The Eagles have rewritten music history with their album “Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975”. This compilation has officially become the first album to reach four-times diamond status, selling an astonishing 40 million units in the United States alone. The milestone underscores the band’s enduring popularity, whose music has resonated with listeners across generations.
Released in March 1972, “Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975” brings together the Eagles’ most iconic songs from their early career. For decades, it has been recognized as the bestselling album in the U.S., and now it has reached an unprecedented four diamond certifications. These 40 million certified units include both pure sales and streaming equivalent album units, reflecting the way audiences consume music today.
The album’s achievement also highlights the impact of streaming on music certifications. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated its methodology to include both sales and streams, ensuring that popular tracks are credited accurately for their reach.
Comparing Legends
With this milestone, “Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975” now sits comfortably ahead of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, which holds 34-times platinum certification, trailing by about six million units.
The Eagles’ success extends beyond this album, as “Hotel California” also continues to climb the list of highest-certified albums. It now sits at 28 million certified units, surpassing AC/DC’s “Back in Black”, which remains at 27 million units.
Both “Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975” and “Hotel California” have received new platinum certifications from the RIAA. The last certification update occurred in 2018, when “Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975” jumped from three-times diamond to 38-times platinum, adding eight platinum honors in one update. Similarly, “Hotel California” rose from 17-times platinum to 26-times platinum, nearly reaching another diamond certification.
The Eagles Among the Most Certified Artists
The Eagles currently claim two of the top three spots for highest-certified albums in U.S. history, and they rank fourth overall with 124 million albums sold. The Beatles remain at the top with 183 million, followed by Garth Brooks at 162 million and Elvis Presley at 139 million. These numbers reflect decades of continued influence, as generations of listeners stream, buy, and enjoy their music.
Their reunion tour in the 1990s, along with the ongoing love for their classic hits, has kept the Eagles at the forefront of rock. Members Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, and Don Felder have all played a role in building a lasting musical legacy.
The enduring success of Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 shows how classic music can transcend generations. Streaming has only amplified this reach, helping the album continue to earn certifications and solidifying the Eagles’ place in music history.
Their continued prominence is proof that enduring music can stay relevant in an evolving industry. With two of the most certified albums in the U.S., the Eagles’ influence as one of rock’s legendary bands remains secure.
