In the realm of classic rock, musicians have embarked on diverse journeys towards success. Some aimed for worldwide fame as superstars, while others immersed themselves in the joy of music creation. Among them were artists determined to leave an indelible mark on the genre, akin to how Michael Jackson revolutionized pop music in the 1980s. However, achieving such heights is no simple feat, particularly given the formidable competition that has always existed in the music industry.
Classic rock, a vibrant genre that flourished from the mid-1960s to the early 1990s, was home to some of the most iconic bands in music history. These groups enjoyed incredible chart success and widespread recognition. Despite the prevalence of top-charting studio albums within this era, remarkably, the title of best-selling classic rock album is attributed not to a studio release, but rather to a greatest hits compilation.
The Eagles’ Greatest Hits Collection: A Legendary Achievement
Artists Can Never Predict What Will Resonate
Since their inception in 1971, the Eagles dedicated themselves to musical excellence, debuting with their self-titled album in 1972. Rather than pausing, they released new material in consecutive years, culminating in their prominent album, “One of These Nights,”which catapulted them to stardom with its number one spot on the US Billboard 200 in 1975 and garnered three Top 10 singles along with their first Grammy Award.
To leverage their growing fame, the Eagles made a strategic move with the release of their first compilation album, “Their Greatest Hits,” in February 1976. This collection, featuring ten tracks from their initial four albums, exceeded expectations, securing five weeks at the number one position on the US Billboard 200 chart.
As the year progressed, “Their Greatest Hits” maintained its impressive momentum, ultimately ranking as the fourth-best-selling album of 1976 on Billboard. Its success continued to soar over the years, with the album spending an impressive 450 weeks on the Billboard 200, eventually achieving a staggering 38x platinum certification in the United States—thus solidifying its status as the best-selling classic rock album of all time. The Eagles’ gamble on releasing this collection early in their career certainly paid off.
Unbelievable Yet True: No Other Classic Rock Album Has Surpassed It
The Quality of the Hits Was Unmatched
It is truly remarkable that the Eagles have managed to sustain this record for so long, particularly when compared to legendary bands of their era such as the Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Fleetwood Mac. Although some albums like AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” have approached this milestone, the RIAA’s tally of the Eagles’ 38 million sales remains unchallenged among classic rock albums.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) plays an essential role in the music industry by advocating for artists and record labels, thereby safeguarding the rights of musicians.
Furthermore, the Eagles’ fear of losing their record does not solely stem from other artists; they may also face competition from their own catalog. Their iconic album “Hotel California” , which has achieved 26x platinum status, further illustrates the band’s commercial success and the remarkable nature of their back-to-back releases. Recognized with accolades such as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Eagles’ achievements affirm their place among the greatest classic rock bands in history.