"Cassettes which were counted as an album sale were also very cheap, in fact cheaper than a digital copy of an album. By that logic, Mariah Carey is superior to all because she came out when cassettes were basically phased out."] - Although this maybe true LovelyBird... Madonna still wins in overall RECORD sales. Her singles were sold for about $2.50 - $6.99 back in the day. Cassettes ranged from about $5.99 - $9.99 back in the day. Both are still higher than $1.29 singles. Between 1991 - Now... The SOUNDSCAN era. Madonna has sold an additional 30+ million ALBUMS (most being cd's not cassettes) in America alone. To me, Madonna sales will never be beaten. Unless, someone like Taylor Swift or Adele keeps selling albums like they're doing on a consistent basis.