Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, Recovery has gone on to sell 741,000 copies in its debut week. This is the biggest debut of any album in 2010, and the biggest debut since AC/DC’s Black Ice in 2008, which sold 784 thousand. To put that into perspective: Relapse sold 608,000 it’s debut week. Drake’s Thank Me Later which did much better critically and was one of the most anticipated/hyped releases of 2010 sold 447,000 in its first week.
Analyst speculate that perhaps the leak of Recovery helped boost sales by word of mouth. “Not Afraid” also debuted at #1 on Billboard. A feat that happens rarely. In fact it’s the 16th single in the history of Billboards charting to debut straight at number one. Regardless of the reason, this shows a similiar trend that has been seen throughout Eminem’s career: his fans carry him. A good amount of critics pan every album of his (yes, even Marshall Mathers LP got bad reviews).
Eminem also broke some records in the UK with this release. He is the first American Act to have as many as 6 UK No.1 Albums in a row. The Male Solo Act with the most UK No.1 albums in a row. The Solo Act with the most in a row – Madonna & Elvis have had 11 UK No.1 Albums each, but she never had more than 3 in a row & he never had more than 2 in a row. Eminem will continue off this momentum as he is set to do a set of co-headlining stadium shows with Jay-Z this September in New York and Detroit.
Update: The actual # of units sold is now being debated. The official call will be made by Sound Scan tomorrow. So for you die hards wanting to know the exact number, check back tomorrow.
ALBUM CHART POSITIONS [WORLDWIDE]
#1 Australia
#1 Austria
#1 France
#1 Ireland
#1 New Zealand
#1 United Kingdom
#1 United States
#2 Germany
#3 Finland
#3 Netherlands
#10 Sweden
