With just a few hours left before the final sales figures are available, HitsDailyDouble is reporting that Amerie’s ‘Love And War’ has thus far sold a dismal 7, 7o3 units based on 54% of the tallied retailers. The record is on track to debut at #7 on the Billboard 200, clocking a projected total of 15-17, 000 units. Thus far, none of Amerie’s 3 singles have managed to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, with ‘Why R U’ peaking the highest on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts at #55.
I highly doubt that this comes as a shock to anyone. With horribly handled promotion, a blatant lack of media presence and zero radio support, there was no way that this was going to be a top-seller. Amerie is definitely talented but talent alone does not equate to a successful album. Many people would suggest that the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of her label, Island Def Jam, which we all know support some of their other far less gifted artists (who shall remain unnamed…) a lot more than those with actual talent. I would have to agree with some of that criticism as well. However, the material on this record did not scream “mega-hit” either so the real fault truly resides with all of the parties involved, including Amerie herself.