Another Rihanna album, another opening sales week just shy of 200,000.
Based on early sales data from Hits Daily Double, the Barbadian hit machine’s “Loud” is tracking for an opening week in the range of 180-190,000. If projections hold, that would situate “Loud” in the same territory as predecessor “Rated R” and slightly ahead of 2007’s “Good Girl Gone Bad.”
But the solid debut will not be enough for a chart-topper. Though tracking has proven tough for Susan Boyle’s “The Gift,” all indications are that the album, currently number one, will again top 300,000 sales for an impressive second week.
Sharing the spotlight with Boyle will be Jackie Evancho, whose “O Holy Night” is presently tracking just below 300,000. Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” will also remain in the mix.