S. Samuel
Music veteran Sade's Soldier of Love comeback album is projected to sell up to 185,000 copies in its second week in retail stores.
Based on weekend estimates, Lil Wayne‘s Rebirth album is also expected to sell a handful of copies in its third week.
In a week without a debut likely to go north of 10k, Sade has a good chance to hold the top spot. Still, a strong weekend from Lady Antebellum could challenge. Here’s the story, morning glory: Sade (Epic) 175-185k Lady Antebellum (Capitol Nashville/EMI) 160-170k Susan Boyle (Columbia) 70-75k Lady Gaga, The Fame (Interscope) 65-70k Black Eyed Peas (Interscope) 65-70k Lil Wayne (Cash Money/Universal Motown) 65-70k (Hits Daily Double)
The singer’s album reached gold status after seven days in stores last week.
After a decade of keeping fans waiting, Sade has returned to store shelves as Soldier of Love debuted at No. 1 this week. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the singer’s long-awaited comeback album has sold 503,100 records after one week in stores. (SOHH Sales Wrap)
Sade’s return to music has sparked reactions from rap artists like Missy Elliot.
“Watching her sing ‘Smooth Operator’ live! One of my favorite songs. She always sounds just like the record! I’m excited she has a new album — that’s my favorite moment, when I heard she was blessing us with her sound again!” (NY Mag)
Rap legend Rakim said he was proud of the singer’s return after a ten-year wait.
“I grew up on soul music, but when my pops introduced me to Sade just before Diamond Life hit, it was a revelation. That voice and her style just took out even the hardest hood at the knees. ‘Smooth Operator’ may have been a smash for everyone worldwide, but that was my track, and you can catch me referencing what she was trying to get across from Paid in Full up to my new album. Being in the biz for about the same amount of time, I respect and try to emulate how she floats above the industry … one of the few that can do things on her own terms, knowing her fans will watch out for her. To this day, she’s one of the artists I can listen to with 100 percent admiration. I can’t wait to get my hands on this album and congratulate her for continuing to build her already iconic place in the world.” (NY Mag)
Check out Raekwon‘s dedication to Sade down below:
