Ciara, Eminem set to lead U.S. pop album charts

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - R&B singer Ciara's second release is expected to top the U.S. pop album charts when sales data are issued Wednesday.

Based on the major chains' first-day numbers Tuesday, chart watchers are projecting a start of 325,000-350,000 units for Ciara's "The Evolution" (LaFace Records). Her debut, "Goodies," opened at No. 3 in 2004 with 124,750 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Interscope's Eminem-branded compilation "Eminem Presents: The Re-Up" should sell about 275,000 units, while labelmate

Those numbers look promising until you realize that the first full week of December 2005 saw Eminem's hits set, "Encore," bow at No. 1 with 441,000 units. Meanwhile, Stefani's solo debut "Love.Angel.Music.Baby." started with 309,000 copies during the final week of November 2004.

Current charts champ Incubus earned its first No. 1 album with an opening week smaller than what the California rock band's last two charting sets posted. "Light Grenades" sold 165,000 copies in the week ended December 3. Its last set, 2004's "A Crow Left of the Murder," debuted at No. 2 with 332,000 units.

Reuters/Billboard

• Email Story
• IM Story
• Printable View
• (What happened to the "Discuss" option?)

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Not at All Somewhat Moderately Highly Very Highly

Average (Not Rated)

» Recommended Stories