The popularity of the reality television format hasn’t always translated into the best of sales outcomes for its tenants (see: Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, etc.), but that doesn’t – nor should it – stop them from trying.
The latest to try her hand at the table? Alicia Keys.
Four years after dividing critics and fans alike with her #1 album, ‘Girl on Fire,’ the Grammy-winning diva’s new album is finally ‘Here.’ Birthing gems like ‘Holy War’ and ‘Blended Family,’ the RCA reared set arrived on the shoulders of an unconventional campaign – one that’s seen the singer/songwriter reintroduce herself to the buying public via an “anti-makeup” movement and stint as a judge on NBC’s reality singing competition ‘The Voice.’
If the tactics will translate into sales is yet to be seen.
Yes, the move’s kept her in conversation and even helped fuel interest in “Keys – the celebrity,” but it hasn’t done the same commercially. In fact, what the ‘In Common’-led opus does not have in common with its five predecessors is the ability to boast a Hot 100-charting single prior to release. Some will argue this fact many attributes to the lack of hype around the album…
Alicia Keys may be “here,” but buzz for the project is not.
Yes, sales look promising after reports indicated the album shot to the top of digital charts upon its release yesterday, but history has taught us not to place our bets too soon as sales alone can often be misleading.
With this in mind, we turn to you – That Grape Juice faithful – for your weigh in. After all you’ve seen and heard we’re curious to know: