2017 / 2018 – End Game
So far, no female album released since the start of 2017 has topped 5 million equivalent album sales. Taylor Swift‘s reputation has the edge so far, but its 4 million sales aren’t likely to be enough in the long run. It will still need to maintain a good selling pace against the likes Zara Larsson, who stands over 3,5 million with So Good, P!nk who’s coming for 3 million with Beautiful Drama and Dua Lipa, at 2 million for the moment but increasing quite fast.
As for 2018, we are still very early in the year. What’s safe to say is that it will take a strongly successful album to prevent Camila Cabello from topping the list. Indeed, she is already over 2 million with her album Camila and increasing impressively week after week.
How well did Femme Fatale and Blackout do?
FF had 3 international #1 hits with TTWE, IWG, and HIAMe (#1 in 6 nations), plus she had sold pretty well with her album as well, letting her catchup to Blackout. Due to the lower sales expectations of 2011, I would be surprised if Britney wasn’t close to the #5 spot for 2011.
Blackout I assume would possibly be top 10 for 2007? But I understand you likely don’t bother listing that low for a years best.