10-time Grammy winner John Legend lifted the lid on his fifth studio album, ‘Darkness and Light,’ this weekend – much to delight of his dedicated fans.
Launched by tune ‘Love Me Now’ (which, to date, has peaked at #41 on the Hot 100), the opus is winning thumbs up from critics and fans alike for its political skew while still maintaining sonic elements that drew fans to his previous releases (see: jazz, soul, R&B, gospel-tinged numbers). Yet, while the critics are making a lot of noise in praise of the project, the buzz for it – admittedly – has been quite hushed (to put it nicely).
Unlike fellow crooners, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd, Legend’s ‘American Music Awards’ performance did not yield amped anticipation for his then-soon to follow project. The absence of said buzz and little full-on traditional promotion to assist may be the culprits behind why – as of time reported – ‘Darkness and Light’ is set to lend Legend his lowest first week sales to date.
Get the numbers inside:
First week sales: 35,000-45,000 SPS
While the numbers above almost ensure he’ll land his 5th consecutive top 10 debut, he is set to nab his lowest first week sales and premiere placement on the Billboard 200 to date. With all things considered, the figures are not just abysmal considering the first week sales of ‘Light’s predecessor, ‘Love in the Future,’ which debuted with 68,000 its first week.
And, when all else fails, consider the premiere numbers of his contemporaries this year (see: Usher, Alicia Keys, Maxwell, etc.).
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Don’t count John Out too quickly, Love in the future was labelled a flop on arrival, then came the shattering hit “All of me” which boosted his album sales, now Gold certified. After his performance @2017 Grammys, The slayage shall begin.
Yet again here comes TGJ comparing new pop crossover acts at the peak of their careers (Bruno, The Weeknd) to traditional R&b veterans who have nothing left to prove (Alicia, Maxwell, John).
I detect no lies ?
LMAO!!
ONE HIT WONDER FLOP.
His last album is platinum..
Nobody care about album sales anymore! They just tour and try for successful singles.. Album sales are a thing of the past due to Streaming…
He’s a silent seller tho so I’m not worried about him…but the album is very solid so I’m proud of him
Flop
You’re very familiar with flopping. Very, very, very familiar.
Shade! Lol
Are you familiar with his discography? He may not be a huge crossover artist but he is far from a flop as attested by his consistent and stellar album/single sales, accomplishments/awards, performances, and praise from his peers.
He will slay! Heard two songs , shall finish listening to the album today.
Album sales don’t matter anymore. It’s all about the singles and touring.
Of course you would say that, because you stan for a MEGA flop yourself ? can your fav even fill an elementary school auditorium.
WHY on earth do you all continue to compare true artists like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Maxwell and Usher to these newer, fly by night “performers”? I am so sick & tired of the present state of music, as well as the entertainment business overall. Quality is NEVER celebrated any longer and all you raging homosexuals care about are “numbers” and sales — none of which dictates authentic TALENT or longterm SUCCESS in this day & age.
Because their faves are on top of the charts yet only mumbling and whispering over trap beats.
Have spent all day listening to this album and absolutely love it! Totally gorgeous!!!!
Album sales for certain artists are good/great! He didn’t have a huge hit either. Perhaps something will catch on. Look at what ‘All Of Me’ did for his album. Album sales do matter, it’s that there are other components in the mix as well. But he makes qualitative music..
Exactly what I predicted before reading the post. Not bad at all.
Fantasia, Alicia, Maxwell, Usher, now John… DAMN CAN A R&B album get some sales this year seriously!!
SN:I think Mjb can score big #’s with her upcoming album as long as she follows up with another smash like “ThickOfIt” which is still #1 she
needs to drop another single before dropping the album!!
Wow