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"Heartbreak" holds sway over "Democracy"
In the battle of the tortured artists with the healthy egos the edge goes to the contemporary name. Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak" debuted at number one on the Billboard top 200 chart with sales of 450,000, while Axl Rose had to settle for number three for "Chinese Democracy." The first Guns N' Roses album of all new material in 17 years sold 261,000 copies. (Unlike West's album, the GNR record was only available at Best Buy, or retailers who bought copies at Best Buy for their own stores).
Who kept Rose from the number two slot? Country singer Taylor Swift, whose sophomore album "Fearless" held on to the runner-up position with sales of 267,000. Other notable debuts included Ludacris at number five and the Killers at number six.
About sound effects Music news and reviews from The Boston Globe.
Sarah Rodman is a staff music critic for the Boston Globe.
James Reed is a
staff music critic for the Boston Globe.
Jonathan Perry is the Globe's Scene & Heard columnist, covering local music.
Michael Brodeur is the assistant arts editor for the Boston Globe, covering pop music,
TV, and nightlife.
Julian Benbow is a staff writer at the Boston Globe, covering sports and music.
