Chart Kings: 10 Artists Who Scored the Most No.1 Albums in a Single Year

Topping the Billboard 200 with a No.1 album is a major career milestone, but doing it multiple times in a single year? That’s legendary.

While many artists spend years chasing a chart-topping album, a rare few have managed to dominate the Billboard 200 several times within the same calendar year. From pop and rock stars to rap icons and even TV & Film soundtracks, these artists proved that lightning can strike not just twice—but three or even four times.

Here are the 10 artists who scored the most No.1 albums in a single year and left a permanent mark on the US Charts.

10. Future – 3 in 2024

Future made history in 2024 by securing three No.1 albums in not just one calendar year, but in a few months span.

His collaborative albums with Metro Boomin, “We Don’t Trust You” and “We Still Don’t Trust You”, took the rap world by storm. He followed up with “Mixtape Pluto”, a solo project that solidified his reign.

With this trifecta, the rapper solidified his place among music legends.

9. Taylor Swift – 3 in 2021 & 2023

Taylor Swift accomplished the impressive feat not once, but twice – first in 2021 with “Evermore”, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”, and “Red (Taylor’s Version)”. Then, in 2023, she repeated the triumph with “Midnights”, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”, and “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”.

These achievements cemented her dominance in the streaming era and showcased the power of re-recordings. Swift’s Billboard streak proves her ability to reinvent and re-engage her fanbase like no other.

Taylor also features on our Female Artists with most No.1 albums in the US list

8. Glee Cast – 3 in 2010

At the peak of Glee mania, the show’s cast made an unexpected run on the Billboard 200 in 2010, topping the chart with three soundtrack albums. “The Power of Madonna”, “Volume 3: Showstoppers”, and “Journey to Regionals” each hit No.1 during the show’s peak popularity.

These chart-toppers underscored the cultural phenomenon of Glee, as the cast’s covers outperformed original releases by major artists. It was a rare moment where a TV show soundtrack conquered the music world.

7. Garth Brooks – 3 in 1998

Country megastar Garth Brooks claimed three No.1 albums in 1998 with “Sevens”, “The Limited Series” (the second longest LP to top the chart), and “Double Live”. His mix of studio, box set, and live material showcased his massive fan appeal.

Brooks‘ ability to dominate across different formats was virtually unmatched in country music at the time. His massive fanbase and record-breaking live album sales solidified his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.

6. Elton John – 3 in 1975

1975 was a banner year for Elton John, who saw “Elton John’s Greatest Hits”, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”, and “Rock of the Westies” all hit No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Remarkably, “Captain Fantastic” was the first album to debut at No.1 in the US. Elton‘s blend of pop, glam rock, and brilliant songwriting made him a mainstay at the top of the charts. This triple threat solidified his place as one of the decade’s most dominant artists.

5. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass – 3 in 1966

In 1966, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass scored three No.1 albums: “Whipped Cream and Other Delights”, “Going Places”, and “What Now My Love”. Their smooth and bass-driven instrumental pop sound was a hit with a wide audience during a diverse musical era.

Alpert’s unique blend of Latin, jazz, and pop helped define easy listening in the 1960s. Their chart run was a testament to the broad appeal of feel-good music.

Read Next: The 25 Instrumental Songs that topped the Hot 100

4. The Kingston Trio – 3 in 1960

Folk legends The Kingston Trio topped the Billboard 200 three times (once for each member hehe) in 1960 with “Here We Go Again!”, “Sold Out”, and “String Along”. Their clean-cut image and tight harmonies made them mainstream darlings before the British Invasion.

These albums captured the peak of the folk revival movement in the United States and their success helped pave the way for future folk-rock icons.

3. The Beatles – 3 in 1964, 1965 & 1966

The Beatles weren’t just chart kings for one year, they did it three years in a row.

In 1964, “Meet the Beatles!”, “The Beatles’ Second Album”, and “A Hard Day’s Night” all reached No.1 in the US. They repeated the feat in 1965 with “Beatles ’65”, “Beatles VI”, and “Help!”, while in 1966 they topped the Billboard 200 with “Rubber Soul”, “Yesterday and Today”, and “Revolver”.

This unmatched dominance of the Fab Four rewrote the rules of pop stardom and reached heights that no one has touched.

2. Elvis Presley – 3 in 1957 & 1961

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll ruled the charts with three No.1 albums in both 1957 and 1961.

In 1957, Elvis Presley hit the top of the US Albums chart with “Elvis”, “Loving You”, and “Elvis’ Christmas Album”. Four years later, “G.I. Blues”, “Something for Everybody”, and “Blue Hawaii” repeated the feat.

His mix of rock, pop, gospel, and movie soundtracks kept him a constant chart presence throughout his prime.

1. The Monkees – 4 in 1967

The Monkees pulled off the nearly impossible in 1967 by scoring four No.1 albums in the US in a single year.

“The Monkees”, “More of The Monkees”, “Headquarters”, and “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.” all topped the Billboard 200. Fueled by their hit TV show and a string of catchy singles, The Monkees became pop culture icons and one of the biggest acts of the decade.

Their unprecedented run still stands as the most No.1 albums in a single calendar year.

Final Thoughts

Dominating the Billboard 200 with multiple No.1 albums in a single year is a rare achievement that speaks to both popularity and prolific output. From The Monkees’ incredible four-album run to Future’s recent hat trick, these artists didn’t just top the charts – they owned them.

Whether powered by streaming, TV shows, re-releases, or sheer cultural momentum, these records showcase the many paths to musical greatness. And as the music industry continues to evolve, hopefully we will see new artists and genres making the list since records are meant to be broken.

Read next: 10 Artists Who Scored Multiple No.1 Singles in a Single Year