So much of a band's initial impact on the masses is dependent on exactly how successful their debut album is. More often than not, a smash hit first release has the potential to catapult a new act towards the musical stratosphere and the Grammy's but, on the other side of things, many a hotly-tipped band has sunk without a trace after their first release tanked.
But what are the top five best-selling debut albums ever, and what impact did that go on to have on the band's career? We investigate further below.
FIFTH PLACE - 18 million sales
Hootie & The Blowfish - Cracked Rear View
Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
George Michael - Faith
Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman
Hootie & the Blowfish's Cracked Rear View was the best-selling record of 1994 and the band's highest seller to date, even if we remember them best for their mention on Friends. Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory was released firmly in the footsteps of the nu-metal craze which was so popular at the time and that translated to Linkin Park being (briefly) one of the world's biggest bands. Meanwhile, George Michael's first solo album Faith saw him emerge from Wham as a credible artist and win a Grammy for Best Album while Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut featured the radio hits 'Talkin' 'bout a Revolution' and 'Fast Car', which ensured dynamic chart performance.
Where are they now?
After two number ones with their first two records, Hootie & the Blowfish have very much suffered from the law of diminishing returns, with their two most recent albums struggling. Nothing has been seen from them since 2005. Linkin Park are still around, though, and just released a collaboration with DJ Steve Aoki. George Michael isn't quite the star he used to be and has endured a number of high profile legal issues, while Tracy Chapman has been largely inactive since the release of her last album Our Bright Future in 2008.
FOURTH PLACE - 20 million sales
Ace of Base - Happy Nation/The Sign
Boston - Boston
It's a testament to their pure catchiness that Swedish pop act Ace of Base feature on this list at all but, for a short time in 1993, there weren't many bigger bands on earth. Their singles 'All That She Wants' and 'The Sign' are still remembered fondly by anyone over the age of 25. Boston, meanwhile, released their self-titled debut in 1976 and sold an incredible amount of copies - largely thanks to the success of 'More Than A Feeling'.
Where are they now?
Ace of Base are still going, believe it or not, although now without the services of female duo Jenny and Linn who have left the group. The new line-up released The Golden Ratio in 2010 and, predictably, it sank without a trace. Boston are still going too and are set to release their sixth album Life, Love & Hope at the start of December.
THIRD PLACE - 22 million sales
Britney Spears - Britney Spears
Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston
Backstreet Boys - Backstreet Boys
Spice Girls - Spice
Anyone who had a TV set in 1999 will have the music video to Britney Spears' '...Baby One More Time' permanently engrained in their skulls, as the song was on pretty much permanent rotation on MTV (back when they played music). This translated into records sales, and LOTS of them. Whitney Houston's 1985 debut was the definition of a slow-burner. It didn't make much of an impact initially but after 'You Give Good Love' was released, it catapulted Houston towards the pop summit. Backstreet Boys, meanwhile, loaded their first record with radio friendly pop songs aimed squarely at one of music's most bankable markets - teenage girls - and it resulted in worldwide chart success, which was also the same approach utilised by the Spice Girls.
Where are they now?
Britney Spears is now in her thirty-second year and scheduled to being a two-year concert residency in a Las Vegas casino, after recovering from much-publicised mental health concerns a few years ago. Backstreet Boys are reformed and playing dates in Ireland soon as they approach their forties. The Spice Girls reformed a few years ago with varying success and now have all embarked on various media careers. Whitney Houston died in February 2012.
SECOND PLACE - 24 million sales
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Second place on the list is arguably the most understated act yet. Armed with nothing much more than a piano and her vocals, Norah Jones's 2002 debut album Come Away With Me saw her make an assault on the charts and take home an incredible eight Grammy Awards.
Where is she now?
Still going strong. Jones just released a collaboration with Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong.
FIRST PLACE - 28 million sales
Guns N' Roses - Appetite For Destruction
Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses announced their arrival in 1987 in spectacular fashion, with an album that would change the direction of rock music and become the most powerful force in rock music until the emergence of Nirvana in 1991. Featuring the likes of 'Welcome To The Jungle', 'Mr Brownstone', 'Paradise City', 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and more, the album was always going to be hit, but the magnitude of the album's success surprised even those at Geffen Records who backed the album.
Where are they now?
Guns N' Roses are still together but they're a very different entity nowadays. Axl Rose remains but Slash, Duff McKagen, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum have all departed, leaving the band similar in name only to the record-breaking band of the late 80's and 90's.
