Country star Garth Brooks, who came out of retirement last year and was involved in an lengthy controversy over concerts in Croke Park, has surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo artist to sell the most albums in the United States.

But Brooks remains well-below the all-time top-sellers in US history, the Beatles.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, The Beatles have sold 178 million albums.

Brooks and Presley, who died in 1977, have repeatedly swapped spots for number two on the list.

Brooks' career soared in the 1990s as his country songs won a crossover audience.

After a break in which he raised a family, Brooks released his first album in 13 years, Man Against Machine, in November.

The industry association last week certified Man Against Machine as platinum, meaning it has sold at least one million copies.

With the certification, Brooks has again risen to the top, with 135 million albums against 134.5 million for The King.

Presley's estate has in the past disputed such rankings as the industry association focuses on sales of albums rather than singles.

Presley had a long string of blockbuster hits, released on 45-RPM records, starting in the 1950s.

The recording association lists Led Zeppelin in fourth place for all-time US album sales, followed by the Eagles, Billy Joel and Michael Jackson.