Ten of the all time Best Selling Motown Albums

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” isn’t just an album, it’s a journey. With a seamless flow, it tackles social injustices, war, poverty, and environmental concerns. Imagine soaring vocals asking “What’s happening brother?” over soulful melodies. Explore personal reflections on drug abuse (“Mercy Mercy Me”) and the Vietnam War (“Inner City Blues”). Each track feels interconnected, building a powerful message of peace, unity, and love. It’s not just a commentary, it’s a plea for change, making “What’s Going On” a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate today.

Purchase it here: What’s going on

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.

The album unfolds itself like a grand symphony. From the celebratory groove of “Sir Duke” to the tender love song “Isn’t She Lovely,” the double album traverses a kaleidoscope of emotions. Celebrate his daughter’s birth, delve into the struggles of love and loss (“Living for the City,” “I Wish”), and contemplate faith (“Have a Talk with God”). The album doesn’t shy away from social commentary (“Village Ghetto Land”), but ultimately finds solace in the unifying power of music (“As”). Wonder’s masterful musicianship and introspective lyrics create a tapestry that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, making “Songs in the Key of Life” a timeless classic.

Purchase it here: Songs in the Key of Life

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.

1964 album “A Bit of Liverpool” isn’t just a collection of covers, it’s a bridge across the Atlantic. Riding the wave of the British Invasion, The Supremes put their soulful spin on hits like “You’re My World” and “Ask Me Why,” introducing them to a wider audience. Their signature harmonies shine on upbeat tracks like “There’s No Other Place,” while ballads like “Till There Was You” showcase their versatility. Though some purists criticized the covers, the album proved The Supremes’ adaptability and international appeal, selling over 11 million copies and propelling them to superstardom. It’s a snapshot of a pivotal moment, capturing both the excitement of a musical exchange and the Supremes’ undeniable talent.

Purchase it here: A Bit of Liverpool

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.

The 1967 masterpiece, isn’t just an album, it’s a soulful duet symphony. Their voices intertwine effortlessly on timeless classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need,” expressing love, longing, and hope with soaring melodies and heartfelt harmonies. Tracks like “If This World Were Mine” paint a utopian dream, while “Your Precious Love” celebrates the power of connection. Despite recording amidst Tammi’s tragic illness, the album radiates warmth and joy. Each song feels like a conversation, an exchange of emotions that transcends individual voices. “United” remains a testament to the magic of musical collaboration and a poignant reminder of Tammi’s talent, making it a bittersweet yet enduring classic

Purchase it here: United

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.

Youthful exuberance meets Motown magic. Released in 1970, it marked a turning point with hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” showcasing their maturing sound and sophisticated songcraft. Michael’s soulful vocals take center stage on ballads like “Maybe Tomorrow” and “Blowing Up My Mind,” while upbeat tracks like “The Love You Save” and “Who’s Lovin’ You” pulsate with infectious energy. The album wasn’t just commercially successful, it also showcased their musical growth and versatility, paving the way for their future dominance. More than just catchy tunes, “Third Album” captured the hearts of fans worldwide, solidifying The Jackson 5 as Motown icons.

Purchase it here: The Jackson 5 – Third Album

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’ solo and Supremes career reached a crossroads in 1971 with two major “Greatest Hits” releases.

Diana Ross & The Supremes – Greatest Hits: Released before her departure from the group, this Motown compilation cemented their legacy, featuring 15 chart-topping singles like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” It became one of the best-selling Motown albums ever, solidifying their place as pop icons.

Diana Ross – Diana Ross: Marking her solo debut, this album had three hit singles, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” It showcased her powerful vocals and transition to a more mature sound, establishing her as a force in her own right.

These albums reflected both the culmination of an era with The Supremes and the dawn of Diana Ross’ flourishing solo career, offering contrasting yet defining moments in Motown history.

Purchase it here: Diana Ross & The Supremes – Greatest Hits

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.

Smooth ballads and dancefloor grooves intertwine, propelled by Richie’s signature silky vocals. Released in 1983, it became his breakout solo album, selling over 20 million copies. Heartfelt hits like “Hello” and “Three Times a Lady” explore love and commitment, while upbeat tracks like “All Night Long (All Night)” and “Stuck on You” radiate infectious energy. The album doesn’t shy away from deeper themes, with “Running with the Night” reflecting on personal anxieties. This blend of emotions, coupled with catchy melodies and innovative production, propelled Richie to superstardom, making “Can’t Slow Down” a defining album of the 80s and a timeless testament to his songwriting prowess.

Purchase it here: Can’t Slow Down

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.

The album soars beyond its title track, offering a powerful message of social progress and empowerment. It’s a concept album, each song weaving together a narrative of overcoming struggle and achieving dreams. The iconic “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” explores systemic issues, while “Cloud Nine” celebrates newfound freedom. Hopeful anthems like “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)” and “It’s Summertime” evoke unity and joy. Each track features the Temptations’ signature harmonies, smooth melodies, and powerful vocals, showcasing their musical prowess. More than just catchy tunes, “Sky’s the Limit” tackled relevant social issues with soul and optimism, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire.

Purchase it here: Sky’s the Limit

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” isn’t just an album, it’s a conversation about life, love, and self-discovery. Released in 1972, it marked a turning point, showcasing his innovative use of synthesizers and introspective songwriting. The infectious energy of “Superstition” contrasts with the tender sweetness of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” both showcasing his musical versatility. He delves into personal reflections on love and loss (“Maybe My Baby,” “It’s a Shame”), while “Big Brother Watching You” offers a subtle social commentary. Wonder’s voice shines through each track, conveying vulnerability and raw emotions. “Talking Book” isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a journey through Wonder’s heart and mind, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Purchase it here: Talking Book

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.

Pulsating with Motown soul and dancefloor energy. It marked a turning point, featuring Robinson’s name on the cover and pushing the group’s sound towards a more mature style. Infectious title track and “Ooo Baby Baby” ignite dance parties, while the soulful ballad “My Girl Has Gone” showcases their versatility. The album isn’t just about fun, though. “The Tracks of My Tears” speaks to heartbreak with aching beauty, becoming a signature Robinson composition. With Robinson’s smooth vocals and the Miracles’ tight harmonies, “Going to A Go-Go” captures both the joy and depth of human emotions, solidifying their place as Motown legends and leaving a lasting impression on the soul music landscape.

he Motown era epitomized musical excellence, unity, and cultural resonance. Its soulful melodies and iconic artists like Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross defined an era of creativity and social change. Motown’s legacy remains a beacon of inspiration, bridging generations through timeless rhythms and melodies.

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