It’s pretty undeniable that New York-born music mogul Alicia Keys became a household name early on in her career. The multi-time Grammy-winning singer is not only a successful performer but also an inspiration to many across the world. Not only does she excel in her field, but Keys is also an outspoken strong female figure who is very involved in activism and the fight for social change. Keys is not afraid to bear her vulnerable parts for the world to see from her no-makeup signature look which aims to inspire young girls to be comfortable in their own skin, to her open approach to speaking up about real-world issues.

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The way in which Keys utilizes her massive platform is inspiring not only for her fans but also countless others worldwide. But how was she able to build up such a huge following? With her reputation as one of the biggest female musical artists worldwide intact, it’s easy to see how her career has elevated Keys to the strata that she now holds. The musician’s albums have continuously proven to showcase not only her talent but her ability to sell and exceed in her field. So let’s take a look at some of Keys’ best-selling albums of all time.

8 'Here' Released In 2016

Up first in this impressive list of albums is Keys’ sixth studio album Here. This album included the single “Blended Family (What You Do For Love)” which features rap legend A$AP Rocky. In an NME review of the album, Keys’ work on the album is praised as it describes her as showing “a more honest and socially conscious side to her songwriting.”

Since its release back in 2016, it is estimated that the album has made around 42,000 US sales.

7 'Alicia' Released In 2020

Next up is Keys’ seventh studio album of her career, Alicia. The album was released in 2020 after several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It included singles such as “Show Me Love” featuring Californian singer Miguel, and “Perfect Way To Die”. During an appearance on Good Morning America, Keys explained how the album reflected her life at the time.

She stated, "I have so many sides to myself, we all do, and I have been embracing that on this music. You’re going to love it, it’s going to take you to so many places and many reflections.”

Since its release, it is estimated that the album has made 51,000 US sales.

6 'Girl On Fire' Released In 2012

In sixth place, we have Keys’ iconic album Girl On Fire. The album included some pretty well-known singles such as her global success “Girl On Fire” and “Fire We Make” featuring American singer and songwriter Maxwell. It is estimated that the album made around 755,000 US sales and achieved platinum status.

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5 'Unplugged' Released In 2005

Coming in next we have the only live album to make the list with Keys’ Unplugged. Released in 2005, the album was part of the MTV Unplugged series and included songs from her very first 2 studio albums Songs In A Minor and The Diary Of Alicia Keys. Also achieving platinum status, it is estimated that the album made around 1,000,000 US sales.

4 'The Element Of Freedom' Released In 2009

In the fourth spot and just missing out on a spot in the top 3 best-selling Keys albums, is Keys’ fourth studio album titled The Element Of Freedom. Released in 2009, the album included hit songs such as “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” and the hugely successful “Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down”. The double platinum album is estimated to have amassed a huge 1,650,000 US sales.

3 'As I Am' Released In 2007

And now for the top three best-selling Keys albums. Coming in third we have the musical legend’s 2007 album As I Am. This album was the singer's third studio album and included the number 1 single “No One”, and platinum single “Like You’ll Never See Me Again”. As I Am managed to chart at number 1 in the US charts. Another double platinum album, As I Am has been estimated to have made 3,7000,000 US sales.

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2 'The Diary Of Alicia Keys' Released In 2003

In second place we have Keys’ second studio album, The Diary Of Alicia Keys released in 2003. The album included some of Keys’ earliest hits such as the impressive 4x platinum “If I Ain’t Got You”, and “You Don’t Know My Name”. The album itself also achieved a 5x platinum title and since its release almost 2 decades ago, it is estimated to have amassed 4,900,000 US sales.

1 'Songs In A Minor' Released In 2001

And finally coming in at number 1 and taking the crown for the best selling album of Keys’, is her very first studio album release, Songs In A Minor. This iconic album includes some of Keys’ biggest and best-selling hits such as, “Fallin’”, “A Woman’s Worth”, and “How Come You Don’t Call Me”. It is estimated that this incredible 7x platinum album has amassed an absolutely whopping 7,500,000 US sales since its release back in 2001.

Next: What’s Up With Alicia Keys In 2020?