As has been the case with many recent high-profile albums, Hits Daily Double’s initial US sales projections were way too low.
The publication has upgraded its projections for Metallica’s “Hardwired … To Self-Destruct” and Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic.”
Originally projected to sell 250-270,000 pure US copies, “Hardwired” is now on track to sell 295-305,000. It will easily claim #1 on Top Album Sales.
The inclusion of TEA (track sales/10) and SEA (track streams/1500) will result in a first-week consumption total of roughly 305-315,000. That should earn “Hardwired” #1 on the Billboard 200.
Bruno Mars’ album, which was originally expected to start at #3 with 110-120,000 in pure sales, now looks like a safe bet for #2. Hits has substantially upgraded its projection, now eyeing 175-185,000 in first-week US sales. With TEA and SEA included, the album should generate over 200,000 consumption units. It is poised for #2 on Top Album Sales and the Billboard 200.
Miranda Lambert’s “The Weight Of These Wings” is now on track for #3 on both charts. It should do 130-140,000 in pure US sales and 140-150,000 in total consumption.
