The Ten Best selling Motown albums of all time
1. What's Going On (1971)
A critically acclaimed masterpiece that tackles social and political issues, war, and environmental concerns with introspective lyrics and soulful melodies. It has sold over 14 million copies worldwide..
What’s Going On is a soul music landmark and one of the best selling Motown albums of all time. Gaye breaks away from Motown themes and tackles war, poverty and environmental decay with conviction. Instead of just entertaining, the album makes you think about the world around you.
Each track flows into the next, making it a concept album that’s both intimate and expansive. Songs like “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Inner City Blues” don’t just resonate, they demand your attention. Gaye’s voice has weight, this album goes beyond pop soul.
Critics and fans loved the message and the music. Funky rhythms, lush orchestration and gospel influences make it sound fresh today. Motown hesitated but Gaye insisted on releasing it, he showed us the power of artistic vision.
What’s Going On was one of the best selling Motown albums, proving you can have a message and be commercial. It topped the R&B charts and crossed over into pop, got praise from a wide audience. Its influence still inspires musicians and social activists.
Over 50 years later the record still speaks to today’s issues. From climate change to racial injustice, Gaye’s message is still urgent. The album is more than a career high, it redefined the role of popular music in the conversation.
You come back to What’s Going On not just for the sound but for the soul. In every note and lyric Gaye is asking you to feel, think and act. Few records in history resonate as deeply, this is a must have in any vinyl collection.
2. Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
The artists magnum opus is a sprawling double album exploring love, loss, faith, and social commentary through diverse musical styles. It has sold over 10 million copies globally.
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life ranks among the most ambitious and best selling Motown albums of all time. This double LP, released in 1976, bursts with creativity, emotional depth, and musical diversity. Wonder explores themes of love, faith, injustice, and hope through masterful songwriting and performance.
Instead of following one formula, each track brings a different mood, message, or genre. "Sir Duke" celebrates musical heroes, while "Village Ghetto Land" offers sharp social commentary. Across the album, Wonder blends funk, jazz, R&B, soul, and even classical influences into a cohesive and powerful experience.
Listeners worldwide connected with its sincerity and optimism. The album didn’t just reach No. 1—it stayed there for 14 weeks. Tracks like "Isn’t She Lovely" and "I Wish" remain radio staples, proving the timelessness of Wonder’s melodies and lyrics. His harmonica, keyboard work, and vocals shine on every song.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, Songs in the Key of Life demonstrated that artistic freedom and commercial success could coexist. Wonder’s control over production, arrangements, and lyrics helped set a new standard for creative ownership in mainstream music. It became a blueprint for future artists who sought depth without sacrificing appeal.
Though nearly five decades old, the album feels alive with spirit and relevance. Each listen uncovers new layers and fresh meanings. Whether confronting inequality or celebrating joy, Wonder delivers his messages with warmth and clarity.
This record remains more than a collection of songs—it’s a landmark in musical history. Stevie Wonder didn’t just record an album; he captured life’s beauty, struggles, and rhythm. Vinyl collectors and music lovers alike consider it an essential piece of soul music heritage.
3. A Bit of Liverpool (1964)
Featuring covers of British Invasion hits, including "You're My World" and "Ask Me Why," propelling the Supremes to international fame and selling over 11 million copies making it one of the best selling Motown albums.
The Supremes’ A Bit of Liverpool offers a unique tribute to the British Invasion and remains a curious entry among the best selling Motown albums of the 1960s. Released in 1964, it captures Motown’s response to Beatlemania by covering popular British hits with The Supremes’ signature American soul flair.
Instead of their usual chart-topping originals, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson reimagine songs by The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and other Merseybeat artists. Tracks like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "A World Without Love" showcase the group’s harmonies and charm in fresh ways.
While some critics debated its artistic direction, the album gained attention for bridging two musical worlds. American soul met British pop at a cultural crossroads, creating something both familiar and unexpected. It highlighted The Supremes’ versatility during a time of rapid change in popular music.
As one of the early best selling Motown albums, A Bit of Liverpool contributed to The Supremes’ growing dominance. The record didn’t aim to revolutionize music—it aimed to connect with a shifting audience. That strategy worked, expanding their reach and cementing their presence in international markets.
Listeners embraced the album’s upbeat tone and polished vocals, even if it didn’t match the group’s later iconic hits. It became a stepping stone in their meteoric rise to global stardom, helping them transition from local stars to international ambassadors of soul.
Though not as critically celebrated as later works, A Bit of Liverpool captures a moment in time. It’s a playful, polished response to a global craze—and a reminder that The Supremes could adapt, reinterpret, and still shine brightly.
4. United (1967)
The legendary duo's soulful vocals harmonize beautifully on timeless duets like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need," selling over 8 million copies.
United marks the unforgettable pairing of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and stands proudly among the best selling Motown albums of the 1960s. Released in 1967, the album introduced one of soul music’s most beloved duos. Together, Gaye and Terrell crafted a sound filled with warmth, chemistry, and emotional resonance.
Rather than rely on studio trickery, the album leans on vocal harmony and heartfelt delivery. Tracks like "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love" became instant classics. The joy and urgency in their voices create an irresistible energy that defines the record.
Motown’s top songwriting and production team—Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson—crafted much of the album. Their writing balances playful flirtation and sincere devotion, giving Gaye and Terrell the perfect platform to shine. Every song feels tailored to their strengths, allowing them to elevate each lyric and melody.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, United helped shift the label’s focus toward emotionally driven duets. Gaye and Terrell didn’t just sing love songs—they embodied them. Their chemistry felt authentic, helping audiences connect deeply with every track.
Unlike many duet albums, United doesn’t feel pieced together. Transitions between songs flow naturally, reinforcing the album’s themes of love and unity. The arrangements blend orchestral elegance with Motown’s signature groove, creating a timeless backdrop for their vocals.
Even decades later, United remains a benchmark for romantic soul duets. Its influence stretches across generations, inspiring countless artists to explore similar dynamics. The album not only elevated Gaye’s career but also established Terrell as a shining voice in Motown’s legacy.
This record continues to resonate because it celebrates connection—between singers, between songs, and most importantly, between people.
5. The Jackson 5 - Third Album (1970)
Featuring their signature hits "ABC" and "I Want You Back," this album marked the group's transition from bubblegum pop to a more mature sound, selling over 10 million copies making it one of the best selling Motown albums.
Third Album by The Jackson 5 showcases the explosive talent of a group that quickly became one of the best selling Motown albums of the 1970s. Released in 1970, this record captures the youthful energy and polished showmanship that turned the Jackson brothers into international superstars.
Rather than slow their momentum, the group doubled down on catchy hooks and vibrant performances. The album features timeless hits like “I’ll Be There” and “Mama’s Pearl,” both of which display Michael Jackson’s exceptional vocal maturity at just twelve years old. Each track brims with confidence, charm, and emotional depth.
Instead of relying solely on upbeat dance tracks, Third Album introduces more nuanced ballads. “I’ll Be There” became their biggest single to date, topping charts and proving the group could handle more serious material. That range helped expand their fanbase and solidify their place in music history.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, this record reinforced Motown’s formula: strong songwriting, top-tier production, and undeniable star power. The Jackson 5 delivered all three with ease, capturing the hearts of fans across generations. Their harmonies, stage presence, and charisma set new standards for pop groups.
Transitioning between joyous anthems and heartfelt love songs, the album maintains an engaging flow. Whether listeners want to dance or reflect, Third Album offers a track to match the mood. Its blend of innocence and professionalism makes it both relatable and aspirational.
Over time, Third Album helped lay the groundwork for Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career. However, its value as a group effort remains vital. This record didn’t just follow up earlier success—it elevated The Jackson 5 into permanent pop culture status.
6. Diana Ross & The Supremes - Greatest Hits (1971)
This compilation album includes some of the Supremes' biggest hits like "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love," selling over 12 million copies and solidifying their place as Motown legends.
Diana Ross & The Supremes – Greatest Hits captures a golden era of pop-soul excellence and ranks among the best selling Motown albums ever compiled. Released in 1971, this collection brings together the trio’s most iconic songs, celebrating their dominance on the charts and influence on modern music.
Instead of offering deep cuts or rare tracks, the album delivers pure hits—from “Stop! In the Name of Love” to “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Every song brims with energy, elegance, and vocal brilliance. Diana Ross leads with poise, while Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong (and formerly Florence Ballard) support with tight harmonies.
Each track serves as a reminder of The Supremes' groundbreaking success. These weren’t just popular songs—they helped define the sound of the 1960s. Motown’s production polish and Holland–Dozier–Holland’s songwriting gave The Supremes the tools to transcend genres and reach international acclaim.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, this compilation provided an essential entry point for new fans while offering nostalgia to long time listeners. Its release followed Diana Ross’s departure, making it both a tribute and a closing chapter for an iconic line up.
Unlike many greatest hits collections, this album plays with a natural rhythm. Transitioning from heartbreak ballads to upbeat anthems, it reflects the emotional and musical range of the group. Each song feels immediate, timeless, and impeccably arranged.
Greatest Hits stands not just as a reminder of past success, but as a benchmark for excellence in vocal group performance. The Supremes didn’t just top charts—they made history. This album keeps their legacy alive, turning every spin of the vinyl into a celebration of soul-pop perfection.
7. Can't Slow Down (1983)
Richie's solo breakthrough features iconic ballads like "Hello" and "Three Times a Lady," selling over 20 million copies and marking a new era for Motown sound and one of the best selling Motown albums.
Can’t Slow Down by Lionel Richie became a global phenomenon and remains one of the best selling Motown albums of all time. Released in 1983, the album launched Richie from pop-soul favorite to international superstar. It seamlessly blends smooth ballads, infectious grooves, and crossover appeal.
Rather than stick to one style, Richie explores a range of sounds. “All Night Long (All Night)” mixes Caribbean rhythms with irresistible pop hooks, while “Hello” delivers heartache with graceful sincerity. Each song showcases Richie’s melodic strength and ability to connect emotionally with listeners across cultures.
The album’s polish reflects Richie's growing artistic confidence. He wrote or co-wrote every track, shaping a cohesive sound full of optimism and warmth. The production, handled by Richie and James Anthony Carmichael, balances 1980s pop sensibilities with soulful roots, creating broad appeal without losing depth.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, Can’t Slow Down earned diamond certification in the U.S. and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1985, beating out giants like Prince and Bruce Springsteen—a testament to its wide cultural impact.
Transitions between uptempo hits and heartfelt ballads feel natural and engaging. Each track adds a new layer to the album’s narrative, celebrating love, joy, and vulnerability without excess. Richie’s smooth vocals tie everything together with ease.
Can’t Slow Down didn’t just succeed—it defined an era. It shaped the sound of adult contemporary music while staying rooted in the Motown tradition of strong songwriting and emotional performance. For vinyl collectors and music lovers, this record remains essential—an elegant triumph that never loses momentum.
8. Sky's the Limit (1971)
This concept album explores themes of social progress and empowerment, featuring the hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and selling over 5 million copies.
Sky’s the Limit by The Temptations marked a bold shift in direction and stands as one of the best selling Motown albums of the early 1970s. Released in 1971, this record embraced experimentation, fusing soul with psychedelic and socially conscious themes. It showed that the group could evolve while staying relevant.
The album opens with the epic “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” a ballad that returned them to the top of the charts. Eddie Kendricks delivers a tender, aching vocal, backed by lush instrumentation that gives the track timeless emotional power.
Instead of relying solely on traditional Motown formulas, Sky’s the Limit dives into ambitious, genre-blending territory. “Smiling Faces Sometimes,” though made famous later by The Undisputed Truth, appears here first—steeped in cynicism and layered with haunting harmonies. The group confronts darker, more complex themes with impressive depth.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, it also marked a turning point. This would be Kendricks’ final album with the group, closing an era while pointing to a new, edgier future. Norman Whitfield’s production steers the sound toward innovation, proving Motown could adapt to the changing musical landscape.
Transitions between dreamy ballads and gritty funk tracks create a compelling listening experience. The Temptations used this project to expand their artistic scope, and in doing so, reached both critical and commercial success. This wasn’t just another album—it was a statement of growth.
Sky’s the Limit remains essential for fans of soul music’s evolution. It bridges smooth vocal tradition with experimental edge, making it a standout not just in their catalog, but in Motown history. The group didn’t just chase trends—they redefined them, one brilliant track at a time.
9. Talking Book (1972)
The innovative use of synthesizers and exploration of personal themes in songs like "Superstition" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" made this album a critical and commercial success, selling over 5 million copies.
Talking Book cemented Stevie Wonder’s creative independence and became one of the best selling Motown albums of the 1970s. Released in 1972, this ground breaking record showcases his evolution from hitmaker to visionary. Wonder handled writing, producing, and performing, crafting a personal and genre-defying masterpiece.
Rather than play it safe, Wonder leaned into experimentation. “Superstition” exploded with funk-driven clavinet riffs, instantly iconic and rhythmically bold. Meanwhile, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” offered a soft, romantic counterpoint that earned him a Grammy and millions of fans worldwide.
Each track delivers a distinct mood, yet the album flows effortlessly. Wonder blends soul, funk, jazz, and pop while infusing lyrics with social consciousness and emotional sincerity. Tracks like “Big Brother” and “Blame It on the Sun” reflect depth, pushing beyond the boundaries of typical pop song writing.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, Talking Book redefined what a soul album could be. Wonder’s ability to balance mass appeal with artistic innovation made this record essential listening. It charted globally, drew critical acclaim, and proved that commercial success and creative risk could coexist.
The transitions between groove-heavy tracks and introspective ballads feel seamless. Wonder’s voice, playful and piercing, guides listeners through themes of love, identity, and truth. His use of synthesizers and electronic textures set new production standards that influenced decades of music to follow.
Talking Book isn’t just a milestone in Stevie Wonder’s discography—it’s a turning point for Motown and 1970s soul. It captured an artist at full creative power, unafraid to innovate, yet always rooted in heart and humanity.
10. Going To A Go-Go (1965)
A high-energy album featuring danceable hits like "Going To A Go-Go" and "My Guy," showcasing the group's signature soul sound and selling over 5 million copies.
Going To A Go-Go by The Miracles stands as one of the best selling Motown albums of the mid-1960s. Released in 1965, this record captures the group at their energetic and soulful peak, blending catchy melodies with polished performances that define Motown’s classic sound.
Instead of sticking to one style, the album mixes upbeat dance tunes like the title track with heartfelt ballads such as “Since I Lost My Baby.” Smokey Robinson’s smooth, expressive vocals lead the way, supported by the band’s tight harmonies and driving rhythms. This balance keeps listeners engaged throughout.
Motown’s signature production shines here, with the Funk Brothers providing vibrant instrumentation. The songwriting showcases Robinson’s gift for storytelling, exploring themes of love, heartache, and joy with clarity and warmth. These elements made the album resonate widely.
As one of the best selling Motown albums, Going To A Go-Go helped solidify The Miracles’ reputation as one of the label’s foundational acts. The album’s success expanded Motown’s reach during a time of rapid musical evolution and social change.
Transitions between energetic grooves and slower, reflective songs create a dynamic listening experience. Each track contributes to the album’s cohesive feel, making it more than a collection of singles. It invites repeated listens to appreciate its depth and charm.
Decades later, Going To A Go-Go remains a vital snapshot of Motown’s golden era. The Miracles didn’t just perform—they crafted timeless music that influenced generations and shaped soul music’s trajectory forever.
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