Top 10 selling artists of the 80s

In a four-year period from 1982 to 1988, Wham! sold an incredible 30 million records worldwide. That already cemented the duo as one of the best-selling artists of the 80s, but George Michael went on to experience even more success as his 1987 album Faith is one of the best-selling records of all time.

Bon Jovi can make the argument for song of the decade as “Livin’ on a Prayer” was emblematic of everything great about 80s music. Nevertheless, Bon Jovi had a slew of successful albums and recordings throughout the 80s.

Bruce Springsteen had several great albums in the 80s including The River, Nebraska, and Tunnel of Love, but it was his 1984 record Born in the U.S.A. that’s responsible for landing him on this list. One of the best-selling albums of all time, Born in the U.S.A. has sold more than 30 million copies.

AC/DC started off the decade with a bang as their 1980 album Back in Black has become one of the best-selling albums of all time. They followed up that record with another commercially successful album in 1981’s For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).

If you were to say that Prince was the best artist to come out of the 80s, you’d likely find a lot of support. Releasing an incredible nine albums during the decade, the 80s saw Prince release landmark records like 1999, Purple Rain, and Sign o’ the Times to the world.

Queen were already massively popular by the time the 80s rolled around and kicked off the decade with their most commercially successful album in the US The Game. The band experienced a renewed surge in popularity thanks to their iconic performance at Live Aid in 1985.

U2 made their debut in 1980 and were on the quick path to stardom. Their albums War and The Joshua Tree were immensely successful as the latter has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

Phil Collins made his solo debut in 1981 and was an instantaneous success. His albums Face Value, No Jacket Required, and …But Seriously have all sold millions of copies worldwide and were all chart-toppers.

Any best of the 80s list isn’t complete without Madonna. Her albums Like a Virgin and True Blue are not only some of the best-selling of the decade, but are some of the best-selling albums of all time. Her impact on music and culture was instantaneous, which is why she was honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 1986 MTV VMAs.

The King of Pop reigns supreme as the King of the 80s. As the decade’s best-selling artist, it may come as a surprise to note that Michael Jackson only released two albums. However, it certainly helps out when one is the best-selling album of all time as his 1982 record Thriller has sold an astonishing 70 million copies worldwide. His 1987 album Bad was also immensely successful with over 35 million copies sold to date.