Report: Mariah Carey's Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse Off to Modest Sales Start
May 29
Link

Mariah Carey's newly released album, Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse, is projected to have a modest sales start.

According to Hits Daily Double, the singer's fourteenth studio effort is expected to sell approximately 60,000 to 65,000 copies in its first week. Industry forecasters suggest the sales will give Carey a top three debut.

Her previous album, 2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart with first week sales of 168,000 copies.

Carey's latest effort could deliver the lowest first week sales of her career, not including her two holiday albums.

The official sales tally will be released on Wednesday.

Identity said:

Report: Mariah Carey's Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse Off to Modest Sales Start
May 29
Link

Mariah Carey's newly released album, Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse, is projected to have a modest sales start.

According to Hits Daily Double, the singer's fourteenth studio effort is expected to sell approximately 60,000 to 65,000 copies in its first week. Industry forecasters suggest the sales will give Carey a top three debut.

Her previous album, 2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart with first week sales of 168,000 copies.

Carey's latest effort could deliver the lowest first week sales of her career, not including her two holiday albums.

The official sales tally will be released on Wednesday.

Expected. Island dropped the ball with the promo. But, still pretty good considering that the average veteran R&B singer can't even move half that amount of units over an extended period of time.

Identity said:

Report: Mariah Carey's Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse Off to Modest Sales Start
May 29
Link

Mariah Carey's newly released album, Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse, is projected to have a modest sales start.

According to Hits Daily Double, the singer's fourteenth studio effort is expected to sell approximately 60,000 to 65,000 copies in its first week. Industry forecasters suggest the sales will give Carey a top three debut.

Her previous album, 2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart with first week sales of 168,000 copies.

Carey's latest effort could deliver the lowest first week sales of her career, not including her two holiday albums.

The official sales tally will be released on Wednesday.

It may have something to do with the fact that she is 43, that there is no strong lead off single to wake people up again, also the album leaked 2 weeks ago all over because THE LABEL STREAMED IT. But 65, 000 is troubling depending on how much they spent on this. To me its irrelevant but people still focus on numbers, all i can say is that Elton John's latest one of his best, only sold 115,000 overall and people (industry) were freaking out, they thought it might do more, and he had no promo or singles just stuff he did on his own label. Every interview i have heard in the last 5 years with LEGENDS and VETERANS in this business, they know music doesnt sell anymore, in fact to quote Elton John, Albums dont sell period which is why most dont even cut them anymore, FleetWood Mac is actually talking about just doing an EP again to release, Motley Crue is going out with a final tour and no album, just a single or two. Its over folks they get it we need too.

Without doubt, the album is lacking promotional muscle. Perhaps she should launch a short tour in support of it. But I will say this: the album will be deemed a failure if the initial sales numbers are below 75K, a dismal first week for someone of her stature.

[Edited 5/29/14 20:10pm]

SoulAlive said:

Most of the "buzz singles" failed to catch on with the public.The latest single "Thirsty" doesn't seem likely to turn things around.The poor sales aren't surprising at all.

I think most folks rely on Youtube to hear music and don't bother with buying it. Concert tickets for most artists are VERY expensive, so that's another part of the problem as well. Hopefully she can get some publicity and make some decent numbers.

SeventeenDayze said:

SoulAlive said:

Most of the "buzz singles" failed to catch on with the public.The latest single "Thirsty" doesn't seem likely to turn things around.The poor sales aren't surprising at all.

I think most folks rely on Youtube to hear music and don't bother with buying it. Concert tickets for most artists are VERY expensive, so that's another part of the problem as well. Hopefully she can get some publicity and make some decent numbers.

like Identity suggested,she needs to go on a quick tour.She's gotta get out there and work this album.Otherwise,this album will fade away quickly.

Yeah,that would be a major embarassment,for an artist of her stature.Even in this era of declining sales,a new Mariah Carey album should do at least 100k in its first week.

Identity said:

I will say this: the album will be deemed a failure if the initial sales numbers are below 75K, a dismal first week for someone of her stature.

SoulAlive said:

Yeah,that would be a major embarassment,for an artist of her stature.Even in this era of declining sales,a new Mariah Carey album should do at least 100k in its first week.

Identity said:

I will say this: the album will be deemed a failure if the initial sales numbers are below 75K, a dismal first week for someone of her stature.

Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

LiveToTell86 said:

SoulAlive said:

Yeah,that would be a major embarassment,for an artist of her stature.Even in this era of declining sales,a new Mariah Carey album should do at least 100k in its first week.

Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

I know that it's a different era now,but still,she should be doing at least 100k in her first week.She's not completely "over" yet.She is still hot property in the music business.The promotional strategy for this album was a mess.

SoulAlive said:

LiveToTell86 said:

Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

I know that it's a different era now,but still,she should be doing at least 100k in her first week.She's not completely "over" yet.She is still hot property in the music business.The promotional strategy for this album was a mess.

What was the promotional strategy like for this album? I don't remember what she's done in years past but then again, music distributionn has completely changed. It's hard to keep up with all of these changes. So, when I hear about an artist selling X number of units, I wonder if it's inflated by the record companies who want to use fake data for marketing purposes.

SeventeenDayze said:

SoulAlive said:

I know that it's a different era now,but still,she should be doing at least 100k in her first week.She's not completely "over" yet.She is still hot property in the music business.The promotional strategy for this album was a mess.

What was the promotional strategy like for this album? I don't remember what she's done in years past but then again, music distributionn has completely changed. It's hard to keep up with all of these changes. So, when I hear about an artist selling X number of units, I wonder if it's inflated by the record companies who want to use fake data for marketing purposes.

She kept on releasing several "buzz singles" but only one of them became a hit ("Beautiful" with Miguel).The strategy was "let's throw everything at the wall until we find something that sticks" in the meantime,the album kept getting delayed over and over.It just seems that Mariah and/or her record company didn't know what to do with this album and now,the album is in stores this week without a big hit single to keep it afloat.

Livetotell86 said: Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

Look no further than her age to see what's going on? Mariah doesn't try to please her fan base yet she tries earnestly to appease a young demographic with her foray into hip hop, which, frankly, ain't producing favorable results now. She has to hit the road to promote the new music.

SoulAlive said:

SeventeenDayze said:

What was the promotional strategy like for this album? I don't remember what she's done in years past but then again, music distributionn has completely changed. It's hard to keep up with all of these changes. So, when I hear about an artist selling X number of units, I wonder if it's inflated by the record companies who want to use fake data for marketing purposes.

She kept on releasing several "buzz singles" but only one of them became a hit ("Beautiful" with Miguel).The strategy was "let's throw everything at the wall until we find something that sticks" in the meantime,the album kept getting delayed over and over.It just seems that Mariah and/or her record company didn't know what to do with this album and now,the album is in stores this week without a big hit single to keep it afloat.

Yeah that's true because I think "We Belong Together" did really well but you didn't really hear the other tracks on that album.

Identity said:

Livetotell86 said: Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

Look no further than her age to see what's going on? Mariah doesn't try to please her fan base yet she tries earnestly to appease a young demographic with her foray into hip hop, which, frankly, ain't producing favorable results now. She has to hit the road to promote the new music.

I'm not sure if she's trying to appeal to a younger audience or if she's just trying to "stay young" for her long-time fans.

SoulAlive said:

SeventeenDayze said:

What was the promotional strategy like for this album? I don't remember what she's done in years past but then again, music distributionn has completely changed. It's hard to keep up with all of these changes. So, when I hear about an artist selling X number of units, I wonder if it's inflated by the record companies who want to use fake data for marketing purposes.

She kept on releasing several "buzz singles" but only one of them became a hit ("Beautiful" with Miguel).The strategy was "let's throw everything at the wall until we find something that sticks" in the meantime,the album kept getting delayed over and over.It just seems that Mariah and/or her record company didn't know what to do with this album and now,the album is in stores this week without a big hit single to keep it afloat.

I'm still not understanding why veteran acts are opting for single releases instead of full-length albums (I know finding distribution is part of the problem). But, if you are with a label, why waste time releasing singles that people probably aren't going to know about and will never hear? I really can't recall a veteran act as of late who went the singles route that were successful. I mean, we still have veteran acts like Will Downing (who releases full-length albums on a consistant basis), Maysa Leak, Ann Nesby and a few more who continue to release full length albums knowing they are only going to sell a few thousand copies. But, they also know the audience that they manage to maintain are not interested in single releases and want full-length albums instead.

And, on a side note, I think it's time for Mimi to leave Island Music. I'm sure there are many labels who will be more than happy to have her. Now, whether or not they are going to continue to allow her to target her music to a younger audience, is a different story. They may require more maturity from her, which is probably why she may be sticking with Island because they are not pressuring her into what she doesn't want to do.

[Edited 5/30/14 6:26am]

Reminder

NBC’s primetime special, “Mariah Carey: At Home In Concert With Matt Lauer” airs Saturday, May 31 at 8pm/7c.

kitbradley said:

SoulAlive said:

She kept on releasing several "buzz singles" but only one of them became a hit ("Beautiful" with Miguel).The strategy was "let's throw everything at the wall until we find something that sticks" in the meantime,the album kept getting delayed over and over.It just seems that Mariah and/or her record company didn't know what to do with this album and now,the album is in stores this week without a big hit single to keep it afloat.

I'm still not understanding why veteran acts are opting for single releases instead of full-length albums (I know finding distribution is part of the problem). But, if you are with a label, why waste time releasing singles that people probably aren't going to know about and will never hear? I really can't recall a veteran act as of late who went the singles route that were successful. I mean, we still have veteran acts like Will Downing (who releases full-length albums on a consistant basis), Maysa Leak, Ann Nesby and a few more who continue to release full length albums knowing they are only going to sell a few thousand copies. But, they also know the audience that they manage to maintain are not interested in single releases and want full-length albums instead.

And, on a side note, I think it's time for Mimi to leave Island Music. I'm sure there are many labels who will be more than happy to have her. Now, whether or not they are going to continue to allow her to target her music to a younger audience, is a different story. They may require more maturity from her, which is probably why she may be sticking with Island because they are not pressuring her into what she doesn't want to do.

[Edited 5/30/14 6:26am]

Yep! That's what I'm thinking, it's the devil you know the devil you don't know. She'll probably stick with that label for a while.

Mariah Carey Heading for No. 3 on Billboard 200

May 30, 2014
Link

Diva Mariah Carey is heading for her 17th top 10 album on the Billboard 200 chart -- but the No. 1 slot will likely elude the singer.

Carey's new effort, Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse, could sell around 55,000 to 60,000 copies in the week ending June 1 (according to industry forecasters), for a possible start at No. 3. That would mark Carey's lowest sales debut for a non-holiday studio album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.

Her previous low came when 1991's Emotions launched at No. 4 with 156,000, according to SoundScan. (

Chanteuse was released on May 27 by Def Jam Records -- nearly five years after her last non-holiday studio album, 2009's Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel.

Chanteuse was tentatively earmarked for a release in March of 2013, but was then pushed to July 23, then to May 6, 2014, and finally May 27.

The promotion for the new set arguably started in August of 2012 with the release of the single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)," a song which does not appear on Chanteuse.

The new album's most recent charting single, "You're Mine (Eternal)," spent one week on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 88 on the March 1-dated chart. The set previously logged a No. 15 hit with "#Beautiful," featuring Miguel, in June 2013. Comparably, the "Memoirs" album launched with the No. 7-peaking single "Obsessed."

LiveToTell86 said:

Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

The difference is...Madonna will simply head out on tour,which will gross over $300 million,and she will end the year with the year's biggest tour.Record sales don't mean much to her because she clearly knows where the REAL money is.Mariah's situation is much different.

At the very least,she should do a quick tour of the major US markets (Chicago,NY,San Francisco Bay Area,Los Angeles,etc) to get people excited about the new album.For their part,her record label should quickly release a stronger single.

SoulAlive said:

LiveToTell86 said:

Based on what? She's 45 years old, all of her buzz singles failed, American Idol was fading when she was on it, her last studio album was nearly 5 years ago and that debuted with around ~170k. Since then album sales have dropped dramatically, artists don't sell CDs based on name alone anymore, it is a differnet era now. You should brace yourself, because Madonna probably won't be doing more than 125k and that will also "feel" an embarrassment for her as well...

The difference is...Madonna will simply head out on tour,which will gross over $300 million,and she will end the year with the year's biggest tour.Record sales don't mean much to her because she clearly knows where the REAL money is.Mariah's situation is much different.

You are right of course, Madonna is doing much better because of her tours now than she ever did with albums and singles sales, only the fans want her to SELL to justify their tastes, my point was that there is no such thing as "artist sells by their name" anymore, albums are almost completely irrelevant now apart from hardcore music fans because of YouTube, Spotify, iTunes etc and young people don't care for acts who started in the 1980s and the 1990s (even Britney Spears' last album was a complete non-event while at one time she used to score Diamond albums just like Mariah herself).

As for Mariah, I listened to it on Spotify, this is definitely one of her stronger efforts, I mostly like random songs from her, but not complete albums (even Butterfly was too much filler for me), but this one sounds well rounded off. Her cover of "One More Try" by George Michael is just as pointless as "The Beautiful Ones" cover on Butterfly though...

Damn, I'm looking through the Target ad for this past week and there's no mention of the album, despite the fact they're selling an exclusive version of it. Some serious fuckery going on. Also, the sale price on their website is $16.99, down from $19.99. No wonder people don't want to buy shit anymore.

JoeBala said:

Reminder

NBC’s primetime special, “Mariah Carey: At Home In Concert With Matt Lauer” airs Saturday, May 31 at 8pm/7c.

Thanks, Joe. I'll set my DVR.

Identity said:

JoeBala said:

Reminder

NBC’s primetime special, “Mariah Carey: At Home In Concert With Matt Lauer” airs Saturday, May 31 at 8pm/7c.

Thanks, Joe. I'll set my DVR.

Well this will help somewhat give it a boost for a week, probably not much. A tour could help, but honestly i don't think it will, a tour will center around "the hits" and with no single taking over its a pretty doomed album. A better move would have been and (people wont wanna hear this) would have been to do a similar tour like Lionel is , but to also go back and possibly not have done a new album, but had another hits record, re done some hits, something to at least get her back into the light. Right now 5 years since her last album and that album was a disaster to say the least, she needed something other than this album, a good record overall in places but still cant help get her into her market again. She still hasnt accepting that teens and radio now dont dig her.

lastdecember said:

Identity said:

Thanks, Joe. I'll set my DVR.

Well this will help somewhat give it a boost for a week, probably not much. A tour could help, but honestly i don't think it will, a tour will center around "the hits" and with no single taking over its a pretty doomed album. A better move would have been and (people wont wanna hear this) would have been to do a similar tour like Lionel is , but to also go back and possibly not have done a new album, but had another hits record, re done some hits, something to at least get her back into the light. Right now 5 years since her last album and that album was a disaster to say the least, she needed something other than this album, a good record overall in places but still cant help get her into her market again. She still hasnt accepting that teens and radio now dont dig her.

Well, if I'm going to go true stan on Mariah's new release, I'd have to say "Fuck you NBC!" You just fucked up Mariah's triumphant comeback to the top of the charts. They were supposed to air this special on Wednesday night after the World Music Awards where Mariah was supposed to perform and receive the Icon award, but no; they aired a repeat of the season premiere of Last Comic Standing instead, and they bumped Mariah's special for some news special about an interview they did with some hacker who leaked classified information about the NSA spying on all Americans' electronic communicaton. Fuck you Edward Snowden! They should have thrown your punk ass in jail. Instead you ruined my woman's album debut. It's all your fault.

Not that she released a whole bunch of singles in the past year which tanked on the charts, save for "#Beautiful" which was only a modest hit that peaked at number 15 number one in fifteen different countries, or that she had a lackluster stint as a judge on American Idol, or that she keeps chasing a younger demographic that already has their own favorite divas in Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and that Nickelodeon chick that sounds like Mariah. It's all NBC's fault for ruining Mariah's album debut.

WELCOME ID. Cool to see JB Smooth and Al B. Sure in the audience. Why the heck does she lip sync though?

JoeBala said:

WELCOME ID. Cool to see JB Smooth and Al B. Sure in the audience. Why the heck does she lip sync though?

Yeah I wondered why lip sync was used. Otherwise, it was a nice special. There was only one strange music video where she just sat in the same place and toss her hair around or something. But, the special was nice from what I saw.