Female Artists Dominate: Best-Selling Albums of the Decade

From Taylor Swift to Adele, female artists have undeniably shaped the musical landscape of the past decade with their chart-topping albums. Let’s delve into the list of best-selling albums in the US over the last ten years, as reported by Billboard, showcasing the sheer dominance of female talent.

Table of Contents

Taylor Swift: Reigning Supreme

2023 – Taylor Swift: 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor Swift’s re-recorded album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” stormed the charts in 2023, selling a remarkable 2 million copies in the US alone. Released in October, this album marked Swift’s fourth re-recorded endeavor, featuring 16 revamped tracks alongside 5 vault additions. Boasting an impressive 176 million streams, it set a new record for single-day streams globally, solidifying Swift’s status as a musical powerhouse.

2022 – Taylor Swift: Midnights

In 2022, Taylor Swift continued her streak of success with “Midnights,” her tenth studio album. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, extending Swift’s record of consecutive chart-toppers. Notably, “Anti-Hero” from the album emerged as the best-selling song of the year in the US, further cementing Swift’s influence in the industry.

2019 – Taylor Swift: Lover

“Lover” marked Taylor Swift’s first independent release following her departure from Big Machine Records. Despite the transition, the album soared to success, selling over 1.085 million copies and claiming the title of the best-selling album of 2019. Swift’s ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies remained unparalleled.

2017 – Taylor Swift: Reputation

With “Reputation,” Taylor Swift tackled media scrutiny head-on, delivering an album that resonated with fans worldwide. Despite minimal pre-release promotion, the album surpassed expectations, selling over 2.478 million copies by the year’s end. Swift’s knack for reinvention and storytelling propelled “Reputation” to monumental success, solidifying her status as a musical icon.

2014 – Taylor Swift: 1989

Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album, “1989,” stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent and widespread appeal. Garnering critical acclaim and commercial success, the album debuted with a staggering 1.287 million copies sold in its first week. Swift’s ability to capture the essence of contemporary pop while staying true to her roots earned her accolades and admiration from fans worldwide.

Adele: A Force to Be Reckoned With

2021 – Adele: 30

Adele’s “30” served as a poignant reflection of the singer’s personal journey, captivating audiences with its raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics. Within just one day of its release, “30” emerged as the top-selling album of 2021, a testament to Adele’s enduring appeal and storytelling prowess.

2015 – Adele: 25

In 2015, Adele took the music world by storm with her album “25,” which sold over 3.38 million copies in its debut week in the US alone. The album’s lead single, “Hello,” became an instant classic, dominating the charts and earning Adele numerous Grammy awards. Adele’s soulful voice and emotional depth resonated with listeners, solidifying her status as one of the decade’s most influential artists.

Diverse Talent Shaping the Decade

2018 – Various Artists: The Greatest Showman

While female artists dominated the charts, the soundtrack to “The Greatest Showman” proved to be a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Featuring a diverse array of talent, the album captivated audiences with its infectious energy and memorable songs. Its success underscored the power of storytelling and music to unite audiences across genres and demographics.

2016 – Drake: Views

Drake’s album “Views” made waves in 2016, debuting at the top of the US Billboard 200 with over 1.04 million album-equivalent units sold in its first week. With its eclectic mix of sounds and influences, “Views” showcased Drake’s versatility as an artist, appealing to fans worldwide.

Conclusion: Celebrating Female Excellence in Music

From Taylor Swift’s chart-topping albums to Adele’s soul-stirring ballads, female artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry over the past decade. Their ability to connect with audiences on a personal level and their dedication to their craft have earned them widespread acclaim and admiration. As we look back on the best-selling albums of the decade, one thing is abundantly clear: the future of music is undoubtedly female.