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LIST: Diamond Debuts

Van Halen’s self-titled debut was released 40 years ago today (February 10.)  Besides being considered by many to be the band’s best record, Van Halen also has the notable distinction…

LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 17: (L-R) Drummer Alex Van Halen, singer David Lee Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Van Halen’s self-titled debut was released 40 years ago today (February 10.) 

Besides being considered by many to be the band’s best record, Van Halen also has the notable distinction of being one of only 18 debut albums certified Diamond (10 million copies sold) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA.)

What other albums share this stat?  Check out the very diverse list below along with their sales figures courtesy of RIAA.com.

10 Million

Van Halen – Van Halen
Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
Nelly – Country Grammar
Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin
George Michael – Faith
Garth Brooks – Garth Brooks
Beastie Boys – Licensed To Ill
‘N Sync – ‘N Sync

12 Million

Matchbox Twenty – Yourself of Someone Like You
Jewel – Pieces of You

13 Million

Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston
Pearl Jam – Ten

14 Million

Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time
Backstreet Boys – Backstreet Boys

16 Million

Hootie & The Blowfish – Cracked Rear View

17 Million

Boston – Boston

18 Million

Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction

Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights