As we moved into the 1990s and its music, video albums had taken hold as a popular way to add to your home collection. They gave record labels and artists another format to use and sell in big numbers. The video industry continued to grow quickly, and we saw it develop further with the introduction of DVDs in the latter half of that decade.
When I wrote about the previous decade and listed the top ten best-selling music video albums of the 1980s there were a few surprises in the list. It wasn’t all rock and roll even if that was a strong feature at the time. Other types of music videos and some flashbacks from previous years contributed to the top ten.
If we look at the top ten music video albums of the 1980s, as compiled by bestsellingalbums.org, we can see many top names there. It seems as though a combination of top rock and pop music with record labels and artists keen to make the most of the technology and format led the way. Of course, the visual aspect was important, too, and it comes across strongly in this list.
Top ten bestselling music video albums of the 1990s.
10 - AC/DC -No Bull
A hard-hitting video of the AC/DC show was recorded live at the Plaza de Toros De Las Ventas, Madrid in July 1996. Their classic rock songs in a brilliant setting are backed by amazing special effects including six cannons as part of a brilliant encore. It’s a must-see show.
9 - The Bee Gees - One Night Only
This was a special night when the Gibb brothers got together, as the title shows, for One Night Only, at MGM Grand Las Vegas on November 14, 1997. By that point, they had a long list of hits from their early days together in the 1960s, through the whole Saturday Night Fever successes in the 1970s plus more from the 80s and 90s.
They included some hit songs they had written for other artists too. That makes this quite a package all delivered in one live video and album collection. It’s easy to forget how many great songs they had over the years, this is a brilliant reminder.
8 - Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits – HIStory Vol. II
The second volume of the best of package of Michael Jackson. It collects together 14 music videos of Jackson's songs. The list included some top hits and additional songs. His greatest hits appeared in Volume 1. This was still a good collection of what he had to offer and was popular with fans.
7 - Riverdance - Riverdance: The Show
Riverdance first appeared as an interval act for the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. It seized the attention of viewers and was later developed into a full-blown musical show. Irish music and dancing had never been so big. The stage show made a huge star of dancer Michael Flatley, the video shows why.
6 - AC/DC - Live at Donington
The Australian rockers AC/DC make their second appearance here. This came from when they played the Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Park, UK in August 1991. Their two-hour show was released on DVD. It’s pure rock and roll from the band in front of a noisy crowd. Lots of their best songs, plenty of guitar histrionics, and spectacle with special effects added in. If you like AC/DC you can't really go wrong here.
5 - Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
Filmed as an MTV Unplugged series special the Eagles threw out the unplugged element and played a live gig. It was their return to the stage after years apart and deep disagreement. As the title indicates, they didn't expect to get back together again. Their music stood the test of time and their close harmonies on songs worked perfectly, no matter what the real underlying harmony might have been. The TV show, video, and album were all big successes.
4 - Queen - Queen Live at Wembley Stadium
A year after Queen made their stunning Live Aid performance the band was back at Wembley for another superb live show. They had many great performances, this was up there with the best of them. It’s brilliantly captured on video and has Freddie Mercury as the ultimate showman upfront. It’s a classic Queen show.
3 - Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits – HIStory
Jackson had plenty of great songs and hits. This collection is crammed with his music videos, the best of his material all brought together. This really is his greatest hits packaged together and tells his story well as the title indicates.
2 - Pink Floyd - Pulse
Released as a live album, Pink Floyd’s third, their spectacular performances with lights, lasers, and effects all linked in with the music meant a video version was always likely to do well. This version was recorded mainly at their Earls Court London gig on October 20, 1994, as part of their Division Bell Tour. As with the album, it is a phenomenal show and recording. One of their best.
1 - Michael Flatley - Lord Of The Dance
Michael Flatley had made his name worldwide with Riverdance but he wanted to be the top man. He left that show citing creative differences. Lord Of The Dance showed what he could do. Created, choreographed, and produced by Flatley, it was a huge success. The show overtook Riverdance grossing over $1 billion worldwide. This video presents the show with its music, rhythm, and dance in a glittering 90 minutes.