Extra 1: Analysis of the Top 10 peaks ever
During these various pages, we saw that artists tend to peak fairly early in their career. We also saw that while it isn’t mandatory, it’s better if you are on a positive momentum. Does this apply to the very best selling albums of all-time?
Incredible! All biggest peaks ever were released at least 2 years into the artist’s career. On average, they were around for 5 years and a half. By the same token, the “Drops” column tells us that 9 out of these 10 artists had previously released at least 1 album that under-performed its immediate predecessor. The same 9 artists were already up to 4 albums or more! Also, all these albums posted an increase of at least 165% over their previous effort.
To sum up, these albums defy gravity. Their sales are already mind-blowing. The way they got there is also in complete opposition to conclusions we drew on remaining albums. While Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston were referenced top sellers, there was nothing to suggest the subsequent 7 artists were going to be so massive with their following album.
Just like Amy Winehouse and Adele became juggernauts out of the blue, there is no rule which tells us who’s going to be the next big thing. Will it be Charlie Puth? SZA? Harry Styles? Only time will give us the answer!
BTS, blackpink has yet to peak. I see BTS’s next album doing 10 million sps in year. And bp 8 million in year.
I thought ed will even beat divide but bad habits , even though it is megahit falls short infront of divide’s singles and shivers too. Unless album suddenly smahes, i think divide is his peak
“The Weeknd‘s hey-days will reach their expiration date next year. Additionally, Ariana Grande is already inside the orange zone.” aged like milk
Hi césar!
Do you think so? 😉
The examples said they would still get 1-3 years of relevancy, but their peak was most likely behind them. So far, it remains absolutely true as both peaked with older releases, not mentioning that Take My Breath / Positions are not doing as well as anticipated. The orange zone indeed!
would you say After Hours will surpass BBTM eventually?
Yeaa.. this was written in May 2018. Blinding Lights is the literal most successful song in modern day history. After Hours is just about to cross 6 billion streams in under 2 years and on pace to become his most streamed album.”Take My Breath” on the other hand is speculated to be a non-album (filler) single. Personally I think the hype for the next album will only grow as After Hours was in a sense a re-introduction since his hiatus and last LP back in 2016. He’s 3rd most monthly listeners on Spotify without an album while ed and Bieber… Read more »
u overhyping the weeknd
yes i think so, taking in consideration that the weeknd’s statment was very specific
still, you’re right
Ella Mai, Dua Lipa and Lorde. Future stars.
I believe Ed Sheeran is a scary behemoth on sales esp noawadays, he seems to maybe have reached his peak? but who knows, Divide just keeps on selling so does X what would Addition would be maybe his peak? Even after a somewhat peak of Divide? :O . He just might end up beating Coldplay who is now on Survival mode in becoming relevant.
Shakira should absolutely be folded in here. If Laundry Service was indeed her peak, ‘Sale El Sol’ (peak+4), ‘Shakira.’ (peak+5) and ‘El Dorado’ (peak+6) may all rank interestingly here…
It wouldn’t be accurate to compare her English and Spanish discographies since her audience size and the market size for English vs. Spanish-language music are very different. With Céline Dion for example, her peak + 1 album is considered A New Day Has Come rather than S’il suffisait d’aimer.
That said I’d love to see an expanded list that includes Shakira’s (and Dion’s) separate discographies. One for bands and male artists would be very cool as well!