The introduction of track equivalent album and streaming equivalent album data into the Billboard 200 calculation could make a major impact at the top of next week’s chart.
According to Hits Daily Double, Taylor Swift’s “1989” and Pentatonix’ “That’s Christmas to Me” are both on track to garner weekly sales totals in the 185-195,000 range. The Swift album, however, will benefit from considerably more TEA (track equivalent albums, in which ten track sales equate to one album buy) and thus likely command a comfortable advantage on the Billboard 200.
Per Hits’ current estimates, Swift’s “1989” could see its 185-195,000 sales transform into 235-245,000 total Billboard units with the TEA and SEA included. “That’s Christmas to Me” is only expected to see elevation to the 200-210,000 range.
Other notable sellers this week include AC/DC’s “Rock or Bust” (~135-140,000 sales, 140-150,000 total Billboard units), Idina Menzel’s “Holiday Wishes” (~70-75,000 sales, 75-80,000 total Billboard units) and Michael Buble’s “Christmas” (~60-65,000 sales, 65-70,000 units).