Swift's Reign Continues: "The Tortured Poets Department" Hits 12 Weeks at No. 1
Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" has secured its 12th consecutive week at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, making it her longest-running No. 1 album, surpassing her previous records set by "1989" and "Fearless," both of which held the top spot for 11 weeks.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Swift, solidifying her reign as a dominant force in the music industry. "The Tortured Poets Department" earned 163,000 equivalent album units in the week ending July 11, representing a 43% increase from the previous week, showcasing a continued surge in popularity.
The album's sustained success is particularly impressive considering its debut at the top of the chart on May 4th, and its unwavering grip on the No. 1 position ever since. This feat places "The Tortured Poets Department" in elite company, as only two other albums have achieved this level of dominance: Morgan Wallen's "One Thing at a Time" (12 consecutive weeks at No. 1 out of a total of 19 in 2023-24) and Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" (13 consecutive weeks at No. 1 out of a total of 14 in 1976-77).
Furthermore, "The Tortured Poets Department" stands alone as the only album by a woman to hold the No. 1 spot for its first 12 weeks, surpassing Whitney Houston's 1987 album "Whitney" which held the top spot for 11 consecutive weeks.
The chart's top 10 also features a strong showing from Zach Bryan's "The Great American Bar Scene," which catapulted to the No. 2 position in its first full tracking week, earning 137,000 equivalent album units, a staggering 363% increase from its first day of release.
The album's release on July 4th, a Thursday, contributed to its success, as albums typically launch on Fridays, marking the beginning of the chart's tracking week. "The Great American Bar Scene" showcases Bryan's rising popularity, marking his fourth top 10 entry on the Billboard 200.
The Billboard 200 chart reflects album popularity in the United States, incorporating multi-metric consumption, including album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The chart's data is meticulously reviewed and authenticated by Luminate, ensuring the integrity of the rankings.
Swift's continued dominance and Bryan's surge in popularity highlight the dynamic and competitive landscape of the music industry. The Billboard 200 chart provides a snapshot of the most popular albums in the country, offering valuable insights into the evolving tastes and preferences of music listeners.
