1984 (Rick Wakeman album) After leaving Yes in early 1980, Wakeman resumed his solo career and reformed his band, the English Rock Ensemble, and completed a European tour. For his next project, Wakeman secured a recording deal with Charisma Records which granted him an advance and without a deadline to complete an album. Wakeman estimated the album took around two-and-a-half years to produce from conception to completion. It stemmed from his longtime wish of working with other musicians, blend electronic keyboards with an orchestra and choir, and to write an album based on the future rather than historical concepts. He chose to make a
Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) platinum by the RIAA for 38 million units consumed in the United States under the new system that tallies album and track sales as well as streams. "Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)" became the highest-certified album by the RIAA, surpassing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" which is certified 33x multi-platinum. Worldwide, the album has sold over 42 million copies as of 2011. As with their previous album "One of These Nights", the original vinyl editions feature "Happy New Year, Glyn" and "With Love from Bill" written into the inner dead wax on Sides One and Two, respectively. Eagles Production Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)