Billboard 200: Pentatonix Ascends to No. 1

Pentatonix sees Christmas LP A Pentatonix Christmas rise to no. 1.

It was bound to happen.  What prey tell? After weeks of extreme flirtation, Pentatonix finally reach no. 1 on the Billboard with their latest Christmas album, A Pentatonix Christmas.  A Pentatonix Christmas put up some robust numbers, to the tune of 206,000 units (~90% pure sales). A Pentatonix Christmas, isn’t the sole Pentatonix album gracing the top five.  That’s Christmas to Me remained at no. 5, sans the six-figure numbers posted by the new Christmas affair. The good news is only temporary for the quintet – Christmas is over!

Pentatonix ends up being the highlight of the top 10 Billboard 200 in a week that doesn’t boast fresh blood. Kid Cudi (Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’) failed to score a top 10 debut, so the remainder of the top 10 are previous debuts or albums ascending in streams and sales.  After debuting robustly at no. 1, J. Cole (4 Your Eyez Only) slips to no. 4, also conceding his six-figure numbers.  Garth Brooks’ Ultimate Collection makes its first appearance in the top 10, ascending seven spots to no. 6.

Metallica debuted at no. 1 a couple weeks ago with Hardwired…to Self-Destruct.  After dipping to no. 11 last week, the set rebounds at no. 8.  Other familiar names grace the top echelon: Bruno Mars (24K Magic) and The Weeknd (Starboy) remain firmly planted in the top five.  The Rolling Stones (Blue & Lonesome) and Moana soundtrack hold down the bottom-half of the top 10.

Who’s got next on the Billboard 200? Likely, a holdover.  By holdover, that means an act that has previously experienced success at the top of the charts.  Prime candidates are Bruno Mars and The Weeknd.  With no major releases, it’s difficult to envision anybody other than the aforementioned taking the top of the charts. It should also be interesting to see how the death of pop icon George Michael impacts the charts.

Photo Credit: RCA