Billboard 200: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Soundtrack Launches at No. 3

Ed Sheeran spends a second consecutive week at no. 1 with his third studio album, ÷. The Beauty and the Beast soundtrack debuts at no. 3.

For a second consecutive week, Ed Sheeran IS “The Man.” What does that mean? His latest album, ÷, retains the no. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. This week, the numbers aren’t nearly as impressive as the 451,000 units he started with, but 180,000 units is still awesome. Only about 48% of that total were pure sales. Nonetheless, Ed is still the man. Dude can put up better numbers than many other artists.

Sheeran and Metallica (Hardwired…to Self-Destruct sits at no. 2) held off newbie Beauty and the Beast original motion picture soundtrack. Belle and company had to settle for a no. 3 bow, moving just 57,000 units (~84% pure sales). Beauty and the Beast was the sole new album to arrive in the top 10.

Beyond the aforementioned triumphs of Sheeran and Metallica, who continues its resurgence, the remainder of the top 10 is familiar. Bruno Mars (24K Magic) remains a hot commodity. Moana keeps doing her thing in the soundtrack department. Future also continues to “do work” with both Future and HNDRXX. Both albums slip out of the top-five. The Weeknd (Starboy), Migos (Culture), and Trolls (soundtrack) continue to ride the top-10 wave.

So…who’s got next on the Billboard 200? Rick Ross should impact with his quickly released Rather You Than Me. Spoon (Hot Thoughts), Pitbull (Climate Change), and Depeche Mode (Spirit) should also leave their mark on the upper echelon of the Billboard 200. Likely, Ross the best bet, BUT, how just how well does the Miami rapper perform?

Photo Credit: Walt Disney