As Wyclef once sang, “Somebody call 911!”
Record sales are in the toilet, or worse, and no one’s doing anything about it.
This week’s number 1 album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” by Olivia Rodrigo, sold just 56,655 copies. That includes streaming, downloads, and physical sales.
The number 2 album was Michael Jackson’s 1982 album, “Thriller,” with just 53,000 copies.
Number 50 was Tame Impala, with a little over 15,000.
As I wrote last week, it’s been three months since Madonna’s “Confessions II” topped the chart with 130,00 copies.
Since then, it’s been a steady decline.
Word that Adele might release something this month is the bright light at the end of the tunnel — if it happens.
This is a catastrophe for an industry in which executives enjoy incredible expense accounts, high end lunches, dinners, and first class travel.
The last big release, from October 23, was Lisa’s “Press Play.” First week sales were 18,000 copies. Now it’s gone from the charts. She’s supposed to be a K Pop superstar.
Recent release from Miley Cyrus also wiped out.
Do people not like music anymore? What’s happening?
The next name release is U2’s “Carnaval de Luz,” next Friday. Will it sink or swim? I’m really loving listening to my press copy. I really hope fans embrace it. Otherwise, end times are looming.
Record Biz in Sales Free Fall: Madonna’s July Release “Confessions II” Was the Last Album to Debut at Number 1 with over 100,000 Copies Sold
