LANA V. SAM: THE CHART RACE HEATS UP—UPDATE: According to the latest retail reports on Thursday morning, Del Rey’s album is on track to finish in the neighborhood of 180-190k, while we’re presently projecting a total in the 150-160k range for Smith, though this is not an exact science, and the picture could certainly change between now and Sunday. (6/19p)
YOUR TOP 15: The battle for bragging rights on next week’s HITS Top 50 Albums Chart starts at the top and continues through the ranks, including such intriguing matchups as Miranda Lambert vs. Willie Nelson and Coldplay vs. Black Keys. Here's how the combatants are lining up heading into the weekend:
1. Lana Del Rey (Interscope) 180-190k
2. Sam Smith (Capitol) 150-160k
3. Linkin Park (Warner Bros.) 100-110k
4. Frozen (Walt Disney) 40-45k
5. Miranda Lambert (RCA Nashville) 35-40k
6. Willie Nelson (Legacy) 35-40k
7. Jack White (Third Man/Columbia) 28-32k
8. Jennifer Lopez (Capitol) 28-32k
9. Now 50 (NOW) 27-30k
10. Deadmau5 (Mau5trap/Astralwerks) 27-30k
11. Brantley Gilbert (Valory) 25-27k
12. Coldplay (Parlophone) 23-25k
13. The Black Keys (Nonesuch/Warner Bros.) 22-24k
14. Fault In Our Stars (Atlantic) 21-23k
15. Michael Jackson (Epic) 16-18k
In other news, we've decided that we're huge football fans...and not just because the World Cup gives us the excuse to drink all day. Touchdown! (6/19p)