As expected, the soundtrack “Glee-The Music Volume 3: Showstoppers” debuted in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s 200 albums chart. According to data from Nielsen SoundScan, the album sold 136,000 copies in its first week out.
The first No. 1 for the “Glee” cast came from their seven song EP “The Power of Madonna” with its sales of 98,000 copies. “Showstoppers” is the Fox television show’s third full-length soundtrack. The first two sets were released in November and December in quick succession. Volume 3 includes second half highlights from the debut season of “Glee.” An upcoming EP of six tracks called “Journey to Regionals” will be released on June 8. If you are worried about upcoming episodes being spoiled, don’t peek at the track list.
The “Glee” cast blocked the Rolling Stones out of debuting in the No. 1 spot with their reissue of “Exile on Main St,” their classic album. The set debuted at No. 1, selling 76,000 copies when the album was relaunched last week by Universal Republic/UMe.
When “Exile” was released in 1972 it was in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s 200 chart for four weeks. Last week it was reissued in different configurations, including super deluxe boxed set, a deluxe version containing 10 extra tracks, and standard remastered album. A separate “Exile On Main St.- Rarities Edition,” Target-exclusive set with ten bonus cuts, debuted at No. 27 and sold 15,000 copies.
The Digital Songs chart also shows the “Glee” cast in full force. Their take of the Aerosmith song “Dream On,” which features Neil Patrick Harris, made its debut in the No. 13 spot, selling 84,000 copies. It’s one of the cast’s six debuts this week.
The highest Digital Songs chart debut this week was “Cant’ Be Tamed” by Miley Cyrus. The song debuted in the No. 4 spot with 191,000 copies sold. It’s Cyrus’ second-best sale week debut ever for a download. Last August “Party in the U.S.A. debuted in the NO. 1 spot for Digital Songs, selling 226,000 copies.
When it is unveiled on May 27, “Tamed’s” opener will undoubtedly debut in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. It will be the sixth top 10 for Cyrus on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including one that is credited to “Hannah Montana,” her TV character.
“California Gurls” from Katy Perry fell from No. 1 to No. 3 with sales of 231,000 copies ( a 22% decline) on the Digital Songs chart. “OMG” from Usher returned to the No. 1 spot, selling 236,000 copies (a drop of 2%). “Airplanes” from B.o.B. Climbed a spot into the No. 2 slot, selling 232,000 copies (an increase of 6%).
On Billboard’s 200 album chart, “Glee” and the Rolling Stones led the chart, with four more albums breaking into the top 10.
Following the Rolling Stones, “Brothers” from Black Keys took the No. 3 spot, selling 73,000 copies. It is the duo’s best sales week and their highest charting album. Previously the pair had earned their highest sales and highest charting set with “Attack and Release.” The album debuted as well as peaked in the No. 14 spot, selling 29,000 copies.
“Distant Relatives,” Nas and Damian Marley’s collaboration album debuted in the No. 5 spot, selling 57,000 copies. It is Marley’s second top 10. It follows “Welcome to Jamrock,” which made it to the No. 7 spot in 2005. It is Nas’ tenth top 10.
Band of Horses arrived in the No. 7 spot and LCD Soundsystem at No. 10. “Infinite Arms” from Band of Horses sold 45,000 copies. “This Is Happening” from LCD Soundsystem sold 31,000 copies. For both bands, it is their best sales weeks and highest charting albums.
The No. 1 album from last week, “My World 2.0” from Justin Bieber, fell to the No. 4 spot, selling 62,000 copies (despite a 3% increase). “Need You Now” from Lady Antebellum dropped four spots to No. 6, selling 46,000 copies (down 15%). “Raymond v Raymond” from Usher fell one spot to No. 8, selling 41,000 copies (6% decrease), while “Iron Man 2” from AC/DC fell five spots into the No. 9 spot, selling 32,000 copies (decrease of 33%).
