Billboard 200: Green Day Takes ‘Revolution Radio’ to No. 1

Green Day debuts at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their latest album, ‘Revolution Radio.’ Norah Jones and OneRepublic start at nos. 2 and 3.

Last week, Solange (A Seat at the Table) pulled a fast one on Bon Iver (22, A Million). No such thing happened this week.  Green Day was expected to debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, and that’s exactly what happened.  Revolution Radio easily tops the charts, moving 95,000 units.  95,000 units isn’t “the second coming,” but it’s a respectable, robust total considering albums are selling poorly.  Furthermore, a handsome percentage – nearly 95% – are pure sales.

Green Day weren’t the only triumphant newcomers on the Billboard 200 this week – newcomers in regards to new albums that is.  Norah Jones (Day Breaks) starts at no. 2, far behind the punk-revivalists. Day Breaks’ numbers are so-so, moving just 47,000 units, with ~94% of that total being pure sales.

Next, OneRepublic (Oh My My) starts at no. 3, to the tune of 46,000 units (76% pure sales).  While the numbers aren’t valedictory, OneRepublic has never launched with a notable first sales week.  Regardless, the band’s three previous albums have been certified – one platinum, and two gold.

Two more new albums land in the top 10, both with so-so numbers. Alter Bridge (The Last Hero) debuts at no. 8, with 28,000 units.  96% of that total is pure sales. Do the math – that’s not saying much.  The final debut comes from Phantogram (Three), which debuts at no. 9 with 25,000 units. 92% of that total – 23,000 copies – are pure sales.  Again, nothing to get too excited about.

Beyond the five new albums, four of the holdovers don’t surprise.  Drake (Views) and Suicide Squad complete the top five.  Down the top 10, Twenty One Pilots (Blurryface) and Ariana Grande (Dangerous Woman) continue to perform soundly.  Last week’s no. 1 album – Solange’s A Seat at the Table – dips from no. 1 to no. 6.  The drop off for A Seat at the Table isn’t bad for a sophomore week.  Bon Iver probably wishes he could’ve earned a second week in the top 10 – 22, A Million drops out.

Who’s got next on the Billboard 200? Kings of Leon should put up some numbers with new album Walls.  The band’s last two albums – Come Around Sundown and Mechanical Bull – debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200.  Can Walls break through? It will also be interesting to see how JoJo’s new album, Mad Love. performs.

Photo Credit: Reprise