I'm not sure if the "long" wait for R8 will help or hurt its opening week sales. Rihanna's normal opening numbers wouldn't really pose a threat to Lord for another few weeks probably. But Lord will be blocked by 1D at the very least next week, and then maybe a few other big releases this quarter.
She can definitely rack up another few weeks still though. I wouldn't be surprised if Black Friday and Christmas send 1989 back to #1.
For da first time ever Rih will be getting a sale from me fw i'm so thirsty for new music
FR: "1989 has already fallen out of the top 30 in the French charts. What are your thoughts on this?" *bites into croissant*
Taylor: "Well...after selling 1.2 million copies I felt very relived. I don't see anyone asking Ed Sheeran these types of questions. It’s a little discouraging that females have to work so much harder and it makes me sad. "