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Most Monumental Album Flops: No. 6


'HIStory'
Michael Jackson, 1995

Rise: The creator of the world's best-selling album of all time ('Thriller') was still capable of selling seven times platinum in the U.S. with 1991's 'Dangerous.'

Fall: Jackson's plan for his none-too-humbly titled 'HIStory' included placements of statutes of himself around the world. The new songs were so uninspiring he ended up including a greatest-hits disc.

Stats: 'Thriller' (1982), 27 million; 'HIStory,' 2.5 million

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32 Comments

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ZQ

I really think its unfair to compare HIStory, or infact any album's success with Thriller. After all, it is the Biggest Selling album of all time. Yes, it is. Facts really need to get straight here. The Eagles Greatest hits Album sold 29 million copies in the US, whereas Thriller sold 27 million, so The Eagles album is the biggest in America. HOWEVER when you say biggest album of all time, you mean worldwide. and worldwide no album comes anywhere NEAR Thriller with approx 108 million copies sold, making Thriller the Biggest Selling Album OF ALL TIME.

May 31 2008 at 8:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to ZQ's comment
Aaron

Well, I think it's been said that "Thriller" has reached around 55 million in album sales as of last year. It's in the Guinness Book of World Records for Best-Selling Pop Album of All Time. And MJ's tragic death could only fuel album sales or downloads.

March 21 2010 at 1:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vince william

typical envy based commentary from somebody who is looking for a chink in the armour. You know MJ is a perennial success no matter what he does. and you can't stand it. and for the people who are commenting on his personal life..i saw nowhere in even the ariticle posted, anything about his personal life. so get over what you cannot prove. Judgemental america ought to remember not to judge when knowing that it will come back to you

March 26 2008 at 12:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
WritergirlAD

Michael did NOT molest anyone; it's all tabloid garbage started by that sickeningly biased interview in 2003 done by Bashir. Do some research people! Thriller is in fact the world's best selling album of all time- while the Eagle's: Their Greatest Hits may have sold the most albums in the US, Thriller has sold more than 108 million copies worldwide. Oh well, I guess haters will never understand. Go MJ!

February 19 2008 at 1:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aimee

hey this album is actually half way good. i know u all thought it sucked but it had good songs like Moscow and lil Suzie.

August 15 2007 at 6:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jared

i only like 1 of his songs and its beet it.

August 13 2007 at 9:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
t3po

Actually I loved this album and thought was creative and smart and its one of my favorites. So STICK THAT in your pipe and SMOKE IT.

August 07 2007 at 5:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JIM

Michael Jackson is a talented Musican. Its ashame about his image. He is a black man,but his skin is so light he looks white. When he was a kid he looked great. His looks went down hill when he started getting plastic surgery and everything else people in Hollywood get. Everything about him looks fake now, but when you have that much money I guess you get bored of it because you have everything and need new things to do, like get a new nose or a new chin. Stop the surgerys Mike you did enough damage! But your Musics Great, God Bless you !

July 16 2007 at 6:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rob Kincaid

I do not know where you get your facts however HIStory has sold alot more in the USA rather than what you figure. He has sold more like 9 Million in the USA. Around the World hes sold about 35 Million.

Before you try to sabbatage Michael like that at least report the truth. Michael Jackson is the KING of Pop, Rock, & Soul. and you better Remember that.

July 08 2007 at 3:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
iitrungii

what are you guys talking about this album a flop? 18 million worldwide! who said the EAGLES greatest hits is the best selling album wtf are u talking about?? Michael Jackson's THRILLER sold 60 million copies in its first week and ended up selling 104 million worldwide.. and again HISTORY album was not a flop i liked it MJ is a great performer and singer a legend...

June 23 2007 at 3:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
willc

u cant compare this album to one of the greatest albums of all time

June 23 2007 at 11:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply