Billboard Hot 100 08/30/2014

[surfy]

First - NO SAM!!! :'(

Second - YAS! SLAYARIANA :'( (Settin' all them records!!!)

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

[YourFaveIsAFlop]

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

With the gigantic sales lead she's going to have and the massive first week streaming, I don't see any way that she doesn't debut #1. 

[Spidey]

Aug 20, 2014 16:56:09 GMT -5 YourFaveIsAFlop said:

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

With the gigantic sales lead she's going to have and the massive first week streaming, I don't see any way that she doesn't debut #1. 

Yeah, I can't see how Taylor doesn't debut at #1 next week. All the odds are in her favor.

[crystalphnx]

Chart Watch: Meghan vs. Taylor

Meghan Trainor's pop/doo-wop charmer “All About That Bass” jumps from #4 to #2 in its sixth week on the Hot 100. It was kept out of the top spot only by MAGIC!'s pop/reggae smash “Rude,” which holds at #1 for the sixth straight week. Trainor has a shot at #1 next week, but it's not looking good. Taylor Swift's new “Shake It Off” may well debut at #1, keeping “All About That Bass” at #2 for the second week.

And so the biggest music star of the past decade will likely quash the dreams of a talented newcomer. (Hey, it’s nothing personal; it’s just the way the timing played out.)

"Shake It Off" would be Swift’s second #1 on the Hot 100, but her first to debut at #1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" shot from #72 to #1 in its second week in August 2012. Current projections are that "Shake It Off" will sell 425K or more copies in its first week, far more than Trainor’s hit.

"All About That Bass" sold 239K copies this week, which is the fattest (really, Paul?) one-week tally by any song in 10 weeks (since "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX sold 263K in its third week atop the digital chart). “…Bass” holds at #1 for the second week on Hot Digital Songs.

"Shake It Off" has the same title as a Mariah Carey hit (#2 in 2005), but its theme may be closer to Jay Z's “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” (#5 in 2004).

Incidentally, “Rude” is the third reggae-shaded song to hold at #1 for six or more weeks. Snow's “Informer” and UB40's “Can't Help Falling In Love” both had seven weeks on top, both in 1993. “Rude” is in its 17th week on the Hot 100.

Sam Smith's “Stay With Me” dips from #2 to #3 in its 19th week. The song is #1 on Radio Songs for the second week. It spent two weeks at #1 on Hot Digital Songs in late June and early July.

Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea each have three songs in this week’s top 10. Grande’s “Break Free” (featuring Zedd) jumps from #18 to #4 in its seventh week. “Problem,” her collabo with Azalea, dips from #6 to #7 in its 16th week. “Bang Bang,” her collabo with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, dips from #9 to #10 in its third week.

As for Azalea, “Black Widow” (featuring Rita Ora) jumps from #15 to #8 in its seventh week. You already have the stats on “Problem.” “Fancy” (featuring Charli XCX) drops from #3 to #5 in its 24th week.

Billboard’s Gary Trust points out that only two other women in Hot 100 history have had three songs in the top 10 at the same time. Adele scored in March 2012 with “Set Fire To The Rain,” “Rolling In The Deep” and “Someone Like You.” Ashanti scored in March-April 2002 with her own “Foolish” and featured roles on Ja Rule’s “Always On Time” and Fat Joe's “Wut's Luv?”

So Adele achieved this impressive feat with three solo hits. Grande did it with three collaborations, where she was in the lead or co-lead on all three. Azalea did it with three collaborations, two of which had her in the lead. Ashanti did it with one solo hit and two featured credits.

"Break Free" is Grande’s fourth top 10 hit (her third this year); Zedd’s second. Grande is also sure to debut below the top 10 this week with "Best Mistake" (featuring Big Sean).

"Black Widow" is Azalea’s third top 10 hit (all this year); Ora’s first. Katy Perry co-wrote this song, and considered recording it for her current album, Prism, but in the end gave the demo to Azaleato finish. Azalea also worked on the song (and has a co-writer credit).

"Black Widow" gives a name-check to Jesus. Perry’s "Dark Horse" (featuring Juicy J), which hit #1 earlier this year, gave a name-check to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. I’d say that runs the gamut.

The aforementioned “Fancy” is #1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for the 13th week.

Nico & Vinz's “Am I Wrong” dips from its #5 to #6 in its 18th week on the Hot 100. The song holds at #1 or the second week on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart.

Sia's “Chandelier” dips from #8 to #9 in its 15th week. The song tops the 1 million mark in digital sales this week.

Two songs below the top 10 also top the 1 million mark this week: Charli X's “Boom Clap” (which peaked at #10 last week) and KONGOS's “Come With Me Now” (which peaked at #31). The latter song was a true sleeper hit. It was released in 2011.

music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-meghan-vs-taylor-215221017.html

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

Everyone's favs have flopped at one point or another. I seriously doubt it's about "revenge" or something stupid like that but good on you for bringing it to that.

[icefire9]

And really, opening week single sales aren't an accurate representation of how an artist's career is doing. Its really just how many people heard a song in its first week liked it. Sure, being a high profile artists helps A LOT, but there are many other factors involved. (for example, media campaign, sales climate, and the appeal of the song itself)

The fact is that sales are declining, the song had minimal hype, and it probably didn't appeal to some of Taylor's country fans, which sufficiently explains it to me. (as if it needed explaining)

[Deleted]

I think SIO will debut at #1, fall to #2 next week (letting AATB reach #1) AATB will be #1 for 2 week, the. SIO will get another 2 weeks, then Rather Be reaches #1.

[YourFaveIsAFlop]

Alanis Morrisette sold 15 million copies of Jagged Little Pill. Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie only sold 2.5 million three years later. Under Rug Swept sold a little over 1 million 3 years after that. So Called Chaos sold less than 500K, Flavors of Entanglement sold less than 250K, Havoc and Bright Lights has sold less than 200K.

This is a career on decline.

Taylor is not that if her first week sales of the first single off a genre transitioning album aren't 700K plus.

[Push The Button]

I totally forgot that all three of Adele's singles from 21 were in the top 10 at the same time the week after the Grammy's. That's incredible.

[Mr. Thonk Eyes]

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

First - NO SAM!!! :'(

Second - YAS! SLAYARIANA :'( (Settin' all them records!!!)

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

I'm sorry Surfy. :'( I know that even tho you don't say it you secretly blame me for SWM not going to #1 because I've stanned so hard for Rude all summer long and I apologize. And I agree with you that Taylor is NOT A FLOP!!

[surfy]

Aug 20, 2014 17:36:00 GMT -5 Mr. Thonk Eyes said:

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

First - NO SAM!!! :'(

Second - YAS! SLAYARIANA :'( (Settin' all them records!!!)

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

I'm sorry Surfy. :'( I know that even tho you don't say it you secretly blame me for SWM not going to #1 because I've stanned so hard for Rude all summer long and I apologize. And I agree with you that Taylor is NOT A FLOP!!

Lol why would I even think about blaming you??? I mean, just because one's opinion is different than mine, that doesn't mean I hold it against them (well... with music I mean) I actually like Rude, but the overplay has made it unbearable for me...

[Mr. Thonk Eyes]

Aug 20, 2014 17:51:27 GMT -5 surfy said:

Aug 20, 2014 17:36:00 GMT -5 Mr. Thonk Eyes said:

I'm sorry Surfy. :'( I know that even tho you don't say it you secretly blame me for SWM not going to #1 because I've stanned so hard for Rude all summer long and I apologize. And I agree with you that Taylor is NOT A FLOP!!

Lol why would I even think about blaming you??? I mean, just because one's opinion is different than mine, that doesn't mean I hold it against them (well... with music I mean) I actually like Rude, but the overplay has made it unbearable for me...

I still feel responsible in the blocking

[Kris]

Today's full update:

1. SAM SMITH – Stay With Me: 220.568 (+ 0.077)
2. MAGIC! – Rude: 199.676 (- 1.527)
3. NICO & VINZ – Am I Wrong: 184.612 (- 1.658)
4. DISCLOSURE – Latch f/Sam Smith: 135.564 (- 1.677)
5. MAROON 5 – Maps: 120.893 (+ 1.365)
6. CHARLI XCX – Boom Clap: 118.441 (+ 1.595)
7. ARIANA GRANDE – Problem f/Iggy Azalea: 96.608 (- 2.997)
8. IGGY AZALEA – Fancy: 93.934 (- 2.124)
9. JEREMIH – Don’t Tell ‘Em f/YG: 92.266 (+ 2.192) ▲
10. JOHN LEGEND – All Of Me: 86.870 (- 3.607) ▼
11. TINASHE – 2 On f/Schoolboy Q: 73.942 (+ 0.119)
12. ARIANA GRANDE – Break Free f/Zedd: 71.658 (+ 0.685) ▲
13. CLEAN BANDIT – Rather Be f/Jess Glynne: 69.626 (+ 0.430) ▲
14. ONEREPUBLIC – Love Runs Out: 69.482 (- 2.632) ▼
15. CALVIN HARRIS – Summer: 68.568 (- 2.490) ▼
16. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS – Bailando f/D.Bueno/S.Paul/GDZ: 67.888 (+ 0.752)
17. DIERKS BENTLEY – Drunk On A Plane: 66.810 (+ 0.327)
18. SIA – Chandelier: 64.375 (+ 1.410) ▲
19. DEMI LOVATO – Really Don’t Care f/Cher Lloyd: 63.891 (+ 0.154) ▼
20. TIM MCGRAW F/FAITH HILL – Meanwhile Back At Mama’s: 63.087 (+ 0.555) ▲


IGGY AZALEA – Black Widow f/Rita Ora: 62.916 (+ 0.712)
LADY ANTEBELLUM – Bartender: 62.852 (+ 0.421)
BRAD PAISLEY – River Bank: 62.280 (- 0.841)
KATY PERRY – Dark Horse: 61.495 (- 1.883)
COLDPLAY – A Sky Full Of Stars: 59.606 (+ 1.084)
MEGHAN TRAINOR – All About That Bass: 58.652 (+ 2.506)
KENNY CHESNEY – American Kids: 57.235 (+ 0.548)
JESSIE J/A. GRANDE/N. MINAJ – Bang Bang: 54.751 (+ 0.410)
SCHOOLBOY Q – Studio f/BJ The Chicago Kid: 53.135 (+ 0.238)
COLE SWINDELL – Hope You Get Lonely Tonight: 48.434 (+ 0.703)
FLORIDA-GEORGIA LINE – Dirt: 45.728 (+ 0.233)
ECHOSMITH – Cool Kids: 35.922 (+ 0.552)
M. LAMBERT & C. UNDERWOOD – Somethin’ Bad: 35.533 (+ 0.059)
JASON ALDEAN – Burnin’ It Down: 35.517 (+ 0.671)
TAYLOR SWIFT – Shake It Off: 34.422 (+ 24.118)
T.I. – No Mediocre f/Iggy Azalea: 33.892 (+ 0.847)
KIESZA – Hideaway: 30.081 (- 0.003)
CHRIS BROWN – New Flame f/Rick Ross: 27.934 (+ 0.863)
ED SHEERAN – Don’t: 26.801 (+ 0.374)
LITTLE BIG TOWN – Day Drinking: 25.717 (+ 0.580)
TRAIN – Angel In Blue Jeans: 23.447 (+ 0.132)
TOVE LO – Habits (Stay High): 23.361 (+ 0.957)
NICKI MINAJ – Anaconda : 22.549 (+ 1.075)
DRAKE – 0 To 100/The Catch Up: 22.241 (+ 0.695)
KATY PERRY – This Is How We Do: 20.045 (+ 1.197)
5 SECONDS OF SUMMER – Amnesia: 19.098 (+ 0.010)
VANCE JOY – Riptide: 14.307 (+ 0.045)
BEYONCE – Flawless: 14.171 (+ 0.435)
MARY LAMBERT – Secrets: 11.857
PITBULL – Fireball f/John Ryan: 11.571 (+ 0.254)
HOZIER – Take Me To Church: 7.351 (+ 0.155)
BASTILLE – Flaws: 3.718
JASON DERULO – Trumpets: 1.198 (+ 0.185)
NICKELBACK – Edge Of A Revolution: 1.051 (+ 0.271)
RIXTON – Wait On Me: 0.706

[KeepDeanWeird]

Aug 20, 2014 17:34:24 GMT -5 Push The Button said:

I totally forgot that all three of Adele's singles from 21 were in the top 10 at the same time the week after the Grammy's. That's incredible.

What's more amazing about Adele's feat is that two of the three singles were LONG past their peak AND involved ZERO features. (Not to mention Adele has sold millions of copies of 21 at that point.) Unlike the three-spot here, which are current and represent ZERO solo and only Iggy has moved some albums. I have nothing against these features because most of them work, but it's absolutely NOT the same as Adele's accomplishment, which is highly unlikely to be repeated any time soon.

[Deleted]

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

First - NO SAM!!! :'(

Second - YAS! SLAYARIANA :'( (Settin' all them records!!!)

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

I highly doubt that SIO won't debut at #1 next week. AATB is posing a bit of a challenge with its rapidly increasing sales, airplay and streaming but I feel like SIO will debut with at least 500k I mean if Problem debuted with 438k with much less promotion than Taylor's single and let's not forget that Taylor is a lot more relevant than Ariana and has a bigger fan base (that's not a diss to Ariana btw lmao I still love her, but she just hasn't been around quite as long as Taylor) so I have faith in this song selling over 500k and despite the threat that AATB will pose SIO can still get that #1 debut and I'm really happy with that even though I love AATB because I know AATB will still get #1 afterwards

Aug 20, 2014 17:36:00 GMT -5 Mr. Thonk Eyes said:

Aug 20, 2014 16:51:35 GMT -5 surfy said:

First - NO SAM!!! :'(

Second - YAS! SLAYARIANA :'( (Settin' all them records!!!)

Third - Taylor isn't a flop, and NO ONE should be disappointed with a 400K+ sales week. EVER. Bye. (Even if she doesn't debut at #1, I still consider this song to have an amazing AMAZING AMAZIIIIING first week!!!!)

I'm sorry Surfy. :'( I know that even tho you don't say it you secretly blame me for SWM not going to #1 because I've stanned so hard for Rude all summer long and I apologize. And I agree with you that Taylor is NOT A FLOP!!

THANK YOU FOR THAT HAHA! xD
sorry for the hate. But I'd be glad to see Sam Smith get #1 with his next single! Just not SWM, doesn't appeal to me. Would've been totally fine wit Latch making it! So thank you for your stanning lol

[Deleted]

I have been reviewing some stats and, if she debuts at number 1, fittingly it will be song number 22 to debut on pole position. 

She would become the second Taylor to debut at number 1, following Taylor Hicks in 2006.

Her song would be the second in-a-row to debut at number 1 and containing the word Shake, following "Harlem Shake".

[Adonis the DemiGod!]

I wonder who would be #1 with the airplay component taken out.

[Verisimilitude]

Aug 20, 2014 18:42:16 GMT -5 Adonis the DemiGod! said:

I wonder who would be #1 with the airplay component taken out.

Meghan, since she's #1 on both streaming and sales. It certainly feels a lot more popular than "Rude".

[Kris]

Aug 20, 2014 18:13:34 GMT -5 Musicguy said:

I have been reviewing some stats and, if she debuts at number 1, fittingly it will be song number 22 to debut on pole position. 

She would become the second Taylor to debut at number 1, following Taylor Hicks in 2006.

Her song would be the second in-a-row to debut at number 1 and containing the word Shake, following "Harlem Shake".

It also follows Hold It Against Me for second song to debut at #1 with "It" in the title

[Gary]

This thread needs the all-time Pulse expert in this category. Where is 'fridayteenage'? (or whatever his name is)

[Adonis the DemiGod!]

Aug 20, 2014 18:45:31 GMT -5 Verisimilitude said:

Aug 20, 2014 18:42:16 GMT -5 Adonis the DemiGod! said:

I wonder who would be #1 with the airplay component taken out.

Meghan, since she's #1 on both streaming and sales. It certainly feels a lot more popular than "Rude".

That is the point I've been making for months. Radio is slow to react to the popularity of songs. By the time radio gets its act together people have already moved on to the next big thing...

[Kris]

Aug 20, 2014 18:53:31 GMT -5 Gary said:

This thread needs the all-time Pulse expert in this category. Where is 'fridayteenage'? (or whatever his name is)

please no

[Pikachu.]

Have a feeling the SIO estimate will go higher, we still have the VMAs this weekend, and that will provide a short boost before the tracking week ends.

[crystalphnx]

Chart Watch: The Return of Chris Brown

Chris Brown's sixth studio album, X, is still nearly a month away, but I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be big. “New Flame” (featuring Usher & Rick Ross) leaps from #73 to #38 in its fifth week on the Hot 100. It’s the fourth song from X to make the top 40, following “Fine China” (#31), “Love More” (featuring Nicki Minaj) (#23) and “Loyal” (featuring Lil Wayne & French Montana Or Too Short Or Tyga) (#9).

Brown’s previous album, Fortune, spawned two top 40 hits over the life of the album. His album before that, the comeback album F.A.M.E., spawned four. His 2009 album Graffiti yielded just one. That album was hurt by the fallout to Brown’s much-publicized assault on Rihanna.

His first two studio albums, Chris Brown and Exclusive, spawned four and three top 40 hits, respectively.

This week’s big news is Meghan Trainor's “All About That Bass” jumping from #4 to #2. It was kept out of the top spot by MAGIC!'s “Rude,” which holds at #1 for the sixth straight week. I covered that, and the rest of the top 10 action, in a Chart Watch blog we posted earlier today. If you missed it, here's a link.

"Don’t Tell ‘Em" by Jeremih featuring YG jumps from #26 to #18 in its eighth week. It’s vying to become his third top 10 hit, following “Birthday Sex” and “Down On Me” (featuring 50 Cent).

Jason Aldean's “Burnin' It Down” rebounds from #22 to #20 in its fourth week. It debuted and peaked three weeks ago at #12. It's #1 on Hot Country Songs for the fourth week … “Really Don't Care” by Demi Lovato featuring Cher Lloyd jumps from #32 to #26 in its 11th week.

Tove Lo's “Habits (Stay High)” jumps from #38 to #30 in its 12th week … Echosmith's “Cool Kids” jumps from #43 to #31 in its sixth week.

Two long-running hits get a second-wind this week. Both are in their 20th week on the chart. KONGOS's “Come With Me Now” (which tops the 1 million mark in digital sales this week) rebounds from #46 to #36. (It has climbed as high at #31.) 5 Seconds Of Summer's “She Looks So Perfect” rebounds from #86 to #74. (It peaked at #24.)

"Best Mistake" by Ariana Grande featuring Big Sean is the week’s top new entry at #49. It’s vying to become her fifth top 10 hit; his third. It’s the fourth single from her sophomore album, My Everything, which is due Aug. 25. (The collabo “Bang Bang” appears only on deluxe editions.)

Bobby Shmurda's “Hot Boy” leaps from #72 to #52 in its third week … Rae Sremmurd's “No Flex Zone” vaults from #94 to #68 in its third week … Milky Chance's “Stolen Dance” jumps from #84 to #71 in its fourth week … Migos's “Fight Night” jumps from #88 to #76 in its sixth week.

Maddie & Tae's “Girl In A Country Song” re-enters the chart at #78. The video is terrific, if you haven't seen it.

"Shell Shocked" by Juicy J with Wiz Khalifa & Ty Dolla Sign featuring Kill The Noise and Madsonik is the week’s second highest new entry at #84. It’s from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soundtrack. The movie was #1 at the box-office for the second straight weekend. Partners In Kryme's “Turtle Power!” was the biggest hit from the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soundtrack. It reached #13 on the Hot 100.

"Hookah" by Tyga featuring Young Thug is the third highest new entry at #94. It’s from Tyga’s fourth studio album, The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, which is due Nov. 18.

Hozier's “Take Me To Church” is the fourth highest new entry at #96. It's from the Irish singer/songwriter's first studio album, which is due Sept. 19.

The Swon Brothers's “Later On” is the fifth highest new entry at #100. The country duo finished third on Season 4 of The Voice. They charted with a few songs from the show: Kenny Loggins’s “Danny’s Song,” Bob Seger's “Turn The Page” and Eagles's “I Can't Tell You Why.”

music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-the-return-of-chris-brown-002528659.html

[Deleted]

Aug 20, 2014 18:42:16 GMT -5 Adonis the DemiGod! said:

I wonder who would be #1 with the airplay component taken out.

In most cases, a song that close to no one has heard of. Without streaming, on the other hand, Harlem Shake wouldn't have been #1 and I think most people (assuming their head isn't all the way up their own ass) would agree that certainly wasn't nearly the most popular song (you most likely wouldn't find a single person in the world who would say that Harlem Shake was their favorite song or that they even enjoyed it very much; a lot of people who watched the videos didn't even know that what was playing was considered an actual legitimate track). Same goes with Soko and the extra weeks at #1 for Wrecking Ball, etc.
Am I Wrong and Wake Me Up would've reached their full potential if it weren't for videos for songs with attractive young females wearing little clothing and boys/men of all ages watching those videos while doing things that should not be mentioned on Pulse. I mean if Billboard is to account for only views for the song's official audio or video and not fan made videos or parodies or 100 million "views" per week for people flopping around like dipshits to a short 30-second sample to a track that most people don't even know is a legitimate track let alone that people actually like it well then that's a different story and perhaps a more accurate representation of which songs are popular in streaming. 
And when it comes to radio well obviously those songs that get a lot of audience are popular because a song is played a lot if it gets requested a lot and when they see that no one wants to hear it anymore then they stop playing it (i.e. Birthday) so it is a much more accurate representation than people squirming around to a 30-second dance video which happens to contain a sample of some particular track.
and that's my rant for today. 

[Deleted]

Aug 20, 2014 19:54:45 GMT -5 @markg94 said:

Am I Wrong and Wake Me Up would've reached their full potential if it weren't for videos for songs with attractive young females wearing little clothing and boys/men of all ages watching those videos while doing things that should not be mentioned on Pulse.

Hahaha no...I guarantee that a large portion of Wake Me Up's YT views came from the attractive woman lying in bed in the thumbnail.

[Tea-why]

Am I missing something? Why do people not want "Stay With Me" to be number one?

[cause_for_celebration]

Aug 20, 2014 21:21:48 GMT -5 Tea-why said:

Am I missing something? Why do people not want "Stay With Me" to be number one?

Cause that song sucks

[Fancy]

Aug 20, 2014 21:21:48 GMT -5 Tea-why said:

Am I missing something? Why do people not want "Stay With Me" to be number one?

i see why people would like it but it's really fucking boring to me.

[Mark]

Aug 20, 2014 15:55:46 GMT -5 kanimal said:

Aug 20, 2014 15:51:50 GMT -5 Spidey said:

Are people seriously arguing over whether or not selling 425-450k is an impressive figure?

Why is "for a lead Taylor Swift single that received unparalleled hype and is receiving monstrous airplay and exposure" missing from your post?

I'm going insane at people not understanding that you don't compare Taylor Swift to the market average.  You compare her to Taylor Swift standards.

I don't understand your logic at all. Taylor still has the potential to have the largest digital sales week of the year. Why does she have to do twice as much as the second best sales week in order to be a success? Taylor's selling power is becoming her own worst enemy. You're acting as though she's projected to sell 200k, and debut at #2 on the digital charts behind a new artist like Meghan Trainor.

You're right that Taylor typically out-does the average artist in the sales department. But by what margin does she need to out sell them in order for you to declare her a success? If her album opens to 600k, will that be a flop? Even if the average opening for a major star is probably 1/3 of that figure?

Also, regarding "Taylor Swift standards" (whatever that means), debuting with one million once is very rare. Doing it twice is unprecedented. It's only been done by one other time, if I recall correctly. You can't expect someone to uphold those kind of stats album after album.