What Metallica album sold the most?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

The Metallica album that sold the most copies is “The Black Album.” This iconic album was released on August 12, 1991, and it quickly became a commercial success, catapulting Metallica to new heights of popularity. With its powerful and memorable tracks such as “Enter Sandman,” “Sad But True,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” “The Black Album” resonated with fans all over the world.

“The Black Album” achieved immense success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. It remains Metallica’s best-selling studio album to date and is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The album’s success can be attributed to its blend of heavy riffs, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics, which appealed to a wide range of listeners.

Following the success of “The Black Album,” Metallica continued to release albums that resonated with their dedicated fan base. While not reaching the same commercial heights as “The Black Album,” these subsequent releases still garnered significant sales and critical acclaim.

One notable album is “Garage Inc.,” a compilation album released in 1998. It features cover versions of various songs by different artists, showcasing Metallica’s diverse musical influences. Despite being a collection of cover songs, “Garage Inc.” managed to sell over 6 million copies worldwide. The album’s success can be attributed to Metallica’s unique interpretations of these songs, as well as their ability to connect with their fans through their musical choices.

Another release worth mentioning is “Garage Days Re-Revisited,” an extended play (EP) album released in 1987. This EP consists of cover songs and was initially intended as a way for Metallica to pay tribute to their musical influences. While it is not one of their best-selling releases, it still managed to achieve considerable success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. “Garage Days Re-Revisited” showcases Metallica’s passion for their musical roots and their ability to put their own spin on classic songs.

On the other hand, not all of Metallica’s releases have seen the same level of commercial success. One example is the collaborative album “Lulu,” which was a joint effort between Metallica and Lou Reed. Released in 2011, “Lulu” received mixed reviews from both fans and critics. Despite the anticipation surrounding this collaboration, the album failed to resonate with a wider audience and sold relatively fewer copies compared to Metallica’s other releases.

Lastly, Metallica’s live album “S&M,” which features the band performing with the San Francisco Symphony, is another noteworthy release. Released in 1999, “S&M” combines Metallica’s heavy metal sound with orchestral arrangements, creating a unique and powerful listening experience. While it did not achieve the same level of sales as “The Black Album,” “S&M” still sold over 8 million copies worldwide, showcasing Metallica’s ability to push the boundaries of their music and captivate their audience in a live setting.

“The Black Album” remains Metallica’s best-selling studio album, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. However, their other releases such as “Garage Inc.,” “Garage Days Re-Revisited,” “Lulu,” and “S&M” have also achieved significant sales, albeit to a lesser extent. Metallica’s ability to connect with their fans through their music, whether it be through their own compositions or their interpretations of cover songs, has contributed to their continued success in the music industry.