Biggest Albums of the Past 10 Years

The past decade has seen a significant shift in the way music is consumed and appreciated. The advent of streaming services has revolutionized the music industry, altering how albums chart and how artists achieve success. This transformation is reflected in the Top 100 biggest albums of the past 10 years, showcasing a mix of enduring favorites and modern classics that have dominated the charts since July 2014.

Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide): The Reigning Champion

At the pinnacle of this list stands Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide), the UK’s biggest album of the past decade. Released in March 2017, this album has become a cultural phenomenon, amassing 4.26 million UK chart units. This impressive figure includes 1.98 million physical sales, just under 500,000 digital downloads, and 1.79 million streaming sales equivalents.

The lead single from ÷, “Shape Of You,” holds the title of the biggest song of the past decade. This track alone has had a massive impact, becoming ubiquitous across various media and streaming platforms. The album’s success didn’t stop there; it famously broke the UK music Chart on its release, resulting in all 16 tracks from the album landing in the Top 20 of the UK’s Singles Chart during its opening week.

Changes in Chart Rules

The overwhelming success of ÷ prompted a significant change in the chart rules. In July 2017, the three-track cap was introduced to prevent high-streaming albums from completely dominating the singles chart. This rule, still in place today, limits artists to having no more than three tracks simultaneously in the Top 100. This change was a direct response to the unprecedented chart performance of Sheeran’s album, highlighting the shifting landscape of the music industry.

Ed Sheeran’s Dominance

Ed Sheeran’s influence doesn’t end with ÷. He has a remarkable presence in the Top 100 list with five albums in total. Following ÷, his second album, X (Multiply), holds the number three spot. Released in 2014, X includes hits like “Thinking Out Loud” and “Photograph,” which have become anthems in their own right. Additionally, = (Equals) is at number 28, No.6 Collaborations Project at 32, and his debut album + (Plus) at 37. This prolific output underscores Sheeran’s consistent popularity and his ability to connect with a wide audience.

Adele’s 25: A Record-Breaking Release

Securing the number two position is Adele’s third studio album, 25. Released in 2015, 25 set a new standard for opening week sales in the UK, with an astonishing 800,300 copies sold. This feat broke the previous record held by Oasis’s Be Here Now, which sold 813,000 copies in its first seven days but didn’t achieve the same rapid sales pace. The success of 25 is a testament to Adele’s powerful voice and emotional songwriting, resonating deeply with listeners.

Continued Success

Adele’s influence extends beyond 25. She has two additional albums in the Top 100: her 2021 release, 30, at number 50, and her groundbreaking 2011 album, 21, at number 53. Both albums have received critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing Adele’s status as one of the most impactful artists of her generation.

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack: A Cinematic Phenomenon

The soundtrack for The Greatest Showman, landing at number four, demonstrates the enduring appeal of movie soundtracks in the streaming era. Released in 2017, this album has achieved 2.8 million UK chart units, comprising 1.12 million physical sales, 331,000 downloads, and 1.35 million streaming sales equivalents. The soundtrack features a collection of uplifting and memorable songs that have captivated audiences, contributing to its high streaming numbers.

Impact on Streaming

The success of The Greatest Showman soundtrack underscores the importance of streaming in the modern music landscape. Soundtracks have a unique ability to reach diverse audiences through their association with popular films, leading to repeated plays and a lasting presence on the charts.

Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour: A Landmark Debut

Sam Smith’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, secures the number five spot. Released in 2014, this album is notable for being the first-ever Number 1 album to have its streams contribute to its total. It enjoyed six separate spells at the top, totaling eight non-consecutive weeks at Number 1. The album’s blend of soulful ballads and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, earning Smith widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

British Acts and the Streaming Era

British artists have significantly benefited from the streaming era, with six of them featuring in the Top 10. This list includes Lewis Capaldi with Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent at number seven, George Ezra’s Wanted On Voyage at number eight, and Jess Glynne’s I Cry When I Laugh at number nine. These artists have leveraged the power of streaming to reach global audiences, showcasing the strength and diversity of British music.

Classic Hits Resurgence

One notable trend in the streaming era is the resurgence of classic hits compilations. Many fans have taken to streaming platforms to rediscover iconic tracks from legendary artists. Eminem’s 2005 release, Curtain Call: The Hits, is the highest-placing greatest hits collection at number ten. Following closely are Elton John’s Diamonds at number eleven, ABBA’s Gold: Greatest Hits at number thirteen, and Queen’s Greatest Hits at number fourteen. These collections offer new and old fans alike a chance to revisit timeless music, keeping these artists relevant in the digital age.

The Impact of Streaming on Album Sales

The introduction of streaming has revolutionized how album sales are measured and achieved. Physical sales, once the dominant force in chart success, have now been complemented and often surpassed by digital downloads and streaming equivalents. This shift is evident in the diverse range of albums featured in the Top 100 list, which includes both recent releases and timeless classics that have found new life through streaming platforms.

Physical Sales

While physical sales have declined overall, they remain an important part of an album’s success. Many fans still appreciate the tangible experience of owning a physical copy, whether it’s vinyl, CD, or special edition box sets. This trend is evident in the success of albums like The Greatest Showman soundtrack and Adele’s 25, which both boast substantial physical sales figures.

Digital Downloads

Digital downloads continue to play a crucial role, particularly for fans who prefer owning their music without the need for physical storage. Ed Sheeran’s ÷ and Adele’s 25 both saw significant download numbers, contributing to their overall chart success.

Streaming Equivalents

The most transformative change has been the inclusion of streaming equivalents in chart calculations. Streaming allows for continuous and widespread access to music, leading to repeated plays and sustained popularity for many albums. This shift has enabled artists like Ed Sheeran, The Greatest Showman cast, and Sam Smith to achieve remarkable chart longevity and success.

Conclusion

The Top 100 biggest albums of the past 10 years provide a fascinating insight into the evolving music landscape. From the dominance of streaming to the continued relevance of physical sales and digital downloads, this list highlights the diverse ways in which music is consumed and appreciated today. Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) stands as the defining album of the decade, with other artists like Adele, Sam Smith, and various iconic compilations also making their mark. As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and which new artists and albums will emerge to shape the future of music.

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Top Albums Breakdown

The Top Contenders

1. Divide by Ed Sheeran

Release Date: March 2017
Total UK Chart Units: 4.26 million
Key Tracks: Shape of You, Castle on the Hill, Galway Girl

2. 25 by Adele

Release Date: November 2015
Total UK Chart Units: 3.6 million
Key Tracks: Hello, When We Were Young, Send My Love

3. X by Ed Sheeran

Release Date: June 2014
Total UK Chart Units: 3.5 million
Key Tracks: Thinking Out Loud, Sing, Photograph

4. The Greatest Showman Soundtrack

Release Date: December 2017
Total UK Chart Units: 2.8 million
Key Tracks: This Is Me, The Greatest Show, Never Enough

5. In The Lonely Hour by Sam Smith

Release Date: May 2014
Total UK Chart Units: 2.6 million
Key Tracks: Stay With Me, I’m Not the Only One, Lay Me Down

British Music’s Streaming Success

British artists have thrived in the streaming era, with many achieving global success through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Lewis Capaldi

Album: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Total UK Chart Units: 2.4 million
Key Tracks: Someone You Loved, Before You Go, Hold Me While You Wait

George Ezra

Album: Wanted on Voyage
Total UK Chart Units: 2.3 million
Key Tracks: Budapest, Blame It on Me, Cassy O’

Jess Glynne

Album: I Cry When I Laugh
Total UK Chart Units: 2.2 million
Key Tracks: Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself, Take Me Home

Classic Hits Revisited

The popularity of streaming has also allowed for the resurgence of classic hits compilations, introducing legendary artists to new generations of listeners.

Eminem

Album: Curtain Call: The Hits
Total UK Chart Units: 2 million
Key Tracks: Lose Yourself, The Real Slim Shady, Stan

Elton John

Album: Diamonds
Total UK Chart Units: 1.9 million
Key Tracks: Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Your Song

ABBA

Album: Gold: Greatest Hits
Total UK Chart Units: 1.8 million
Key Tracks: Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me

Queen

Album: Greatest Hits
Total UK Chart Units: 1.7 million
Key Tracks: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, We Will Rock You

100 biggest albums of the past decade

Ed Sheeran – DIVIDE
Adele – 25
Ed Sheeran – X
Motion Picture Cast Recording – THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
Sam Smith – IN THE LONELY HOUR
Taylor Swift – 1989
Lewis Capaldi – DIVINELY UNINSPIRED TO A HELLISH EXTENT
George Ezra – WANTED ON VOYAGE
Jess Glynne – I CRY WHEN I LAUGH
Eminem – CURTAIN CALL – THE HITS
Elton John – DIAMONDS
Justin Bieber – PURPOSE
ABBA – GOLD – GREATEST HITS
Queen – GREATEST HITS
Fleetwood Mac – RUMOURS
Coldplay – A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL CHRISTMAS
Rag’n’Bone Man – HUMAN
Michael Buble – CHRISTMAS
George Ezra – STAYING AT TAMARA’S
Oasis – TIME FLIES – 1994-2009
Fleetwood Mac – 50 YEARS – DON’T STOP
Elvis Presley – IF I CAN DREAM
Little Mix – GLORY DAYS
Arctic Monkeys – AM
Bob Marley & The Wailers – LEGEND
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 89
Ed Sheeran – =
Oasis – WHAT’S THE STORY MORNING GLORY
Weeknd – THE HIGHLIGHTS
Dua Lipa – DUA LIPA
Ed Sheeran – NO 6 COLLABORATIONS PROJECT
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 95
Little Mix – GET WEIRD
Olly Murs – NEVER BEEN BETTER
David Bowie – LEGACY
Ed Sheeran – +
Olivia Rodrigo – SOUR
James Bay – CHAOS AND THE CALM
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 92
Billie Eilish – WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO
Beatles – 1
Harry Styles – FINE LINE
Michael Jackson – NUMBER ONES
Original Soundtrack – FROZEN
Taylor Swift – MIDNIGHTS
Amy Winehouse – BACK TO BLACK
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL DISNEY
Taylor Swift – REPUTATION
Adele – 30
One Direction – FOUR
Hozier – HOZIER
Adele – 21
Drake – VIEWS
Arctic Monkeys – WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM THAT’S WHAT I’M
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 93
Harry Styles – HARRY’S HOUSE
ELO – ALL OVER THE WORLD – THE VERY BEST OF
George Michael – TWENTY FIVE
Sam Smith – THE THRILL OF IT ALL
Killers – DIRECT HITS
Taylor Swift – LOVER
Original Soundtrack – GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – AWESOME MIX 1
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 90
Maroon 5 – SINGLES
Dua Lipa – FUTURE NOSTALGIA
Weeknd – BEAUTY BEHIND THE MADNESS
Weeknd – STARBOY
Red Hot Chili Peppers – GREATEST HITS
Drake – SCORPION
Taylor Swift – FOLKLORE
Foo Fighters – GREATEST HITS
Phil Collins – THE SINGLES
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 98
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 88
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 94
Queen – THE PLATINUM COLLECTION
Various Artists – NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 91
One Direction – MADE IN THE AM
Post Malone – BEERBONGS & BENTLEYS
Oasis – DEFINITELY MAYBE
Motion Picture Cast Recording – A STAR IS BORN
Drake – MORE LIFE
Royal Blood – ROYAL BLOOD
Motion Picture Cast Recording – MAMMA MIA – HERE WE GO AGAIN
Motion Picture Cast Recording – MOANA
Lana Del Rey – BORN TO DIE
Michael Jackson – THE ESSENTIAL
Michael Ball & Alfie Boe – TOGETHER
Nirvana – NEVERMIND
Elvis Presley – THE WONDER OF YOU
Guns N’ Roses – GREATEST HITS
Whitney Houston – THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
Billie Eilish – DON’T SMILE AT ME
Original Broadway Cast – HAMILTON
Bruno Mars – 24K MAGIC
Stone Roses – THE STONE ROSES
Pink – GREATEST HITS – SO FAR
Catfish & The Bottlemen – THE BALCONY
Pink – BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA

Conclusion

The Top 100 biggest albums of the past decade offer a window into the evolving music industry, marked by the rise of streaming and the enduring appeal of physical and digital sales. Ed Sheeran and Adele dominate the list, while soundtracks and greatest hits collections showcase the diverse ways fans engage with music. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to shape the musical landscape and which artists will define the next decade.

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