So in case you haven't noticed, the concept of an artist having an album is pretty laughable. Gone are the days where unknown bands could hope for a "big break" by getting a video played on MTV, or having a song chart on radio. Having a #1 single in 2008 will not even guarentee that an artist will go GOLD. Look at Rihanna: her smash, "Umbrella," couldn't even sell her album; it took three additional singles and a holiday season. It's really sad actually. It comes from two things:
- the decline in overall quality of records
- consumer doubt that artists can deliver a solid album
In the late 90's, the music industry pushed SO much disposable music in order to increase sales, and it worked. The year 2000 saw the highest number of albums sold in history, a whopping 785.1 million records scanned. The problem with that is how SO many of those CD's were anchored by a select few cherry-picked singles. This caused a general disgust from consumers that paid $14.99 for an album that sucked while the record labels laughed all the way to the bank.
In addition, the turn-over rate for those albums exceeds anything close to today. That's why anyone can go into a used record store, a flea market, or a bargain bin and find copies of the biggest titles before 2002. I'm talking Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion. Albums that have sold an excess of 10 million copies, yet for some reason are sitting in $0.99 bins across the country.
The total albums sold for 2007 is expected to be just shy of 500 million, down 34% from 2000. (a percent that has been somewhat consistant for the past 5 years.) This percentage is the reflection of illegal downloads. Saying that for every 3 albums sold, someone else got the album for free. It also shows the publics unwillingness to buy records they feel are not worth even $12. That's why I'd actually be more proud of a GOLD record in 2008 than a PLATINUM record 10 years ago. To sell albums these days, people have to REALLY like what they're buying; anyone can DL a song, an album, or a band's entire catalogue for free! In the 90's you'd literally have to wait until the album was released to hear it. No "leaks" or mp3 sites having entire albums a month in advance.
Downloads have completely changed the music industry. People are disecting albums, taking the songs they want, and adding them to their iTunes. An album? Oh, child, the album is dead! Welcome to 1955!
Usher's 2004 record, Confessions, is likely to be the last album in history certified DIAMOND for selling 10 million copies.
