Billboard: Shawn Mendes Takes ‘Illuminate’ To No. 1 on Billboard 200

Was there ever a doubt? A doubt about what? A doubt about the fact that no. 1 on the Billboard 200 was one particular Canadian heartthrob’s to lose? Shawn Mendes was the favorite to debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 long before his sophomore album Illuminate moved one copy.  The LP moved lots more than that, to the tune of 145,000 units.  Units include album sales and Mendes also performed well there, with more than 83% of that total comprising of pure sales.

Mendes wasn’t the only artist to release a new album that charted in the top 10.  Luke Bryan returns with EP Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer.  Bryan’s numbers don’t compare to Mendes’ nor his own when releasing a full-length album.  Farm Tour debuts at no. 4 with just 34,000 units (~94% pure sales).  Bruce Springsteen compilation Chapter and Verse debuts at no. 5 with just 29,000 units (~93% pure sales).  To reiterate, Illuminate was ALWAYS going to debut at no. 1 with ease.

Beyond Mendes, Bryan, and Springsteen, there were more new albums released on September 23.  The problem is, those newbies missed the top 10. That list includes new albums from Idina Menzel (Idina.) and Ty Dolla $ign (Campaign).

The rest of the top 10 is familiar.  Drake once more gave up no. 1, though he didn’t exactly light up the charts last week.  Views falls to no. 2, which similar figures as last week.  Unsurprisingly, Suicide Squad: The Album continues its residence in the top five (no. 3).  Beyond the aforementioned, unstoppable efforts, Travis Scott (Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight), Jason Aldean (They Don’t Know), Rihanna (Anti), and Ariana Grande (Dangerous Woman) complete the top 10.

Who’s got next on the Billboard 200? Good question. Many new albums were released on September 30, but it’s difficult to pinpoint a surefire hit commercially. Bon Iver (22, A Million) is highly anticipated, while Solange returns after an eight-year hiatus with surprise album, A Seat at The Table.  Banks has The Altar going for her, while Regina Spektor (Remember Us to Life) returns after a five-year hiatus.  Clearly, there’s no Shawn Mendes caliber album commercially speaking.

Photo Credit: Island