Billboard reveals the 10 most important albums of the 21st century so far

PUBLISHED January 10, 2025

Billboard recently released its list of the best albums of the 21st century, using data from the Billboard 200 chart as a reference point. This list spans more than two decades, from 2000 to the end of 2024, showcasing the albums that have left an indelible mark on music history.

At the top of the list is Morgan Wallen. ‘Dangerous: The Double Album’ a record that made an explosive debut at No. 1 on January 23, 2021. It dominated the chart for an impressive 10 consecutive weeks, holding its place until March 27, 2021. Its massive success reflects not only Wallen’s impact on the country music scene. but also how the genre continues to captivate the general public.

This is not just a summary of best sellers; is a reflection of how these albums have connected with audiences around the world. Whether it’s Adele’s heartbreaking anthems on ’21’ or genre-defying storytelling ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’ These albums are cultural touchstones that transcend the charts.

1. Morgan Wallen, ‘Dangerous: The Double Album’

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Wallen’s record-breaking country masterpiece, released in 2021, became a cultural phenomenon with its mix of heartfelt ballads and holiday anthems. It spent over 100 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

Billboard noted that ‘Dangerous: The Double Album’ made history by being the first album to spend its first 10 weeks at No. 1 since Whitney Houston’s ‘Whitney’ in 1987. As of late 2024, it had spent an impressive 158 weeks at No. 1. top 10 on the Billboard 200 list.

2. Adela, ’21’

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Adele’s emotional power in 2011, with hits like ‘Someone Like You’ and ‘Rolling in the Deep,’ is a universal favorite, earning her Grammy Awards and cementing her legacy as a vocal icon. Who remembers when he sold out the Royal Albert Hall and gave powerful performances of ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ and ‘Rumor Has It’? That was the night she truly cemented herself as one of the all-time greats!

3. Taylor Swift, ‘Brave’

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Swift’s hit 2008 album combined country roots with crossover pop appeal. Songs like ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong with Me’ propelled her to global stardom.

4. Taylor Swift, ‘1989’

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This 2014 album marked Swift’s full embrace of pop with big hits like ‘Blank Space’ and ‘Shake It Off.’ It’s a certified pop cultural milestone. The 1989 album is often referred to as the Bible of modern pop!

5. Original Broadway Cast Recording, ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’

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Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genre-defying musical soundtrack, released in 2015, tells the story of America’s founding in rap, R&B and Broadway style, captivating audiences around the world.

6. Morgan Wallen, ‘One thing at a time’

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Wallen strikes again with this 2023 album, showcasing his ability to tell stories and combine country with other genres, achieving great success on the charts.