7 years.
That’s how long fans of Maxwell were forced to wait for his newest release ‘blackSUMMERS’night’ – part 2 of his album trilogy. Released to hungry fans on July 1, the project – kicked off by the #1 R&B single ‘Lake By the Ocean’ – comes as the long-awaited follow-up to 2009’s Grammy winning set ‘BLACKsummers’night’ (featuring the hit ‘Pretty Wings’).
Originally set for release in 2010, the new album’s 6 year pushback – once thought to only increase the intensity of anticipation for its premiere – has seemed to do the opposite (if preliminary figures are judged). According to industry analysts, the lack of buzz surrounding the project, in conjunction with spotty promo, will see it fall far from the 300k first week sales of its predecessor.
Keen to see how Max fared this time around? The first prediction awaits below:
First week sales: 50,000-60,000 SPS
Chart Placement: #3?
The prediction above, based on first day sales, is subject to change over the course of the next few days. And, while some will clearly pit part 2 of M’s trilogy against its forerunner (sales-wise), the numbers are still quite fair given today’s musical climate which has proven itself not exactly the most inviting of traditional R&B.
All things considered, kudos to Max for staying true to his formula. However, we hope this serves as indication that a nearly decade long wait for part 3, which he reports is nearly finished, wouldn’t exactly be the best idea.
Tidbit: Given he’s already admitted the time off was a mistake, we expect part 3 to be here sooner than later.
I’m not gone lie i lived for maxwells older work his first 2 or 3 albums are classic I can still vibe out to his older music when he had the curly fro
He should’ve come out the closet to boost sales
Why do you seem so invested in Maxwell’s s*xuality? That’s pretty much the only line of commentary you leave on his posts. Wjo gives af if he’s gay or not? He’s a legitimately talented artist. Let that speak for itself.
Stop being disrespectful.
Sorry but I’m not gonna pretend that bad numbers are good. These are horrible figures…and since first week is usually the sales peak, that means his album is going to freefall off the charts in like 3 weeks. One of the reason why the music industry is in such peril now is because people wanna say things like “that’s pretty good, considering…” I don’t care if everyone else is selling poorly, that doesn’t give him a reason to as well. That’s like getting all D’s on your report card and telling your mad parents that “everybody else in the class did bad too.”
B****, he can sell 100 copies and I’d still be here for his s*** talented as ass. He’s still iconic as f***. Bought and stamped h**.
You’re so annoying.
Sis pay that lady Gaga Stan dust
What´s up with you two? You don´t like talent or what? What was wrong about this boy/girl´s comment? Praising a talented artists is bad?
Seems to me.. “Sales” are what over shadow their work and talent. Who cares about first weeks sales. Isn’t the album great? Isn’t maxwell an amazing artist?
Thank you, are we forgetting MJS first week sales to Thriller??? Now that’s an prime example sales should not matter but only the music. Now Thriller is still the world’s largest selling album of all time still.
Idc what he sells. His album is great and THAT is what matters. I really, really wish fans would stop getting so caught up in charts and numbers (which should just be the artist/label’s concern) and just ENJOY THE MUSIC!
It looks as if “Blink 182” is going to be the artist to dethrone Drake next week.
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Anyhow, Maxwell is an R&B/Neo-Soul Icon and always will be. Given his style of music, and the fact that it is no longer as mainstream as it once was a decade ago, these sales are respectable. Was I expecting higher? Of course, but it’s okay. He will still garner acclaim, awards and his status will still stand. I bought the album yesterday and it’s a great piece of work.
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Sidenote trivia: Did you know that their have ONLY been NINE males artists to sell over 300K copies of an album in the first week during the digital era – 2006-2013 & onwards thus far? It just goes to show.
That speaks volumes tbh.
It does! Since 2006, only NINE male artist have sold over 300K copies of an album first week and SIX of those were White, Country acts. The other three were Maxwell (himself), Ed Sheeran and Josh Groban.
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Nonetheless, what’s even more shocking is that only two Black male solo artists (non-rappers) have done so since 2000 altogether – Usher and Maxwell. 🙁
Do you think Sade might see the same first week sales when she eventually drops new stuff?
It’s hard to say.
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Maxwell is somewhat the “male Sade” and in 2009 they both sold 300K + first week. However, Sade has been established since the early-1980s and has a dedicated fanbase of adults (mostly 45+) so it just may be possible. Also, technically, she is part of a group and they generally sell more.
Only nine male artists sold more than 300k first week, of whom 6 are country? May I have the source, as I can already think of eminem, lil wayne, Drake, several other rappers. Or do you only count non-rappers? Even if, Usher has sold over 400k first week in 2008.
@XYZ
“Nonetheless, what’s even more shocking is that only two Black male solo artists (non-rappers) have done so since 2000 altogether – Usher and Maxwell. ?” Reading is key as she was referencing male artists and not male rappers.
Since 2000. beforehand she wrote 9 since 2006, with maxwell being the only black Artist. And that is not true, as Usher sold over 300 k in 2008.
Oh and I forgot Justin Timberlake, who is neither country nor a rapper and is not included in the list mentioned above. So, please, may I have the source as I have the feeling that this list is a hoax
The music industry’s landscape has changed since 2009. Even with a Pretty Wings-sized hit, he still wouldn’t have sold even half of his last album’s opening week.
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Clarification: Lake by the Ocean is #1 on the Adult R&B Chart. It has not reached the Top 15 of the R&B Songs Chart or the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. Mainstream urban radio has shifted.
“Adult R&B,” “R&B songs” “rhythmic R&B” these are all R&B charts
If it reached #1 on any of them, it is a #1 R&B single
Does anyone know when was the last Rnb ALBUM not single but ALBUM to go platinum?
Ariana Grande
Lol no, it was The Weeknd.
Beyonce “4”
Id say those numbers are fairly decent considering what album sales are nowadays, especially for an older R&B artist.
He never been a high seller, plus it’s 4th if July weekend, no one is thinking about no album. He’s 20 years in, he’ll be fine. The fact that most Pop stars like Nick Jonas sells the same shows that people aren;t buying music. Why should they? Not when there’s streaming.
Yall already know what I’m bout to say.
Sales no longer matter when it comes to r&b artists. They are not on an even playing field and it’s not fair that we compare them to artists who benefit from larger budgets and promo. Let’s just appreciate the art for what it is and support Maxwell’s return.
Agreed with what everyone has to say here, I have a feeling maxwell will be a consistent seller though.
Awesome song
Not bad. It´s just the sales almost everybody can do at most now. After such long hiatus it could have been worse.
When u are selling the type of music that Maxwell, Fantasia, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Badu, Chrisette, are making it’s always a gamble because to me they don’t get the exposure required especially not on radio I mean really they only get played on UAC and the audience for soul music is so small I think Fantasia’s Album will debut with the same numbers July 29th
Cool