The 10 Longest Albums to Ever Top the Billboard 200
With an average time of 54:25 minutes for No.1 albums, it’s not that uncommon to see hour-long LPs topping the charts. However, some LPs are going to the extremes, and on this list, we’ll take a look at the 10 longest albums that reached No.1 in Billboard 200 history.
From massive box sets to epic live recordings, these albums prove that sometimes, more really is more.
1. “Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences” – Garth Brooks
Genre: Multi-genre, Box Set – Length: 287:50
Garth Brooks holds the undisputed record for the longest No. 1 album in Billboard history with this monster 4-hour, 47-minute box set. Released in 2013, it’s a multi-disc box set that pays tribute to the genres and artists that shaped Brooks‘ musical identity.
From classic rock to soul, country to pop, it’s a genre-hopping journey through time. The collection also includes a live DVD, making it a gold mine for fans of the country megastar.
2. “The Limited Series” – Garth Brooks
Genre: Country, Box Set – Length: 237:00
The second spot is also reserved for Garth Brooks, who once again appears with a box set, this time – ‘The Limited Series’, which dominated the charts back in 1998.
At just under four hours, it’s a comprehensive look at Brooks’ chart-topping reign in the 1990s. This set features six discs, including previously released albums and some exclusive bonus tracks.
3. “Live 1975–85” – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band
Genre: Live, Rock, Box Set – Length: 216:13
This legendary live album from The Boss is an absolute marathon. Spanning a decade of performances, ‘Live 1975–85’ captures the raw, electrifying energy of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band across five discs.
With over three and a half hours of music, it’s a deep dive into one of rock’s most consistent live acts. The album debuted at No.1 in 1986, becoming the first box set to ever do so.
4. “Proof” – BTS
Genre: K-pop, Hip-Hop, Compilation – Length: 168:34
BTS made history in 2022 with ‘Proof’, a 2-hour, 48-minute anthology celebrating their nine-year career. This three-disc compilation features past hits, unreleased demos, and new solo tracks, a true emotional ride for their global fanbase, ARMY.
It’s a time capsule of the group’s evolution from underground hip-hop to global superstardom. The album seamlessly blends pop, rap, and R&B influences.
5. “50 Number Ones” – George Strait
Genre: Compilation, Country, Honky-Tonk – Length: 154:48
George Strait‘s ’50 Number Ones’ does exactly what it says on the tin, and features fifty chart-toppers in a nearly 2.5-hour compilation. Released in 2004, this compilation spans three decades of Strait’s career, from ‘Amarillo by Morning’ to ‘Check Yes or No’. The album not only reached No.1 but also became a must-have for any country fan.
The sheer volume of hits here is staggering. It’s a testament to his dominance in country music, filled with smooth vocals and timeless honky-tonk vibes.
6. “How the West Was Won” – Led Zeppelin
Genre: Live, Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Folk Rock – Length: 150:27
Led Zeppelin’s ‘How the West Was Won’ is a thunderous, two and a half hours – three-disc live album that captures the band at their absolute peak.
With extended jams, blistering drum and guitar solos, and Robert Plant’s soaring vocals, it showcases the raw energy of their 1972 performances. When it hit No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2003, it was proof that classic rock still had serious pulling power.
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7. “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” – Michael Jackson
Genre: R&B, Pop – Length: 148:51
Released in 1995, this double album juggernaut from the King of Pop is part greatest hit and, part new material. The first disc includes legendary hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” while the second features powerful new tracks like “Scream” and “They Don’t Care About Us.”
At nearly two and a half hours, it’s Michael Jackson at his most ambitious.
8. “Pulse” – Pink Floyd
Genre: Live, Progressive Rock – Length: 147:59
Pink Floyd’s ‘Pulse’ is a near-perfect recreation of their Division Bell tour and takes you on a journey through their discography. Even featuring the full live performance of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, this two-disc set is a prog-rock fan’s dream.
The soundscapes, lighting, and atmosphere are captured with incredible fidelity. 2 hours and 28 minutes have never felt shorter, it’s an experience that leaves you yearning for more.
9. “Anthology 3” – The Beatles
Genre: Rock – Length: 145:33
The third volume in The Beatles Anthology series is a deep cut collection of demos, alternate takes, and rarities from the later years of the Fab Four.
From ‘White Album’ sessions to ‘Abbey Road’ outtakes, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. At nearly 2.5 hours long, this 1996 release rounds out their archival series and is essential listening for die-hard Beatles fans.
10. “Woodstock” – Various Artists
Genre: Rock, Soundtrack – Length: 138:56
The official soundtrack to the 1969 Woodstock Festival runs over 2 hours, featuring performances from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Joan Baez, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, and many more. The ‘Woodstock’ album is a cultural time capsule, capturing the spirit of the 1969 festival that defined a generation.
The triple-LP release went to No.1 in 1970, making it one of the longest albums to ever top the Billboard 200 chart. At over two hours long, it’s as epic and messy as the music festival itself.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a massive box set, an electric live album, or a hit-stuffed compilation, these records prove that the audience’s attention span is not as bad as some try to make it out to be.
The length of these albums didn’t hold them back, in fact, it helped cement their place in music history. These marathon records offer something for everyone and whether you are a big fan of the artist or simply a music lover, give them a spin, you won’t regret it.