Introduction
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is responsible for certifying albums that reach certain sales milestones. These milestones are represented by awards, with the highest honor being the Diamond Award. The Diamond Award is reserved for albums that have sold more than 10 million copies. This article will take an in-depth look at the number of Diamond albums ever released, as well as explore the rarity of these albums and their impact on the music industry.
Definition of a Diamond Album
In order to receive a Diamond Award, an album must have sold more than 10 million copies. This includes physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents. In order to qualify for the award, the artist must submit an application to the RIAA and provide proof of sales. Once the application is approved, the artist will be awarded the prestigious Diamond Award.
Overview of the RIAA Certification Process
The RIAA certification process is rigorous and requires artists to meet certain criteria. First, the artist must submit an application to the RIAA along with proof of sales. The RIAA then reviews the application and determines whether or not the album has met the criteria for the award. If it has, the artist will be awarded the Diamond Award.
A Comprehensive Look at the Number of Diamond Albums Ever Released
As of 2021, there have been only 97 albums that have received the Diamond Award. This list includes some of the most popular and influential albums in music history, such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, The Eagles’ Greatest Hits, and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. While 97 may seem like a small number, it is actually quite impressive considering the amount of music that has been released since the inception of the Diamond Award.
How Many Diamond Albums Have Been Certified by the RIAA?
Since the inception of the Diamond Award in 1975, only 97 albums have been certified as Diamond by the RIAA. This number is surprisingly low considering the amount of music that has been released in the past 46 years. Of those 97 albums, 45 of them have been certified since the year 2000, showing that the number of Diamond albums is slowly increasing.
Comparing the Number of Diamond Albums Across Genres
When looking at the number of Diamond albums across genres, it is clear that certain genres are more successful than others. Rock and Pop music dominate the list of Diamond albums, with 60 of the 97 albums coming from those two genres. Country music follows closely behind with 16 albums, while Hip-Hop/Rap has the fewest with only 8 albums.
Exploring the Rarity of Diamond Albums: A Closer Look
Diamond albums are incredibly rare and represent the pinnacle of success for any artist. In order to reach this level of success, an artist must have an incredible amount of talent and dedication, as well as a dedicated fan base. In addition to this, the artist must also have access to the right resources and support from the music industry.
The History of Diamond Albums and Their Impact on Music
The first Diamond album was Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, which was certified in 1975. Since then, the Diamond Award has become one of the most coveted awards in the music industry. Not only does it signify an artist’s success, but it also serves as a marker of quality. For example, many of the albums that have been certified as Diamond are considered classics and have had a major impact on the music industry.
The Evolution of Diamond Albums Over Time
Over the past 46 years, the number of Diamond albums has slowly increased. This is due in part to the increased popularity of digital downloads and streaming services, which have made it easier for artists to reach larger audiences. Additionally, the music industry has become more diverse, allowing a wider range of genres and styles to be heard.
Conclusion
Diamond albums are incredibly rare and serve as a testament to an artist’s hard work and dedication. Although the number of Diamond albums has increased over the years, they remain incredibly rare and only a select few artists have achieved this feat. Understanding the rarity of Diamond albums is important for both aspiring musicians and music fans alike.