History's Best Selling Music of 2006

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2006 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of music! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like On an Island and Stadium Arcadium, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like David Gilmour and Red Hot Chili Peppers proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. On an Island

   Released in 2006 by David Gilmour, EMI, Columbia Records

   Released on March 6, 2006, which coincided with his 60th birthday, David Gilmour's third solo album, "On an Island," was a deeply personal and highly anticipated musical event. Emerging nearly 22 years after his previous solo effort, "About Face," the album marked a significant moment for Pink Floyd fans and the wider rock music community. It represented a deliberate step away from the stadium-filling grandeur of his famous band, offering a more intimate, reflective, and contemplative collection of songs that felt both mature and timeless, capturing the quietude and artistic freedom Gilmour had found in this phase of his life and career.

2. Stadium Arcadium

   Released in 2006 by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Warner Bros. Records

   On May 9, 2006, the Red Hot Chili Peppers unleashed "Stadium Arcadium," a sprawling 28-track double album that cemented their status as global rock superstars. The release was a major event in the music world, arriving four years after their critically acclaimed "By the Way." It marked the full-time return of super-producer Rick Rubin, who had helmed their most successful albums, and showcased the band at the peak of their creative powers. For fans, this date was the culmination of years of anticipation, promising a massive collection of new music from a band that had consistently redefined mainstream rock. The album's ambition was evident from its size alone, signaling a monumental statement from the veteran funk-rockers.