Entertainment
The 10 Most Expensive Albums Ever Recorded
There have been some incredibly expensive albums recorded throughout history, but only a few have managed to profit. Find out more about the most costly albums ever made!
Advertisement
These albums cost crazy amounts of money
Today we are looking at some of the most expensive albums and the stories behind their huge budgets.
We constantly hear about how much money an album has made or how many copies it has sold, but very little about how much it costs to record the album.
In most cases, the cost of making an album is astronomical, and only a handful have ever been truly profitable.
What are the best music streaming services of 2022
What are the best music streaming services available in 2022? See our list of top providers and how they stack up to each other.
How much did it cost to record these classic albums?
In the music industry, money talks. And when it comes to making and recording an album, the sky’s the limit as to how much a musician or band is willing to spend to get the perfect sound.
These ten albums cost a fortune, from hiring top-notch producers and session players to booking world-renowned studios.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this countdown of the ten most expensive albums ever recorded
You will be redirected to another website
By submitting this form, I agree that I am 18+ years old and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. I also provide my signature giving express consent to receive marketing communications via automated emails, SMS or MMS text messages and other forms of communication regarding financial products such as credit card and loans. Message frequency varies and represents our good faith effort to reach you regarding your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or text STOP to cancel. I understand that my consent to receive communications is not a condition of purchase and I may revoke my consent at any time.
10. Fleetwood Mac – Tusk
At a time when most albums cost around $100,000 to produce, Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” was an egregious outlier, costing a whopping $1.4 million to make.
Released in 1979, the double album was the most expensive album ever made at the time of its release, and it remains one of the most costly albums to date.
The high price tag was due in part to the lengthy amount of time spent recording and the use of an 84-piece orchestra on several tracks.
“Tusk” became one of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful albums, selling over four million copies worldwide.
9. Steely Dan – Gaucho
The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over five million copies.
It was also one of the most expensive albums ever made, with an estimated budget of over $1 million.
Despite its success, Gaucho was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the album’s polished production and nuanced songwriting, while others criticized it for being too slick and formulaic.
8. The Darkness – One Way Ticket to Hell…And Back
Recorded in just six weeks, the album features an all-star cast of musicians, including Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Kiss members.
Despite its high price tag, the album was a commercial failure, selling less than half a million copies worldwide.
However, it has since become a cult classic, beloved by fans for its over-the-top attitude and sense of fun.
7. Happy Mondays – Yes Please!
The total cost has been estimated at around $8 million, equivalent to over $15 million today.
The high cost was due to several factors, including the fact that the band was recorded in several studios and used expensive equipment.
The album was also plagued by delays, which added to the cost. Despite all this, the album was a commercial flop and is generally considered the band’s worst work.
Shortly after its release, Factory Records declared bankruptcy.
6. Chris Gaines – Greatest Hits
In 1999, country superstar Garth Brooks released an album called Chris Gaines – Greatest Hits. The album cost $5 million to produce. Despite the high price tag, the album was a flop, selling only 1.3 million copies.
In retrospect, it’s not hard to see why the album failed. The concept could have been clearer (Garth Brooks pretending to be a fictional pop singer?).
But in a way, that’s what makes Chris Gaines – Greatest Hits so fascinatingly. Besides being one of the most expensive albums ever made, it’s a cautionary tale about what can happen when an artist gets too ambitious.
5. Korn – Untouchables
Korn’s Untouchables is one of the most expensive albums ever made, costing around $4 million to produce.
That’s not surprising when you consider that it took two years to make and involve some of the most talented producers and engineers.
The result was an album that sold over 5 million copies worldwide and cemented Korn’s place as one of the most successful metal bands.
4. The Beach Boys – Smile
The Beach Boys’ Smile is often cited as one of the most important and influential albums.
Despite this, the album was notoriously troubled, with the band spending over a year in the studio and going over budget by almost $200,000.
The end result was an album that was both commercial and critical success, spawning two hit singles and cementing The Beach Boys’ reputation as one of the most innovative and important American bands.
3. Def Leppard – Hysteria
Many things can make an album successful: great songwriting, killer production values, and of course, a huge budget.
That last one is something that Def Leppard knew a thing or two about with their album Hysteria.
Not only did the album go on to sell over 25 million copies, but it also cost a fortune to make, largely due to delays.
The record took over 3 years and cost around $4.5 million, making it one of the most expensive albums ever.
2. Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy
The album, finally released in 2008 after 14 years of waiting, cost an estimated $13 million to record. That makes it one of the most expensive albums ever made.
But was it worth the wait? The reviews were mixed, but most fans seemed to enjoy the album.
And, of course, it’s always nice to have new music from one of your favorite bands.
1. Michael Jackson – Invincible
Michael Jackson’s final studio album, Invincible, is reported to be amongst the most expensive albums ever made. Sony is thought to have shelled out a staggering $30 million on the 2001 album.
The massive cost of the album was due in part to Jackson’s extensive use of producers, engineers, and musicians.
In addition, Jackson was heavily involved in the album’s production, contributing to the songwriting and arrangement. As a result, Invincible is a testament to Jackson’s artistry and legacy.
The most influential songs ever
Music can be expensive to produce, but it pays off when it becomes a hit. Check out our next article on the most influential songs ever.
What are considered the most influential songs?
Find out which are the most influential songs ever and discover how they changed the way we hear music to this day. Read on for more!
Trending Topics
Capital One Spark 2X Miles Credit Card review: Travel Like a Pro
Read our in-depth Capital One Spark 2X Miles Credit Card review, complete with cashback rewards, no annual fee, and more.
Keep ReadingSee how to apply: Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card
Learn all about the features and benefits you can expect when you sign up for the new Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card and how to apply.
Keep ReadingHow tall is Shaq O’Neal? The towering figure of NBA history
Get the answer to the age-old question, "How tall is Shaq?" and get some fun facts about the basketball's iconic player!
Keep ReadingYou may also like
Walmart MoneyCard Review: Manage Your Money Hassle-free!
Discover the convenience of the Walmart MoneyCard in this review. Enjoy cashback rewards, overdraft protection, and early direct deposit.
Keep ReadingSee how to apply for the Happy Money Personal Loan
Learn how to apply for a Happy Money Personal Loan and get the cash you need to cover your credit card debt. Read on for more!
Keep ReadingPREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card review: Learn How to Build Your Credit
Are you in the market for a new credit card? Read our PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card review and see if it's right for you!
Keep Reading