History's Best Selling Music of 2015

Revisiting 2015 presents a grand parade of music history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Magic Whip, The Book of Souls, and 25 took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Blur and Iron Maiden led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. The Magic Whip

   Released in 2015 by Blur, Parlophone, Warner Bros. Records

   On April 27, 2015, Britpop legends Blur made a triumphant and unexpected return with "The Magic Whip," their first studio album in 12 years. The release was a major event for fans who had long awaited a reunion of the original lineup, including guitarist Graham Coxon, who had been largely absent from their previous album, "Think Tank" (2003). The album's release on this date ended a long period of speculation and anticipation, instantly re-establishing the band's relevance and creative vitality in the 21st century. It was a moment of celebration, proving that the unique chemistry between Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree was not only intact but had evolved in fascinating new ways.

2. The Book of Souls

   Released in 2015 by Iron Maiden, Parlophone Records, BMG

   Released on September 4, 2015, 'The Book of Souls' was a monumental event for heavy metal fans worldwide. The date marked the triumphant return of Iron Maiden after a five-year hiatus between studio albums, the longest in their history. More significantly, it was released after lead singer Bruce Dickinson had successfully completed treatment for a cancerous tumor discovered just after the album's recording. This context transformed the album's release from a standard music launch into a testament to the band's resilience and Dickinson's personal strength, making its ambitious scope and powerful themes feel even more earned and resonant.

3. 25

   Released in 2015 by Adele

   On November 20, 2015, the music world experienced a seismic event with the release of Adele's third studio album, "25". Following a nearly five-year hiatus after her record-breaking album "21", anticipation was at an unprecedented high. The album's arrival was more than just a new record drop; it was a global cultural moment, a throwback to the era of must-buy event albums. Millions of fans, who had followed her journey of heartbreak and healing, eagerly awaited this new chapter, and Adele delivered an album that would once again shatter commercial expectations and dominate conversations worldwide, proving her unique ability to unite a fragmented music market.