ANTI was labeled as a flop from the jump.
The album only sold 460 copies first week (from being accidentally made available for sale on TIDAL during a glitch). Also keep in mind its first week was actually only a day.
Earliest reviews were mixed, with critics stating that there were "no obvious smashes."
Her lead single, which was released only a day before the album, was dragged for sounding "lazy" and "definitely not worth the 3-year wait."
The Samsung deal (which included 1.47 million copies paid for by Samsung and distributed by TIDAL) was dragged for the album being certified platinum upon its release.
NOW:
The album is the 2nd best selling album released by a female artist this year, despite being given away 1.47 million times. The pure sales in its true first week were 124K.
Work debuted in the Top 10 (at #9) and went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 for 9 weeks (her second longest-running #1 after We Found Love).
Love on the Brain is quickly ascending the digital charts and is gaining daily on radio.
The album has earned a platinum certification in its own right.
Joanne:
Immediate mixed reviews.
Underperforming and critically panned lead single (Perfect Illusion).
Now Gaga hasn't done any major promo yet, like Rihanna hadn't, but Gaga does have SNL and Carpool Karaoke lined up for her release week.
Does Gaga have the power to do a 180 with her era like Rihanna? Can she go from "It wasn't loooveeeee" to "we love her again" ??? Or will this era be her "460" ???
Discuss.
