Country music has some of the most loyal fans in the music industry, at least in terms of being willing to actually buy albums. That was on display last week as the Billboard 200 was topped by two country albums, the first time that's happened since 2010.
Blake Shelton got things started with Bringing Back The Sunshine, his second chart-topping album, which sold 101,000 copies (Billboard also notes that it marks the first time the word "sunshine" has appeared in a no. 1 album title). Lady Antebellum was the other act to contribute to top two spots this week, as its 747 sold 74,000 copies. That total's a tad more concerning for Antebellum however, as it's less than half of the 167,000 copies Golden sold last year.
The previous two no. 1's come in together at no. 3 and 4 respectively, both representing the duets compilation trend. Barbra Streisand and friends barely lost out to Lady Antebellum, moving 73,000 copies of Partners during its third week. The album passed Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's Cheek to Cheek, last week's top seller, which sold another 59,000 copies.
Prince makes two debuts in the Top 10 this week, and none of them are anniversary editions of Purple Rain. His first new album, a "solo" release titled Art Official Age, sold 51,000 copies and took the no. 5 spot. His other release-alongside his band 3rdEyeGirl (who also plays on his solo record, for the record)-Plectrum Electrum sold 26,000 copies and came in at no. 8. It's the first time a performer has had two albums debut in the Top 10 the same week since Nelly did it in 2004.
Back in order however: Kenny Chesney was the third country performer in the Top 10 this week, as last week's The Big Revival sold another 39,000 copies. Maroon 5 and V avoided falling out of the Top 10 thanks to the band's appearance on Saturday Night Live. The album sold 31,000 copies and took the no. 7 spot.
Chris Brown gets at least one more week in the Top 10 with X as the album sold 24,000 copies and settled at no. 9. The Script narrowly takes the last spot, also selling 24,000 copies of its own new album, No Sound Without Silence.
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