Expected to begin its run with a lofty opening week sales performance, Katy Perry’s “Prism” would be considered a disappointment–and the source of great surprise–if it did not significantly top the 270K opener for Miley Cyrus’ recent release “Bangerz.”
But “Prism” has, thus far, failed to match one of the Cyrus album’s most impressive accomplishments: as of press time, it has yet to launch all of its individual tracks onto the iTunes Top 100 sales chart.
Midway through its October 8 release day, Cyrus’ “Bangerz” had sent all thirteen standard edition tracks–and one bonus song–into the Top 100. Many ascended into the top 40 and one–“Adore You”–surged into the top ten.
“Prism” is not without a notable chart presence. Previously released singles “Roar” (#6), “Dark Horse” (#15) and “Walking on Air” (#37) are positioned very favorably, while “Unconditionally,” the album’s next official single, has shot all the way to number 26. Other charting tracks include “By the Grace of God” (#59), “Birthday” (#75), “Legendary Lovers” (#76), bonus track “It Takes Two” (#88) and “This is How We Do” (#99).
The claim that “Prism” is not generating buzz would be a very difficult one to make.
Yet there is no ignoring the reality: the album has not driven individual track purchases as well as Cyrus’ album did. And if it does eventually thrust all of its tracks into the Top 100 (“International Smile,” “Ghost,” “Love Me,” “This Moment” and “Double Rainbow” are the ones that need to climb), which is not a certainty, it would have taken far longer than “Bangerz” to do so.
By the same token, there is no surefire connection between track sales and album sales. Excitement over individual tracks definitely reflects buzz over the album, but it also identifies a segment of buyers who are picking-and-choosing their favorite songs rather than committing to the full album. It is a classic case of the glass being both half-full and half-empty.
The first wave of album sales estimates is due Wednesday afternoon.