In reply to Linear.

I agree with you being upfront with the facts. I just feel indifferent because given her collective tenure, clout and renewed interest, I assumed she could pull of 100k. However, these numbers enable her team to consider the following points (good, bad and ugly):

1. Who is the contemporary buying core?
2. How can she better engage this core?
3. What are ways to integrate (but also profit from) her earlier and maturing fan base(s)?
4. How is she faring alongside her comparators (Mariah, Toni, Faith)?
5. What's the impetus or downfall to release additional albums (in exchange for an EP per se)?
6. What are ways to identify and maximize her strengths?

Mary is transitioning to the mature artist category, her moves from now on HAVE TO BE deliberate,well thought-out and carve her legacy --the album is solid however.