Billboard: Nick Jonas Can’t Dethrone Drake from No. 1

This should come as no surprise to anybody – Drake’s Views spends a seventh week at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album is unstoppable thanks to streaming.  While Views moved 121,000 units according to Billboard, only about 23% of that total comprised of pure sales.  Drake’s Views is a perfect example of the modern album that performs soundly thanks to means beyond traditional sales.  Is it fair to those who actually sold more albums? Maybe, maybe not, but that’s why there’s the Top Album Sales chart now.

Nick Jonas performed well, given the ‘new normal’ of album sales and the power of the “6God” himself.  Last Year Was Complicated easily outsold Views, but its overall total of 66,000 units (71% pure sales) easily trails him.  Despite the setback, Jonas earns the no. 2 spot.

Jonas is joined by another newbie.  Jon Bellion’s debut album, The Human Condition, starts at no. 5, with 40,000 units, with 80% of that total being pure sales. Bellion’s The Human Condition is definitely a treat to listen to.  While his numbers aren’t horrid in this day in age, it would be fantastic if more people knew about this dude – he’s talented.

Beyond Jonas and Bellion, the remainder of the top 10 is about previously charting albums.  Notably, Hamilton ascends to no. 3 following its 11-win night at the Tonys with a respectable 62,000 units (73% pure sales). Honestly, that’s the most interesting story in regards to the ‘oldies.’  Beyoncé (Lemonade), Twenty One Pilots (Blurryface), Adele (25), Blake Shelton (If I’m Honest), and Chris Stapleton (Traveller) – all familiar names – complete the top-10.

Who will seize the moment next week on the Billboard 200? Expect Red Hot Chili Peppers (The Getaway) and YG (Still Brazy) to impact the top of the charts.  Can either unseat Drake? If it is to happen, this seems like it would certainly be the week.

Photo Credit: Island