Van Halen, “1984” (1984)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 5 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 83 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

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73. Whitney Houston, “Whitney” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 88 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Evan Agostini / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

72. The Smashing Pumpkins, “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” (1995)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 93 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

71. Live, “Throwing Copper” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 121 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

70. Will Smith, “Big Willie Style” (1997)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 8 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 99 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 9 million

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David Redfern / Getty Images

69. REO Speedwagon, “Hi Infidelity” (1980)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 15 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 101 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

68. Led Zeppelin, “Led Zeppelin” (1969)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 7 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 115 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

67. Madonna, “Like A Virgin” (1984)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 109 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

66. Mariah Carey, “Music Box” (1993)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 128 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

65. Eminem, “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 171 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

64. Elton John, “Diamonds” (2017)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 7 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 216 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 1 million

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Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

63. Def Leppard, “Pyromania” (1983)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 123 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

62. Rihanna, “ANTI” (2016)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 296 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 3 million

Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

61. Van Halen, “Van Halen” (1978)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 19 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 173 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Handout / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

60. Mariah Carey, “Mariah Carey” (1990)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 113 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 9 million

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Jason Kempin / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

59. U2, “The Joshua Tree” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 9 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 121 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

58. No Doubt, “Tragic Kingdom” (1995)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 9 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 91 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Sean Gallup / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

57. George Michael, “Faith” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 96 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

56. Led Zeppelin, “Houses Of The Holy” (1973)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 106 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 11 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

55. Journey, “Escape” (1981)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 153 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 9 million

Adam Bettcher / Getty Images

54. Paula Abdul, “Forever Your Girl” (1988)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 175 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

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Win McNamee / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

53. Madonna, “The Immaculate Collection” (1990)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 148 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Theo Wargo / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

52. Green Day, “Dookie” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 116 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

51. Led Zeppelin, “Physical Graffiti” (1975)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 48 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 16 million

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

50. Travis Scott, “ASTROWORLD” (2018)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 179 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 3 million

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Gin Ellis / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

49. New Kids On The Block, “Hangin’ Tough” (1988)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 134 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

48. Led Zeppelin, “Led Zeppelin II” (1969)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 7 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 117 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Brad Barket / Getty Images

47. Billy Joel, “The Stranger” (1977)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 137 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Theo Wargo / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

46. Kid Rock, “Devil Without A Cause” (1998)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 111 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 11 million

Keystone / Getty Images

45. Meat Loaf, “Bat Out Of Hell” (1977)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 14 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 82 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 14 million

Phil Walter / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

44. Michael Jackson, “Bad” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 171 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

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43. Michael Jackson, “Off The Wall” (1979)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 3 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 193 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 9 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

42. Fleetwood Mac, “Fleetwood Mac” (1975)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 168 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 7 million

Skip Bolen / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

41. Bon Jovi, “Slippery When Wet” (1986)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 118 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Tim Roney / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

40. Backstreet Boys, “Millennium” (1999)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 93 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 13 million

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Scott Gries / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

39. TLC, “CrazySexyCool” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 3 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 119 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

38. Phil Collins, “No Jacket Required” (1985)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 7 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 123 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Neilson Barnard / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

37. Lady Gaga, “The Fame” (2008)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 248 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

36. Prince And The Revolution, “Purple Rain (Soundtrack)” (1984)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 24 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 161 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 13 million

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

35. ZZ Top, “Eliminator” (1983)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 9 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 185 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

34. Jewel, “Pieces Of You” (1995)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 114 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

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Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

33. Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream” (2010)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 258 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 8 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

32. Celine Dion, “Falling Into You” (1996)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 113 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

31. Britney Spears, “…Baby One More Time” (1999)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 103 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 14 million

Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

30. Adele, “25” (2015)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 198 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 11 million

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Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

29. twenty one pilots, “Blurryface” (2015)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 325 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 4 million

Frank Micelotta / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

28. Santana, “Supernatural” (1999)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 103 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 15 million

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

27. Norah Jones, “Come Away With Me” (2002)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 4 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 164 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

26. Def Leppard, “Hysteria” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 136 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

John Pratt / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

25. The Beatles, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 15 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 232 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 11 million

Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

24. Taylor Swift, “Fearless” (2008)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 261 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

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23. Bee Gees, “Saturday Night Fever” (1977)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 24 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 137 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 16 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

22. Boston, “Boston” (1976)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 3 for 6 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 138 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 17 million

Jonathan Leibson / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

21. Imagine Dragons, “Night Visions” (2012)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 407 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 2 million

Kevin Winter / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

20. Backstreet Boys, “Backstreet Boys” (1996)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 133 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 14 million

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Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

19. Bruce Springsteen, “Born In The U.S.A.” (1984)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 7 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 143 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 15 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

18. Carole King, “Tapestry” (1971)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 15 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 318 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 13 million

Sonia Recchia / Getty Images

17. Alanis Morissette, “Jagged Little Pill” (1995)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 127 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 16 million

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

16. Pearl Jam, “Ten” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 4 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 264 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 13 million

Evening Standard / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

15. Pink Floyd, “The Wall” (1979)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 15 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 158 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 23 million

Photo by Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

14. Nirvana, “Nevermind” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 2 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 556 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 10 million

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Michael Webb / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

13. The Beatles, “Abbey Road” (1969)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 443 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 12 million

Paul Hawthorne / Getty Images

12. Hootie & The Blowfish, “Cracked Rear View” (1994)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 129 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 21 million

RB / Redferns via Getty Images

11. Eagles, “Hotel California” (1976)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 8 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 156 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 26 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

10. Guns N’ Roses, “Appetite For Destruction” (1987)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 5 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 256 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 18 million

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9. The Beatles, “The Beatles [White Album]” (1968)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 9 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 215 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 24 million

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

8. Drake, “Take Care” (2011)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 461 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 6 million

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

7. Led Zeppelin, “Led Zeppelin IV” (1971)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 2 for 4 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 285 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 23 million

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

6. Adele, “21” (2011)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 24 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 522 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 14 million

Evening Standard / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

5. Pink Floyd, “The Dark Side Of The Moon” (1973)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 1 week
> Total time on Billboard 200: 960 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 15 million

Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

4. AC/DC, “Back In Black” (1980)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 for 3 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 496 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 25 million

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Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

3. Fleetwood Mac, “Rumours” (1977)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 31 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 457 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 20 million

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

2. Metallica, “Metallica” (1991)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 4 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 640 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 16 million

Phil Walter / Getty Images

1. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1982)
> Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 for 37 weeks
> Total time on Billboard 200: 502 weeks
> Certified U.S. sales: 33 million

Methodology

To determine the 100 best pop albums of all time, 24/7 Tempo generated an index composed of data from Billboard and the Recording Industry Association of America. A custom score measuring an album’s performance on the Billboard 200 chart was created, covering albums released between 1967 (the chart’s first year) and Jan. 15, 2022. The score is based on a tally whereby a week at No. 1 is worth 200 points, a week at No. 2 is worth 199 points, and so on, up to a week at No. 200 worth 1 point. To this was added each album’s total certified U.S. album sales from the Recording Industry Association of America – which tracks album sales in the American market with a threshold of 500,000 units. Both numbers were weighted equally. Only albums classified as pop, pop rock, or pop rap and given a rating of at least 4 out of 5 on the music database AllMusic were included.

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