We’re nearly through the second decade the 21st century, and there’s a lot music to look back on. But the numbers don’t lie, and Adele has come out on top with the best-selling album in the UK the 21st century so far.
Her album 21, which features her mega hits “Rolling In The Deep” and “Someone Like You,” has sold over 31 million copies globally and, in 2018, was revealed to be the second best-selling studio album ever in the UK (behind only The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper).
Adele also nabs the third spot on the list with 25, after Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black. Ed Sheeran also grabs two spots in the top 10, with x and ÷, while it’s rounded out by James Blunt, Leona Lewis, Michael Buble, Dido, and David Gray.
See the full list the top 40 best selling albums the 21st century so far below.
1) Adele – 21
2) Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
3) Adele – 25
4) Ed Sheeran – x
5) Ed Sheeran – ÷
6) James Blunt – Back To Bedlam
7) Leona Lewis – Spirit
8) Michael Buble – Crazy Love
9) Dido – No Angel
10) David Gray – White Ladder
11) Lady Gaga – The Fame
12) Kings Leon – Only By The Night
13) Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
14) Michael Buble – Christmas
15) Dido – Life For Rent
16) Take That – Beautiful World
17) Keane – Hopes and Fears
18) Coldplay – X&Y
19) Scissor Sisters – Scissor Sisters
20) Coldplay – Parachutes
21) Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
22) Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP
23) Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour
24) Ed Sheeran +
25) Snow Patrol – Eyes Open
26) Adele – 19
27) Emeli Sande – Our Version Of Events
28) Robbie Williams – Swing When You’re Winning
29) Take That – Progress
30) The Killers – Hot Fuss
31) Green Day – American Idiot
32) Take That – The Circus
33) Duffy – Rockferry
34) Robbie Williams – Sing When You’re Winning
35) Red Hot Chili Peppers – By The Way
36) Maroon 5 – Songs About Jane
37) Robbie Williams – Escapology
38) Kaiser Chiefs – Employment
39) Motion Picture Cast Recording – The Greatest Showman
40) Rihanna – Loud