MrIndependent

Red opened up with 61k whilst 1989 did 90k; I think reputation. will be midway of those tallies, so roughly 75k. I went with the 75-100k range as I can see the higher band being the more rational, realistic one as opposed to the lower 50-75k one. There's every chance that she could have ginormous first week sales from hype, but I can't see it outselling 1989's first week total on account of how Look What You Made Me Do and the promotional singles have performed. I think reputation. will have generally poor longevity in comparison to 1989 as well.

I think people are hugely overestimating the album. I'll be very surprised if it does much more than In the Lonely Hour sold in its debut week. For the sake of the market, I'm happy to be proven wrong; but the performance on iTunes and Amazon, whilst good, doesn't suggest massive sales to me.

100-150k

Deeper Shade of Blue It's the Way You Make Me Feel Summer of Love Say You'll Be Mine >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Echoing the other comments about being ecstatic about Steps at #1. Slay some. B-)

I post regularly on UKMIX, where comments have been made from several users there. I think there is the same consensus with a few users here at Buzzjack too. You definitely aren't the only one. One user on UKMIX claimed that, in a recent interview, Ed said that artists who underperform and don't sell as much, trying to be more independent with the direction of their music, are stupid and that he keeps listening to his label and others around him to remain one of the biggest artists. I don't know which interview they're talking about nor do I know if those were the words he used or whether what he said has been taken out of context. However, it's a line with other chart-related comments he's made during this album campaign. It's disappointing to hear as a huge fan because he's capable of doing so much more with his music than being a manufactured label puppet. Stay humble, Eddie.

I've given the album two spins so far and, whilst there is some filler that should be subtracted [some of that boyband-esque tosh in the name of Happier, Hearts Don't Break Around Here and How Would You Feel (Peen)], I find much of the album instantly likeable. The uptempo songs are the highlights, they are more interesting and more unique; and the deluxe edition songs are far, far stronger than the songs I've listed above that made the standard edition. The sequencing of the album is, for the most part, a mess; and some much needed rearranging of the ordering of the tracks is necessary. I'm enjoying it on the whole, and it grew on me the second time around in comparison to the first listen; but it is not as strong as x or +. I hope that his next album will be more experimental. It's a shame because his pre-frame EPs showcase his individuality more; they are more diverse and cover a wider range of genres, particularly No. 5 Collaborations Project. He should delve deeper into his acoustic-meets-urban roots, and combine that with some grime and dance music on his next record alongside stronger, more meaningful lyrical content. With the exception of Dive, which is glorious -- and though I enjoy Perfect -- the bland lovelorn balladry on here really bogs the record down. Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan are in particular a refreshing change of sound, and tracks like Eraser, New Man and Barcelona are more in line with the direction that I was more of the album was in. The songs are well written, strongly sang and slickly produced on the whole but he's not fulfilling his full potential as an artist here. I've picked up on some complaints around other music forums about his business-savvy attitude and chart-thirsty comments in recent interviews making him seem unlikeable, and I agree. He needs to learn how to be selective with what he says. In his defence, you don't stay this successful with such a huge demand without some idea of how to manipulate the business; however, he should let the music speak for itself and allow his artistry to shine more. I believe that many people would think his commercial greed is quite an unattractive trait for an artist to have. He is in the position where he can afford to experiment with his music more as he did with his pre-fame work. I hope he takes that opportunity with the fourth album.

#1 61-80k, but closer to 60k than to 80k; and with a sizeable chunk of that coming from streaming. I also think people are overestimating.

2. Shape of You (Stormzy Remix) 3. Shape of You :lol:

300-350k I think this is a cautious estimate in comparison to some of the other predictions, but I do think that people are overestimating. He will have huge first week sales, great longevity and a hefty total in the long haul either way, though. I'm happy to be proven wrong. His streaming will be huge right out of the gate. It's the driving force in the current performances of x and +. It would be extremely foolish of his label to not put it on Spotify on the day of its release, nor will they wait.

Now: Touch 6 Oops 8 Shout 9 The SLAY.

The Power of Goodbye EDIT: to win. I vote out Frozen. Can you change my vote please?

24 & 89. Close 85. Jealous

My favourite song from Ray of Light and one of my most loved Madonna songs altogether leaves this round! :( Frozen again.

Frozen

In regards to the comparisons between Lemonade and BEYONCE, I think that the visuals from the former are absolutely stronger than the music videos from the latter. Musically, the songs on Lemonade are more varied and explore a wider range of styles than those on BEYONCE, but I think the self-titled effort is more consistent throughout in quality. But both albums are pretty much career highlights; it's amazing how much she grew with her last two albums (and also with 4, to a lesser extent).