Groove Galore: The Top 23 Music Albums of the 21st Century

Hey there, music mavens and rhythm rebels! If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your feet, nodding your head, or belting out lyrics in the shower, then you, my friend, are in for a treat. We’re diving into the glittering galaxy of chart-topping albums that have defined the soundscape of the 21st century. From soulful ballads to head-banging anthems, these albums have etched their names in the annals of musical history – and they’re not backing down anytime soon.

Ed Sheeran – (Divide)

Notable album record: Over 14 billion Spotify streams

First up on our sonic safari is the ginger maestro himself, Ed Sheeran, with his chart-smashing album “(Divide).” Whether you’re feeling the romantic vibes of “Perfect” or getting your groove on to “Shape of You,” this album is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that’ll leave you reaching for the tissues one minute and shaking your hips the next.

Eminem – Curtain Call – The Hits

Notable album record: Over 12 billion Spotify streams

Next in line is the rap god, Eminem, with his greatest hits album “Curtain Call.” With tracks like “Lose Yourself” and “Stan,” Eminem takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of his storied career, leaving us in awe of his lyrical prowess and raw emotion.

Adele – 21

Notable album record: Over 5 billion Spotify streams

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged by the soulful stylings of Adele and her timeless album “21.” From the heart-wrenching ballad “Someone Like You” to the empowering anthem “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele’s powerhouse vocals and emotional depth shine through on every track.

Norah Jones – Come Away With Me

Notable album record: 389 million Spotify streams

If you’re in the mood for something a little more mellow, look no further than Norah Jones and her soothing album “Come Away With Me.” With its jazzy melodies and laid-back vibes, this album is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a romantic evening in.

Bob Marley – Legend, The Best Of Bob Marley

Notable artist record: 26.4 million monthly Spotify listeners

No list of top albums would be complete without the legendary Bob Marley and his iconic compilation “Legend.” From the infectious grooves of “Three Little Birds” to the revolutionary anthem “Redemption Song,” Marley’s music continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.

The Beatles – 1

Notable artist record: 36.1 million monthly Spotify listeners

Joining the ranks of musical royalty is none other than The Beatles with their compilation album “1.” Featuring all the Fab Four’s greatest hits, from “Hey Jude” to “Let It Be,” this album is a timeless classic that never fails to get toes tapping and heads nodding.

Guns n’ Roses – Guns & Roses’ Greatest Hits

Notable artist record: 29.6 million monthly Spotify listeners

Get ready to rock out with Guns n’ Roses and their electrifying album “Guns & Roses’ Greatest Hits.” With epic tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” this album is guaranteed to transport you back to the heyday of ’80s rock ‘n’ roll.

Taylor Swift – 1989

Notable album record: 176 million Spotify streams on its first day alone

Taylor Swift makes her mark on the list with her smash-hit album “1989.” From the infectious pop hooks of “Shake It Off” to the heartfelt balladry of “Wildest Dreams,” Swift proves once again why she’s one of the biggest names in music today.

Eminem – The Eminem Show

Notable album record: 6.7 billion Spotify streams

Eminem makes a second appearance on our list with his album “The Eminem Show.” With its razor-sharp lyrics and hard-hitting beats, this album is a tour de force of rap mastery that cements Eminem’s status as one of the greatest MCs of all time.

Queen – Greatest Hits

Notable album record: 16.9 billion Spotify streams

Get ready to sing along with Queen and their electrifying album “Greatest Hits.” From the operatic majesty of “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the anthemic swagger of “We Will Rock You,” Queen’s music is a timeless testament to the power of rock ‘n’ roll.

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Notable album record: 3 billion Spotify streams

Amy Winehouse takes us on a soulful journey with her album “Back To Black.” With its retro-inspired sound and raw emotion, this album is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the troubled genius of one of music’s most beloved voices.

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

Notable album record: 5 billion Spotify streams

Fleetwood Mac brings us back to the ’70s with their iconic album “Rumours.” With its blend of folk, rock, and pop sensibilities, this album is a masterpiece of musical storytelling that continues to captivate listeners to this day.

Ed Sheeran – x

Notable album record: More than 400 million Spotify streams in 2014

Ed Sheeran makes another appearance on our list with his album “x.” With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, this album is a testament to Sheeran’s songwriting prowess and undeniable charm.

Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory

Notable artist record: 46 million monthly Spotify listeners

Linkin Park rocks our socks off with their album “Hybrid Theory.” With its fusion of rap, rock, and electronic elements, this album is a high-octane thrill ride that’ll leave you craving more.

Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Notable album record: 10.9 billion Spotify streams

Billie Eilish brings her signature style to the table with her album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” With its dark and moody soundscapes, this album is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the teenage psyche.

Elton John – Diamonds

Notable album record: 11 billion Spotify streams

Elton John dazzles us with his album “Diamonds.” From the glittering pop of “Crocodile Rock” to the heartfelt balladry of “Your Song,” this album is a sparkling showcase of Elton’s musical brilliance.

Bruno Mars – Doo-Wops & Hooligans + Unorthodox Jukebox

Notable album record: 7.9 billion Spotify streams

Bruno Mars brings the funk with his album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans + Unorthodox Jukebox.” With its retro-inspired sound and infectious energy, this album is guaranteed to get you up and dancing.

Harry Styles – Fine Line

Notable album record: 9.1 billion Spotify streams

Harry Styles shows off his solo chops with his album “Fine Line.” With its eclectic mix of pop, rock, and folk influences, this album is a testament to Styles’ versatility and artistic vision.

Luke Combs – This One’s For You

Notable album record: 72 million Spotify streams

Luke Combs brings us back to the heartland with his album “This One’s For You.” With its down-home charm and honest lyrics, this album is a celebration of all things country and a testament to Combs’ storytelling prowess.

Evanescence – Fallen

Notable album record: 2.3 billion Spotify streams

Evanescence rocks the house with their album “Fallen.” With its gothic aesthetic and powerhouse vocals, this album is a dark and brooding masterpiece that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.

Lady Gaga – The Fame

Notable album record: 2.5 billion Spotify streams

Lady Gaga takes us on a journey to the dance floor with her album “The Fame.” With its infectious beats and catchy hooks, this album is a pop masterpiece that’ll have you hitting the repeat button all night long.

Post Malone – Hollywood’s Bleeding

Notable album record: 542 million Spotify streams

Post Malone brings his unique blend of hip-hop and rock to the table with his album “Hollywood’s Bleeding.” With its introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound, this album is a testament to Post’s boundary-pushing artistry.

Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia

Notable album record: 12 billion Spotify streams

Last but certainly not least, we have Dua Lipa with her album “Future Nostalgia.” With its retro-inspired sound and infectious energy, this album is a breath of fresh air in the world of pop music and a testament to Dua’s star power.

Wrapping Up

As we wrap up our whirlwind tour of the top 23 bestselling albums of the 21st century, one thing is abundantly clear: music truly is the universal language that unites us all. From the heartwarming ballads of Adele to the head-banging anthems of Linkin Park, each album on this list has left a lasting mark on the musical landscape and tugged at the hearts and ears of fans around the globe.

So whether you’re belting out power ballads in the shower, dancing like nobody’s watching in your living room, or simply nodding along to the beat on your morning commute, remember to savor every note, cherish every lyric, and never underestimate the transformative power of a truly great album.

And who knows? Maybe one day, your favorite album will join the ranks of these musical titans, inspiring generations to come with its timeless tunes and unforgettable melodies. Until then, keep spinning those records, rocking those playlists, and always remember to let the music move you. After all, life is a song – so let’s make it a chart-topper!