Artists With the Most Hit Albums

One of the early white performers to break through in rap, Eminem drew all kinds of attention with his third studio album, “The Marshall Mathers LP.” The album, whose title reveals Eminem’s real name, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and settled in for an eight-week run. It also drew criticism from Lynne Cheney, the wife of then-Vice-President Dick Cheney, who testified before the U.S. Senate, criticizing the lyrics. Rolling Stone named it the best album of 2000.

Formed in Alabama in 1969 under the name Wildcountry, the Southern rock band took on the name of its home state in 1977 after seeing some success with a couple of singles. Their sixth studio album, “Mountain Music,” climbed both the country and pop charts on the strength of the singles “Mountain Music,” “Take Me Down,” and “Close Enough to Perfect.” It was the top country album of the year and landed at No. 14 for the year on the pop charts.

Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain has sold more than 100 million records, making her the best-selling female singer in country music. Her career exploded in 1997 with the release of her third studio album, “Come On Over.” It included the female anthems “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” In 1999, she was named Entertainer of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

Sometimes the target of cheesy jokes, smooth-jazz saxophonist Kenny G is likely laughing all the way to the bank. He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. His album “Breathless,” released in 1992, has alone sold more than 15 million. The Grammy-winning musician can be heard on the soundtracks of such movies as “The Bodyguard” and “Dying Young.”

Founded in 1973 in San Francisco by some former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch, Journey has had a rotating list of musicians. The rock band had its biggest success with Steve Perry as front man, from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 1998. Their first “Greatest Hits” album has songs from the Perry era, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Open Arms.” In 2017, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.