The figures have been collated by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), the British recorded music industry’s trade association. The BPI notes that during 2014, British acts accounted for just under 14 percent of global album sales. This represents the largest proportion of sales since the BPI began compiling data in the year 2000.
In addition to the share of sales, the BPI also noted that of the top ten best selling albums, five were by British artists.
The complete top ten, as posted by the BBC, are:
1. Taylor Swift with 1989 Country: U.S
2. One Direction with Four Country: U.K.
3. Ed Sheeran with X Country: U.K.
4. Coldplay with Ghost Stories Country: U.K.
5. AC/DC with Rock Or Bust Country: U.K./Australia
6. Michael Jackson with Xscape Country: U.S.
7. Pink Floyd with The Endless River Country: U.K.
8. Sam Smith with In The Lonely Hour Country: U.K.
9. Katy Perry with Prism Country: U.S.
10. Beyonce with Beyonce Country: U.S.
The total sales by British artists, including singles, reached $2.75 billion for the year. In terms of regional sales, albums by British artists were prominent high sellers in U.S., Canada, Australia, Italy and Sweden.
Geoff Taylor of the BPI discusses the British contribution to the global music market in the video below:
In terms of changing trends, the figures also showed a further slowdown in sales of vinyl and CDs, indicating the growing trajectory towards purchasing music in a digital format.
