![[2025] Best-selling Singles Worldwide: Western Music Physical Sales Ranking](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/v5ryZdpEHqM/maxresdefault.webp)
[2025] Best-selling Singles Worldwide: Western Music Physical Sales Ranking
Suddenly, but do you know which is the best-selling single in the world?
Only those who are quite knowledgeable about music history and data could probably answer right away, but if you like music, you’ve likely wondered at least once how much those famous songs actually sold.
This article researches and introduces the world’s best-selling singles in a ranked format.
The ranking is limited strictly to physical sales, so digital sales and streaming play counts are excluded, which naturally makes the lineup centered around older music.
They’re all songs almost everyone has heard at least once, so take this opportunity to check them out!
Rankings 1st– (1–10)
White ChristmasBing Crosby
Written and composed by American songwriter Irving Berlin, it was used in the musical film “Holiday Inn.” Although it initially drew little attention, it caught on via radio in 1942 and became a smash hit, topping the charts every Christmas season.
Covered by numerous artists, it remains a standard number today, even on children’s Christmas albums in Japan.
Candle in the Wind 1997Elton John
This is a song commemorating the late Diana, former Princess of Wales, who died in an accident.
It stayed at No.
1 on the Billboard chart for 14 consecutive weeks and became the best-selling single in history.
Elton John originally composed it in 1974 as a tribute to actress Marilyn Monroe.
A close friend of Princess Diana, Elton, overwhelmed with grief, asked a lyricist to rewrite the words, and the new version was performed at Diana’s funeral.
Silent NightBing Crosby
The lyrics were written in 1818 by a church pastor in Australia.
A primary school teacher who knew him at the time composed the music, giving the piece its form.
In 1935, a cover by singer Bing Crosby became a hit, bringing the song to wider recognition and down to the present day.
Petit Papa NoelTino Rossi
The song performed by Tino Rossi, France’s beloved national singer, is a classic that captures the feelings of a child eagerly awaiting Santa Claus under the wintry sky.
First introduced in the 1946 film Destins, it has remained a staple of French Christmas ever since.
Having sold over 30 million copies, the song is characterized by a warm tone that beautifully blends elements of pop and chanson.
You’re almost certain to hear it every Christmas season.
It’s a perfect pick for those who want to soak up the holiday atmosphere or are interested in French culture.
Its appeal is further enhanced by the many artists who have covered it, including Josh Groban and Bébé Lilly.
Rock Around the ClockBill Haley & His Comets
A song that can truly be called the very origin of rockabilly.
The powerful, dynamic slapping on the upright bass and the Gibson full-hollow acoustic guitar deliver a gritty tone.
A brass section also joins in lavishly, adding depth and richness to the track.
I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston
The American film The Bodyguard is a romantic suspense co-starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston.
The movie was a hit, and the theme song—sung by Whitney in her first starring role—was also a massive success, achieving sales of an astounding 34 million copies worldwide.
It’s Now or NeverElvis Presley
This is Elvis Presley’s best-selling song.
While he was a pioneer of raw rock ’n’ roll, this track is a complete opposite—a ballad.
It became a worldwide hit.
It’s a song about a woman, and you can really feel his sensuality.
He was inspired after listening to the voice of American singer Tony Martin.