10 iconic albums turning 50 this year, ranked by how many copies they've sold

Rock band the Eagles (Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Randy Meisner) pose in a desert valley. Many commercially successful and culturally impactful albums turn 50 in 2026. We ranked 10 of 1976's most iconic albums by sales. "Hotel California" by the Eagles has been certified 28 times platinum by the RIAA. Fifty years ago, vinyl records were nearing the peak of their popularity — and 1976 produced some of music's most enduring albums. Whether they were immediate hits or had a slower crawl to fame, many of those albums are among the best-selling of all time, with artists continuing to benefit from their lasting success. To measure that impact, Business Insider used certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), whose Gold & Platinum database is one of the industry's best-known measures of commercial success. RIAA data places records into four categories: gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond. Gold albums have sold 500,000 units, platinum 1 million, and diamond 10 million, with multi-platinum representing each million between platinum and diamond. The database is not a live sales tracker and requires an official audit request and fee from record labels to update, but it is a well-regarded metric for measuring an album's financial achievement. The definition of what constitutes a unit sold has evolved and now accounts for digital downloads, on-demand streaming, and video. For this list, we ranked albums by RIAA-certified units sold. Awards and broader cultural impact were considered when determining which albums made the list, but we excluded greatest-hits albums and live records. Here are 10 of the most iconic albums from 1976, ranked by the number of units sold. 10. 'Arrival' by ABBA Swedish pop group ABBA consisting of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad pictured on the banks of the River Thames on their arrival in England to promote their latest album Arrival, 15th November 1976. (Photo by Peter Stone/ ) Peter Stone/ Status: Gold Swedish Europop group ABBA first gained traction after winning Eurovision in 1974 with "Waterloo." Their fourth studio album, "Arrival," was released in 1976 and included hits such as "Fernando," "Money, Money, Money," and "Knowing Me, Knowing You." Most notably, it featured "Dancing Queen," which was the only ABBA tune to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although it was one of the best-selling records in the United Kingdom at the time, "Arrival" has received less recognition in the United States than several others on this list. The band's American success came mostly from singles and the longevity of the hit jukebox musical "Mamma Mia!" which was inspired by their catalog and premiered in the West End in 1999. ABBA has received five Grammy Award nominations and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. "Arrival" remains certified Gold, according to the RIAA's database as of April 4, 1977, meaning it's sold upwards of 500,000 units. 9. 'Wings at the Speed of Sound' by Paul McCartney & Wings (left to right) Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney (1941 - 1998), Jimmy McCulloch, Denny Laine and Geoff Britton of Wings in 1974. Status: Platinum Founded in the early 1970s by Paul McCartney following the breakup of The Beatles, Wings was a British-American rock band that featured a rotating lineup of artists, including Linda McCartney on keyboards. "At the Speed of Sound" (or "Wings at the Speed of Sound") was their fifth studio album and was released at the peak of their fame. "Silly Love Songs" and "Let 'Em In" are two of the most popular songs on the record. While the band has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland-based institution is honoring its successes — including two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award — in the "Paul McCartney and Wings" exhibit. The display showcases never-before-seen artifacts and previously hosted an advanced screening of "Man on the Run," a documentary about McCartney's post-Beatles journey that was released in February 2026. "Wings at the Speed of Sound" is certified Platinum as of May 3, 1976. 6 (tie). '2112' by Rush SPRINGFIELD, USA - 1st DECEMBER: Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from Canadian group Rush pose next to a flight case backstage in Springfield, Massachusetts, 9th December 1976 during their All The World's a Stage tour. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) Fin Costello/Redferns Status: Multi-Platinum (4x) Although it had a more gradual path to Platinum certification, Rush's "2112" was the band's fourth studio album and made waves in the progressive rock scene. It featured their longest song as the title track, which ran 20 minutes and 33 seconds and filled the entire A-side of the vinyl. The B-side, which featured five separate tunes, was even shorter than the "2112" suite. The record was first released in early 1976 but was not certified Platinum until 1995, nearly two decades later. The band has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and is currently celebrating half a century on its Fifty Something Tour. Now certified Multi-Platinum, "2112" has sold over 4 million units as of August 7, 2026. 6 (tie). 'Leftoverture' by Kansas LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01 : Musician Robby Steinhardt of KANSAS while filming a music video, June 1, 1982 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images) Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images Status: Multi-Platinum (4x) Kansas, a progressive rock band formed in Topeka, was first signed to Kirshner Records in 1974. Their fourth studio album, "Leftoverture," was considered their breakthrough release, and included the tunes "What's On My Mind," "The Wall," and chart-topper "Carry on Wayward Son." Kansas has received one Grammy nomination and is still touring. Songs from their discography have also been featured in a number of television shows, films, and video games, such as "The Office," "Happy Gilmore," and Grand Theft Auto. As of May 24, 1995, "Leftoverture" has been certified 4x Multi-Platinum. 6 (tie). 'Fly Like an Eagle' by the Steve Miller Band ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 02: Steve Miller performs live on stage with The Steve Miller Band at Ahoy in Rotterdam, Netherlands on August 02 1982 (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns) Rob Verhorst/Redferns Status: Multi-Platinum (4x) Though Steve Miller's musical upbringing was blues-based, much of the Steve Miller Band's ninth studio album, "Fly Like an Eagle," incorporated elements of psychedelia and pop rock that made it a '70s staple. Aside from its title track, songs such as "Take the Money and Run" and "Rock 'N Me" have remained at the top of the group's discography over the last 50 years. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, the Steve Miller Band traveled alongside Def Leppard and Journey in 2024 and was set to headline a tour in 2025, though they canceled it due to a threat of extreme weather. Miller himself has come full circle and embraced his blues background in recent endeavors. "Fly Like an Eagle" has been certified 4x Multi-Platinum since September 16, 1991. 5. 'Silk Degrees' by Boz Scaggs UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: USA Photo of Boz SCAGGS (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns) Richard E. Aaron/Redferns Status: Multi-Platinum (5x) Boz Scaggs' 1976 milestone release, "Silk Degrees," earned him hard-won success after years of making music. Growing up in the American Midwest and South, traveling abroad, and playing guitar with the Steve Miller Band in the late '60s all contributed to the combination of genres reflected on the record. Hits like "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" featured bluesy grooves and disco beats that contrasted the melancholic lyrics, and the album was certified Platinum less than a year after its release. Scaggs has won one Grammy Award and the Texas Medal of Arts, and later topped the Billboard Jazz chart. He is still playing live. As of November 14, 1994, "Silk Degrees" is 5x Multi-Platinum. 4. 'Night Moves' by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band ATLANTA - AUGUST 29: (L-R) Detroit rockers drummer Charlie Allen Martin and singer Bob Seger perform with The Silver Bullet Band at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on August 29, 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia. Status: Multi-Platinum (6x) Hailing from the Detroit area, Bob Seger drew on his Midwestern roots for his musical style and acclaimed songwriting. Although he had previously released records as a solo artist, his initial success came in 1976 with "Night Moves," the first studio album to officially credit The Silver Bullet Band as his backing group. With tracks such as "Mainstreet" and major hit "Night Moves," the release propelled the band into the classic rock spotlight. When they stopped touring after their 1995 album, "It's a Mystery," they had won a Grammy Award and released seven top-10 albums in a row, helping earn Seger a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Following a 10-year hiatus, Seger returned with his "Face The Promise" record in 2006. A well-received comeback album, it was reminiscent of his earlier music and the "Night Moves" sound that first made him popular. "Night Moves" is 6x Multi-Platinum as of September 22, 2003. 3. 'Songs in the Key of Life' by Stevie Wonder 1st October 1975: Pop singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Wonder at his keyboard during a concert. Status: Diamond Stevie Wonder was recognized at an early age as a musical prodigy who used his artistic platform for social and political activism. He was considering embarking on an international humanitarian mission when Motown Records convinced him to stay in the US, Billboard reported. With a 1975 contract worth $37 million and total creative autonomy, Wonder's next release was "Songs in the Key of Life." Featuring the classics "Sir Duke," "I Wish," and the instrumental "Contusion," the album emphasized themes of love, nostalgia, strife, and faith, making it relatable across demographics. To commemorate the album's 50th anniversary, Wonder recently announced a 2026 international tour in which the record will be played in its entirety. Tickets are in high demand, with resale prices starting around $1,000 for his New York City show at Madison Square Garden according to StubHub on October 7, 2026. With 25 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and a 1989 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Stevie Wonder has cemented himself as a musical legend. "Songs in the Key of Life" was only added to RIAA's certification database in 2005, but is certified diamond as of March 25 that year. 2. 'Boston' by Boston PROVIDENCE, RI - OCTOBER 7: The band BOSTON (l-r) Brad Delp, Tom Scholz, Sib Hashian, Fran Sheehan, Barry Goudreau pose for a portrait backstage at the Providence RI Civic Center on October 7, 1976 in Providence, Rhode Island. Status: 17x Platinum Boston's self-titled album was once known as the best-selling debut in rock history and is largely credited with putting the city on the musical map. According to a 1977 New York Times concert review, the album — which featured genre-blending songs such as "More Than A Feeling," "Peace of Mind," and "Smokin'" — sold 2.5 million copies in the first six months following its release. With a master's degree in mechanical engineering from MIT, founding member and lead guitarist Tom Scholz custom-built amplifiers and other equipment and recorded the album in his Massachusetts basement with the help of original vocalist Brad Delp, The Boston Globe reported. After initially rejecting a demo tape, Epic Records eventually released "Boston" in August of 1976. It was certified Platinum by November. Though they went on to receive a 1977 Grammy nomination for best new artist and release six studio albums, the group's experience with fluctuating members and the tragedy of Delp's 2007 suicide changed Boston's trajectory. They last played live in 2017 on their Hyper Space Tour. Despite this, "Boston" has surpassed 17 million units sold as of November 20, 2003. 1. 'Hotel California' by the Eagles Members of the American soft-rock ensemble The Eagles sit on chairs as the perform on the television show 'Don Kirschner's Rock Concert,' 1979. Bandmembers are (left to right) Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Don Felder. Status: 28x Platinum Regarded as among the best-selling bands of all time, the Eagles first saw success with their self-titled 1972 debut, and "Hotel California" built on that success. Released on December 8, 1976, as their fifth studio album, it features timeless tunes such as "Life in the Fast Lane," "New Kid In Town," and the title track "Hotel California." Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon were originally brought together as Linda Ronstadt's backing band and officially signed to Asylum Records in 1971. Eventually replacing Meisner with Timothy B. Schmidt and Leadon with Joe Walsh later in the seventies, the band released seven studio albums, won six Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Despite a shifting sound, complex interpersonal dynamics, and the interruption of their 2019 "Hotel California" tour by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eagles continue to play live today. Their farewell tour, The Long Goodbye, which kicked off in September 2023, was extended past its original end date and into their current Las Vegas residency. With an anticipated wrap in January 2027 conflicting with demand to see the group in concert, there's no telling when the band will stop playing at Sphere. "Hotel California" sits at over 28 million units sold as of January 22, 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

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