AsherFierce said:

I knew this thread would be good.

This shit is scrumptious.

People saying they aint mad but they writing paragraphs like "21 aint shit, Thriller is the best eva!!!ONEONEONEONE"

I liked 19 better but oh well, she doing her thang for the UK.

[Edited 5/3/12 15:33pm]

Right.

I saw the thread title and could see the fumes from a mile away.

I'm going to ask a question because I'm ignorant on this matter:

When "21" sales are compared to any other album, is it only the number of units what matters?

Because Thriller has been in the market for over... 30 years? and people have bought cassets, vinyls, cd's and the virtual stuff now, and I guess (as a music fan), everytime a copy is/was worn out people used to go and buy another one.

What I mean is that we couldn't compare sales of these 2 albums if each unit is all what counts.

I don't know how many copies of 21 will have been sold by 2041...

BTW, Until the 90's people used to buy music, now they just get it for free (I mean,illegally)

so if 21 had been released 30 years ago we would be talking about.... how many units?

Just asking

I just hope 21 doesn't do to Adele what Thrilles did to MJ.

Peace.

Cloudbuster said:

Gunsnhalen said:

I was mearly talking in sales. I mean she has surpased in sales many of my favorite albums & eh idc personally. But i wasn't saying that she is better then MJ or anything. I was just saying if 21 sold more than thriller it would be an insane day on earth

It's unlikely though. 21, while an excellent album, isn't an influential cultural phenomenon in the way that Thriller was.

And don't forget that Thriller's sales are at 60 million plus globally. (I'm rather unconvinced by the 100 million sales claim.)

I can't see 21 reaching that kind of sales figure. Her music just doesn't have that 'excitement' factor going for it.

I'd put "Thriller" more in the 70 million range, but i'm not convinced about that 100 milllion figure either. Either way "21" is huge, but I don't see it passing "Thriller's" sales although that would be something if it did.

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success.

As someone else said "21" is this generations "Jagged Little Pill" which was another phenomenal success, but will it surpass "Thriller" in sales or become the cultural phenomenon that it was and continues to be? It's doubtful. Lets not forget that "Thriller" wasn't just an album. It wasn't just about the music. It had groundbreaking music videos as well. The "Thriller" video of course being the epicenter. A 14 minute short film that had never been seen before in music. No one was doing video's like that before Michael. In addition it had iconic performances (Motown 25 for instance). It was much more than just a good, successful pop album.

It had so much going for it from the music to the video's to iconic performances. "Thriller" has conitnued to sell 100,000+ copies a year and this was even before Michael passed. It just can't be topped imo.

But with that said, congrats to Adele all the same lol. As I said, very impressive.

[Edited 5/3/12 20:14pm]

Cinnamon234 said:

Cloudbuster said:

It's unlikely though. 21, while an excellent album, isn't an influential cultural phenomenon in the way that Thriller was.

And don't forget that Thriller's sales are at 60 million plus globally. (I'm rather unconvinced by the 100 million sales claim.)

I can't see 21 reaching that kind of sales figure. Her music just doesn't have that 'excitement' factor going for it.

I'd put "Thriller" more in the 70 million range, but i'm not convinced about that 100 milllion figure either. Either way "21" is huge, but I don't see it passing "Thriller's" sales although that would be something if it did.

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success.

As someone else said "21" is this generations "Jagged Little Pill" which was another phenomenal success, but will it surpass "Thriller" in sales or become the cultural phenomenon that it was and continues to be? It's doubtful.

[Edited 5/3/12 20:07pm]

Norah Jones had similiar success in early 2000.. do you hear about people playing that album or it continuing to sale?

No and her album sold alot more and Adele 21 sales doesnt even come close to it. I just hate how people ALWAYS have to downplay artists when it comes to sales...smh

[Edited 5/3/12 20:10pm]

oooohhhh the defensive Michael stans are fighting hard to downplay this achievement

Can't they accept more people like Adele's album than Thriller?

JoeTyler said:

WaterInYourBath said:

The only reason I can surmise that can explain why this album is so popular is because she's appealing to the depressed. However, once she loses 30 lbs and goes Techno (which is inevitable), none of these people will care anymore. So Thriller level in numbers or not, there will be no Bad for her.

that was low and stupid on so many levels

or maybe she's appealing to those who respect/appreciate a well-crafted/no-filler album, unlike the silly crap and/or the self-important crap of our days...

[Edited 5/3/12 15:13pm]

No, that's called reality.

There's HUNDREDS of cool and innovative women who sing like that now, using that same type of instrumentation. They're all over the internet, but only this one gets over and sells millions like this? There's nothing unique about Adele's voice or commonplace "well-crafted" lyrics. Amy Winehouse didn't even garner sales like this, and she had quite an anomalous style. Which is why it's Adele's current relatable image only that's appealing to so many people for whatever reasons, and it's "stupid" to believe otherwise.

Cinnamon234 said:

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success. Lets not forget that "Thriller" wasn't just an album. It wasn't just about the music. It had groundbreaking music videos as well. The "Thriller" video of course being the epicenter. A 14 minute short film that had never been seen before in music. No one was doing video's like that before Michael. In addition it had iconic performances (Motown 25 for instance). It was much more than just a good, successful pop album.

Thriller is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon that will never be seen again.I had never seen anything like it.That album appealed to everybody....rock fans,R&B fans,white,black,and everything in between.Grandmothers knew the lyrics to all the songs I just don't see the same thing happening with Adele or any other current artist.Yes,her record is selling alot of copies but it's not having the same type of cultural impact as Thriller.Like you pointed out,Thriller was about more than just the music.There were the groundbreaking videos,the awesome performance of "Billie Jean" on that Motown TV special that left people breathless,the clothes,the white glove,Michael on the Grammys,crying as he clutches the 8 awards he won,etc.

something else: despite her album selling so many copies,I only know one song from it: "Rolling In The Deep".With Thriller,everyone knew the singles,even if you weren't an MJ fan.There was no way to avoid them In 1983,those songs were everywhere...all over MTV,all over rock,pop,R&B stations.

mancabdriver said:

oooohhhh the defensive Michael stans are fighting hard to downplay this achievement

Can't they accept more people like Adele's album than Thriller?

Huh?

21 has outsold Thriller in the UK. Not the world. That's all people are pointing out.

Ooooooh, look at Prince's juvenile fans, jumping on every opportunity to attack Mike's supporters.

Cinnamon234 said:

Cloudbuster said:

It's unlikely though. 21, while an excellent album, isn't an influential cultural phenomenon in the way that Thriller was.

And don't forget that Thriller's sales are at 60 million plus globally. (I'm rather unconvinced by the 100 million sales claim.)

I can't see 21 reaching that kind of sales figure. Her music just doesn't have that 'excitement' factor going for it.

I'd put "Thriller" more in the 70 million range, but i'm not convinced about that 100 milllion figure either. Either way "21" is huge, but I don't see it passing "Thriller's" sales although that would be something if it did.

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success.

As someone else said "21" is this generations "Jagged Little Pill" which was another phenomenal success, but will it surpass "Thriller" in sales or become the cultural phenomenon that it was and continues to be? It's doubtful. Lets not forget that "Thriller" wasn't just an album. It wasn't just about the music. It had groundbreaking music videos as well. The "Thriller" video of course being the epicenter. A 14 minute short film that had never been seen before in music. No one was doing video's like that before Michael. In addition it had iconic performances (Motown 25 for instance). It was much more than just a good, successful pop album.

It had so much going for it from the music to the video's to iconic performances. "Thriller" has conitnued to sell 100,000+ copies a year and this was even before Michael passed. It just can't be topped imo.

But with that said, congrats to Adele all the same lol. As I said, very impressive.

Congratulations to Adele indeed, a remarkable achievement in this current musical climate.

And quite frankly I don't care if it does surpass Thriller's sales.

Records are made to be broken and it wouldn't make Thriller any less great anyway.

Anyone who strongly dislikes Adele is basically a misogynist

and I mean it

JoeTyler said:

Anyone who strongly dislikes Adele is basically a misogynist

and I mean it

Or they could just not like her music.

Adele is a great singer and she made a great album,but let's not get carried away here She isn't breaking any new ground,or changing the world with her music.'21' is not a 'Saturday Night Fever/Thriller'-type of phenomenom.

SoulAlive said:

Adele is a great singer and she made a great album,but let's not get carried away here She isn't breaking any new ground,or changing the world with her music.'21' is not a 'Saturday Night Fever/Thriller'-type of phenomenom.

This shit right here.

SoulAlive said:

Adele is a great singer and she made a great album,but let's not get carried away here She isn't breaking any new ground,or changing the world with her music.'21' is not a 'Saturday Night Fever/Thriller'-type of phenomenom.

I think people know that but will eat up anything that puts Michael in a bad light... there really is nothing to debate here....

SoulAlive said:

Adele is a great singer and she made a great album,but let's not get carried away here She isn't breaking any new ground,or changing the world with her music.'21' is not a 'Saturday Night Fever/Thriller'-type of phenomenom.

I think she's actually breaking new ground.

Let's not forget 99% of todays popmusic is about electronic beats and a sex image. Ballads are not selling at all.

So for Adele, to have a album with almost only ballads, no techno beats and she's not half naked in her videos, she is breaking new ground in this time.

JoeTyler said:

Anyone who strongly dislikes Adele is basically a misogynist

and I mean it

And yet you dislike several more tallented female artists....

Cinnamon234 said:

Cloudbuster said:

It's unlikely though. 21, while an excellent album, isn't an influential cultural phenomenon in the way that Thriller was.

And don't forget that Thriller's sales are at 60 million plus globally. (I'm rather unconvinced by the 100 million sales claim.)

I can't see 21 reaching that kind of sales figure. Her music just doesn't have that 'excitement' factor going for it.

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success.

[Edited 5/3/12 20:14pm]

I think this is why Adele is selling so much. Just like with Michael, people of all ages, races and backgrounds like her. I hear 5 year old kids sing her songs, and people of 50 sing her songs.

robertlove said:

SoulAlive said:

Adele is a great singer and she made a great album,but let's not get carried away here She isn't breaking any new ground,or changing the world with her music.'21' is not a 'Saturday Night Fever/Thriller'-type of phenomenom.

I think she's actually breaking new ground.

Let's not forget 99% of todays popmusic is about electronic beats and a sex image. Ballads are not selling at all.

So for Adele, to have a album with almost only ballads, no techno beats and she's not half naked in her videos, she is breaking new ground in this time.

People were doing ballads before Adele was even born though. She isnt breaking new ground.

But the thing is, no one want's to see Adele half naked...

robertlove said:

Cinnamon234 said:

Adele obviously has a huge appeal, but the appeal Michael had with "Thriller" was something I don't think has ever been seen. People of all ages, races, backgrounds,etc. bought that album. From age 5 to 95, everyone and their Momma bought that album. It was a monster album that had universal appeal. I just don't see that being the case with "21" (at least not to the same extent) despite it's huge success.

[Edited 5/3/12 20:14pm]

I think this is why Adele is selling so much. Just like with Michael, people of all ages, races and backgrounds like her. I hear 5 year old kids sing her songs, and people of 50 sing her songs.

Are you honestly implying her album is on the SAME level as Thriller

For one thing, Adeles music isnt pop and it doesnt appeal to everybody as well as ALL demographics that you are suggesting. Michael and MAJOR crossover success world wide with Thriller and like alot have said it was more that JUST the album with why it was so popular and made a big impact

[Edited 5/4/12 7:48am]

Adele's 21 is one toned. You don't have to listen to more than one song to know what it's about...

Azz said:

JoeTyler said:

Anyone who strongly dislikes Adele is basically a misogynist

and I mean it

And yet you dislike several more tallented female artists....

Yes, I do find that post extremely..odd.

You call Whitney Houston "dull and boring" yet Adele's music is just as slow as Whitney's is/was. Hell, maybe even slower. Explain yourself.

mjscarousal said:

robertlove said:

I think this is why Adele is selling so much. Just like with Michael, people of all ages, races and backgrounds like her. I hear 5 year old kids sing her songs, and people of 50 sing her songs.

Are you honestly implying her album is on the SAME level as Thriller

For one thing, Adeles music isnt pop and it doesnt appeal to everybody as well as ALL demographics that you are suggesting. Michael and MAJOR crossover success world wide with Thriller and like alot have said it was more that JUST the album with why it was so popular and made a big impact

She's certainly appealing to all ages though.

My younger adopted sister who is 7 years old likes her music as does my mum who is 66.

It's happening.

Terrib3Towel said:

Azz said:

And yet you dislike several more tallented female artists....

Yes, I do find that post extremely..odd.

You call Whitney Houston "dull and boring" yet Adele's music is just as slow as Whitney's is/was. Hell, maybe even slower. Explain yourself.

I'm not really a big fan of Adele but I can understand why she has more credibility than WH (who i actually liked) - WH is no different from people like Celine, Leona Lewis, Jordan Sparks etc... Turn up and sing - little creative output and charisma - just a voice. - is that an artist or just a singer. I'd say the latter.

mancabdriver said:

Terrib3Towel said:

Yes, I do find that post extremely..odd.

You call Whitney Houston "dull and boring" yet Adele's music is just as slow as Whitney's is/was. Hell, maybe even slower. Explain yourself.

I'm not really a big fan of Adele but I can understand why she has more credibility than WH (who i actually liked) - WH is no different from people like Celine, Leona Lewis, Jordan Sparks etc... Turn up and sing - little creative output and charisma - just a voice. - is that an artist or just a singer. I'd say the latter.

I can kinda understand that, but when I listen to a song I could care less about who the writer or producer is. I don't like Adele because she wrote her whole album, I like her because I think her songs are good. Yes Whitney just showed up and sang, but I think she made being a vocalist an art in itself, which previously hadn't been done before. Whitney and her voice was like Hendrix and his guitar or Scott Joplin and his piano imo. But I know everyone one's different..I guess.

Terrib3Towel said:

I can kinda understand that, but when I listen to a song I could care less about who the writer or producer is. I don't like Adele because she wrote her whole album, I like her because I think her songs are good. Yes Whitney just showed up and sang, but I think she made being a vocalist an art in itself, which previously hadn't been done before. Whitney and her voice was like Hendrix and his guitar or Scott Joplin and his piano imo. But I know everyone one's different..I guess.

Billie Holiday beat her to it by about... ooh, 50 years or so at least.

tritoncin said:

I'm going to ask a question because I'm ignorant on this matter:

When "21" sales are compared to any other album, is it only the number of units what matters?

Because Thriller has been in the market for over... 30 years? and people have bought cassets, vinyls, cd's and the virtual stuff now, and I guess (as a music fan), everytime a copy is/was worn out people used to go and buy another one.

Yes, take into account the overall album sales, whether 1 or 30 years .... overall result.

During the first year Thriller sold 32 million, 21 sold 20 million

I already wrote that not the biggest fan of Adele, her album is good but not that great or brilliant, imo, BUT its sales have shown that low album sales of other stars, and depression in the market of music - is primarily a low score of contemporary music by audience, people just do not want to buy and spend their money on a product of poor quality. This is a crisis of artists, and the industry.
Adele apparently not breaked any border ... artists of this type have already been, and were popular at different times, but she is really different from 99% of what is now offering mainstream music.

[Edited 5/4/12 8:54am]

mjscarousal said:

robertlove said:

I think she's actually breaking new ground.

Let's not forget 99% of todays popmusic is about electronic beats and a sex image. Ballads are not selling at all.

So for Adele, to have a album with almost only ballads, no techno beats and she's not half naked in her videos, she is breaking new ground in this time.

People were doing ballads before Adele was even born though. She isnt breaking new ground.

Yeah, but not in this time. It's 'new' for this era.

mjscarousal said:

robertlove said:

I think this is why Adele is selling so much. Just like with Michael, people of all ages, races and backgrounds like her. I hear 5 year old kids sing her songs, and people of 50 sing her songs.

Are you honestly implying her album is on the SAME level as Thriller

For one thing, Adeles music isnt pop and it doesnt appeal to everybody as well as ALL demographics that you are suggesting. Michael and MAJOR crossover success world wide with Thriller and like alot have said it was more that JUST the album with why it was so popular and made a big impact

[Edited 5/4/12 7:48am]

To which group of people doesn't it appeal than?

I'm not saying it's on the same level of thriller, but I do think it appeals to a very wide group of all ages, just like Thriller did.

That's a good thing. More albums can appeal to a wide audience.