When the November 13-19 album sales race began, One Direction’s “Made In The AM” held a narrow lead.
The tides have turned, and Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” is now on a clear path to victory.
Based on the latest available data, Hits Daily Double projects “Purpose” to debut with a pure US sales total of 470-490,000. One Direction’s “Made In The AM” will follow with a weekly US sales total of about 410-430,000.
“Purpose” will enjoy an even greater margin of victory in the total consumption race, which informs the revamped Billboard 200. With Track Equivalent Albums (10 single sales = 1 unit) and Streaming Equivalent Albums (1500 single streams = 1 unit) included, Hits expects “Purpose” to post an opening week consumption total of 560-580,000 units.
If it indeed lands in that range, “Purpose” will post the year’s best first week consumption total. Drake’s “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” which generated 535,000 units in its abbreviated first tracking week, currently holds the distinction.
“Made In The AM” should generate 460-480,000 in total units.
While “Purpose” should end up with a clear victory, both albums are greatly outperforming initial expectations. Going into the week, the two albums were expected to post pure sales figures of 300-350,000 and consumption totals in the 350-400,000 range.