Even though it’s only been available (legally) for a handful of weeks, Madonna’s latest studio effort Rebel Heart seems to be missing both of those. After several decades and thirteen albums, it’s looking like Madonna may finally have a true flop on her hands.
Last week, fans and plenty in the industry were shocked to learn that Rebel Heart had debuted at number two, becoming Madonna’s first album in close to twenty years not to make it to number one.
Rebel Heart dropped from the runner up slot to number twenty one in just a single sales frame. That fall represents a massive decline in sales, from 116,000 copies to just 24,000 copies moved, and those numbers aren’t likely to rebound.
Album Title – First Week Sales / Second Week Sales (provided by Nielsen)
Rebel Heart – 116,000 / 24,000
MDNA – 359,000 (though 180,000 traditional sales) / 48,000
Hard Candy – 280,000 / 94,000
Rebel Heart is the first album of Madonna’s career not to have a top 40 hit. Holding onto her place on radio and the Hot 100 is something which she has struggled with in the past ten years or so. Her last three records have only released one hit single each, and so far neither of the two tracks released as singles (“Living For Love” and “Ghosttown”) from the new album have impacted radio almost anywhere in the US.
I wish legit publications like this (Forbes, Billboard, etc.) could be more professional than to use "flop" but I guess they care more about page views than reporting information with integrity and professionalism.
Didn't they say HOME would be a flop?
Can't wait till Rebel Heart gets that Gold certification, and Rebel Heart Tour smashes worldwide
They will have to say sorry again
She was bound to flop at some point. But, who cares? I doubt Madonna cares anyway. This is her 13rd album and she's sold over 200 million albums. Her status as Queen of Pop remains intact.
I mean sure it isn't performing as well as it could, but Madonna honestly just releases music to tour at this point. I don't think she has that in her to do full on era's and promo anymore and she's had a LONG career as it is.
Anyways, who cares, all artists "flop."