Billboard: Solange Debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200

Bon Iver probably thought he had it in the bag.  The Grammy-winner was ready to earn more accolades – the no. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.  Unfortunately, 22, A Million debuts at no. 2, not no 1.  No. 1 honors go to Solange for her surprise album, A Seat at the Table.  According to Billboard, A Seat at the Table a respectable 72,000 copies.  Those numbers are less robust when pure sales factor in, nearly 64% of that total.  More impressive than the numbers is the fact that two sisters (Beyoncé) both earned no. 1 albums in the same year – a historical feat.

As for a disappointed Justin Vernon, he just missed no. 1 – literally! 22, A Million moved 71,000 units.  In regards to sales, he outsold Solange, with a better percentage of his total being pure sales (~82%).  While Bon Iver can take solace in the fact that 22, A Million marks his highest chart peak, he has previously experienced a better sales week.  Still, for an alternative album in a climate where album sales suck, the numbers for 22, A Million are respectable by all means.

Beyond Solange and Bon Iver, there are a few notable happenings.  Van Morrison debuts at no. 9 with Keep Me Singing.  Interestingly, the veteran musician hasn’t hit the top 10 often.  Call Keep Me Singing “kind of a big deal” …contextually.

Shawn Mendes expectedly slipped down the charts.  Illuminate fell from no. 1 to no. 6.  This wasn’t a small drop in sales, but a drop where the kid fell on his…point made. The biggest surprise is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ return to the top five! The Getaway didn’t exactly light up the charts during its prime, but jumps to no. 5 this week.

Otherwise, the names are familiar.  Drake (Views) and Suicide Squad remain top-five staples.  Ariana Grande (Dangerous Woman), Twenty One Pilots (Blurryface), and Travis Scott (Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight) keep the top 10 on fire…or warm… lukewarm? The numbers aren’t earth shattering, but that’s where album sales stand at the moment.

Who’s got next? Green Day likely.  Green Day’s last trio of albums didn’t perform particularly well, but Revolution Radio should have fans hungry for the punk revivalists.  Also, don’t discount Norah Jones’ power with Day Breaks.  For Jones, it seems she’s been slightly less relevant in the mainstream compared to Green Day, so chances she’ll completely reclaim her chart swag are suspect.  Another act to watch – OneRepublic (Oh My My).

Photo Credit: Columbia