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13 Albums Certified Double Diamond
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has bestowed many gold, platinum and diamond certifications over the years. However, only 13 titles in the United States have accomplished a unique feat. That feat? Moving over 20 million units and achieving double diamond status.
In fact, of those 13 titles, two can be considered triple diamond moving a staggering 30 million units.
From rock to pop to country and areas in between, scroll through the gallery below to see which 13 albums have been certified double diamond.
Facts About the RIAA
The RIAA was formed in 1952 and acts as the main recording industry trade organization in the United States. Its mission statement reads, in part, “We work to protect artists’ creative freedom, fight for state and federal policies that strengthen the modern music ecosystem, and explain the work labels do to support their artist partners.”
One of the most popular functions of the RIAA is its gold and platinum awards program, which first launched in 1958. In the 60+ year history of the program, the RIAA has certified over 17,000 titles gold or platinum. It wasn’t until 1999 that the RIAA unveiled the Diamond Award, which honors an album or single selling 10 million copies or more.
And now, here are some additional facts about the RIAA, according to their statistics:
-The first single to be certified gold was Perry Como’s “Catch a Falling Star.”
-The first album to be certified gold was the cast album of Oklahoma! sung by Gordon MacRae.
–Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 was the first album to be certified platinum.
-Johnnie Taylor’s “Disco Lady” was the first single to be certified platinum.
-USA for Africa’s “We Are The World” was the first single to be certified multi-platinum.
-The highest-certified soundtrack album is Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard, which has been certified 18X platinum.
Green Day – ‘Dookie’
ShareGreen Day's third studio album 'Dookie' is the latest album to be certified double diamond by the RIAA. Released on February 1, 1994, 'Dookie' was Green Day helped make the band a household name. The album features classic songs including "Longview," "Basket Case," "Welcome to Paradise" and "When I Come Around." At the 37th Annual Grammy Awards, 'Dookie' won the Grammy for Best Alternative Album.
Shania Twain – ‘Come On Over’
Share'Come On Over' has sold 20 million units. Released in November 1997, this was Twain's third studio album and a massive crossover success that melded the genres of country, pop and rock. 'Come On Over' features the smash hits "You're Still the One," "That Don't Impress Me Much," "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" and "From This Moment On."
Fleetwood Mac – ‘Rumours’
Share'Rumours' has sold 21 million units. The album is known as much for its incredible songs as it is for the wild surrounding its making. Notably, major breakups within the band and their collective drug use has fueled the legend of 'Rumours' for decades. With every new generation, it continues to attract new fans.
Hootie & The Blowfish – ‘Cracked Rear View’
Share'Cracked Rear View' has sold 22 million units. It's the only debut studio album to sell over 20 million copies in the United States. Released in July 1994, the album went on to top the 'Billboard' 200 album chart on five different occasions in 1995. "Let Her Cry" went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Garth Brooks – ‘Double Live’
Share'Double Live' has sold 23 million units. It is the only album in RIAA history to sell more that 20 million units. In its first week of release, it sold more one million units. 'Double Live' was recorded during Brooks' 1996-98 world tour.
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ShareBilly Joel – ‘Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II’
Share'Greatest Hits -- Volume I & Volume II' has sold 23 million units. This is Joel's first greatest hits collection. It spans his career from 1973 to 1985. In addition to his biggest hits, the collection also features two previously unreleased tracks: "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" and "The Night Is Still Young."
The Beatles – ‘The Beatles’
ShareIf someone creates a classic rock albums list and it doesn’t feature a Beatles title, does it actually exist? No, it doesn’t, but why did we choose “The White Album”? It’s 30 tracks long (perfect for a long road trip) and is perhaps the most diverse collection of songs to appear on one Beatles album.
Led Zeppelin – ‘Led Zeppelin IV’
Share'Led Zeppelin IV' has sold 24 million units. The album features the iconic tracks "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog" and "Rock and Roll." In November 2023, the mysterious man on the cover was discovered to be Lot Long, a 69-year-old from Wiltshire, England, who made thatched roofs. The photo of Long was taken during the 1890s.
AC/DC – ‘Back In Black’
Share'Back In Black' sold 26 million units in the United States. The album has sold 50 million units worldwide. 'Back In Black' acts as a tribute to AC/DC singer Bon Scott, who died in Feb. 1980. After recruiting Brian Johnson, 'Back In Black' was released in July 1980.
The Eagles – ‘Hotel California’
Share'Hotel California' has sold 26 million units. The building on the cover is of the famed Beverly Hills Hotel. The title track won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. However, the album lost the Album of the Year Grammy to Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours,' which you'll also find on this list.
Michael Jackson – ‘Thriller’
Share'Thriller' has sold 34 million units in the United States. The classic album has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. At the 1984 Grammy Awards, it won eight awards. Among them were Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Beat It."
The Eagles – ‘Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)’
Share'Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)' has sold 38 million units. Currently, it's the biggest-selling album in the history of the United States. It was selected by the Library of Congress in 2017 to be added to the National Recording Registry. Titles are added to the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant."
