In moving millions and millions of units, acts like Taylor Swift and Adele continue to prove that people still do buy albums. The way people access music might be changing, but when an act makes the right impact, fans remain willing to pay for the relevant additions to their collections.
But popularity–even ubiquity–and album sales do not always go hand-in-hand. Despite several many of the most recognizable songs of the past five years, acts like Flo Rida remain “singles artists” who sell individual songs but cannot move entire albums.
Avicii’s long-awaited studio debut “True” will this week provide another reminder that popularity does not assure album commerciality.
A major name in the EDM community, Avicii transitioned into mainstream superstardom this year with the release of blockbuster single “Wake Me Up.” Still, despite all the buzz, support and recognition, “True” is only pacing for an opening week sales total in the 45,000 range, says Billboard.
Such a total would land “True” well below new releases from Jack Johnson and Chris Young, in the same territory as Chris Young’s “AM” (estimated to move 50,000), Maybach Music Group’s “Self Made” (est. 50,000) and ahead of Billy Currington’s “We are Tonight” (est. 30,000).
