List of best-selling singles

Introduction

The music industry has seen numerous chart-topping singles over the years. These songs, often catchy and memorable, have resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to their immense popularity and sales. This article provides a comprehensive list of the best-selling singles in history, delving deeper than general summaries to offer expert-level information about each song, its artist(s), and the context of its release and success.

Criteria for Inclusion

To be included in this list, a single must have achieved significant commercial success, as reflected in its sales figures. These figures are often reported by the music industry's leading trade organizations, such as the RIAA and the IFPI, which track and certify record sales. The sales figures included in this list are based on these certifications, as well as other reliable sources.

Best-Selling Singles

The following sections detail some of the best-selling singles in history, organized by decade of release. Each section provides information about the song, its artist(s), and the context of its release and success.

1950s

"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets: Released in 1954, "Rock Around the Clock" is often credited with popularizing rock and roll music. The song sold an estimated 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of the 1950s.

1960s

"Hey Jude" by The Beatles: Released in 1968, "Hey Jude" was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and selling over eight million copies. The song, written by Paul McCartney, is often considered one of the greatest songs in pop music history.

1970s

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: Released in 1978, "I Will Survive" became an anthem for the disco era and has sold over 14 million copies worldwide. The song's empowering message has resonated with audiences for decades.

1980s

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson: Released in 1982, "Thriller" is one of the best-selling singles of all time, with estimated sales of 66 million copies worldwide. The song's iconic music video played a significant role in its success.

1990s

"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion: Released in 1997, "My Heart Will Go On" is the theme song for the film Titanic. The song has sold over 18 million copies worldwide.

2000s

"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas: Released in 2009, "I Gotta Feeling" has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The song's upbeat and optimistic message has made it a popular choice for celebrations.

2010s

"Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran: Released in 2017, "Shape of You" has sold over 41 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of the 2010s.