Beloved island-rock troubadour Jimmy Buffett passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy of infectious songs that perfectly encapsulate a laidback, beach-y vibe. In the wake of his passing, music lovers have been revisiting his greatest hits, resulting in a remarkable resurgence on the Billboard charts for his iconic album.
Songs You Know By Heart: Jimmy Buffett’s Greatest Hits from 1985 has soared to new heights, landing in the top 10 of the revered Billboard 200 chart for the first time ever. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for the album, which had not previously surpassed the top 40 position.
Notably, Songs You Know By Heart contains Buffett’s sole single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The sun-soaked anthem Margaritaville climbed to number eight in 1977, solidifying its place in musical history. While this track stands as Buffett’s only top 10 single, he managed to achieve numerous top 10 albums throughout his prolific career.
Before his untimely demise, Buffett recorded over 30 studio albums and released countless compilations and live albums. Impressively, Songs You Know By Heart now joins the ranks of his illustrious discography, becoming his thirteenth album to achieve top 10 status. This tremendous accomplishment is a testament to the enduring appeal of Buffett’s music.
Although Songs You Know By Heart originally peaked at a modest number 100 in the 1980s, the album achieved platinum certification in 1989 after shipping one million copies. Its popularity has only continued to grow since then, with electronic sales-tracker Luminate estimating that 8.26 million copies have been sold to date. This staggering figure suggests that the album’s total sales may hover around the remarkable milestone of 10 million copies.
Buffett’s posthumous success on the charts serves as a testament to his enduring popularity and the timeless quality of his music. While he may no longer be with us, his songs continue to bring joy to fans across the globe. As we celebrate his remarkable legacy, it becomes clear that Buffett’s talents were never overlooked during his lifetime.
