We already know that album sales are suffering and that the business has not been what it once was for years.  Taking a look at a few other results this year, Bruce Springsteen’s Magic, a collaboration with the E Street Band, sold 335,000 copies in the week ending October 7th. 

Perhaps a better indication of the significance of Britney’s result, Kanye West’s Graduation sold 957,000 copies in its first week.  50 Cent also released a new album that week, and sold 691,000 copies

The first week numbers would also be a significant drop compared to Britney’s other albums.  2003’s In the Zone sold 609,000 copies its first week.

There is, of course, the issue of internet piracy, which is believed to have played a significant role in the lead-up to the launch of Blackout.  Leaks of several singles and eventually the entire album occurred over a month prior to the release, a date which was bumped up two weeks because of the piracy surrounding the album.

The first week numbers do have a few bright spots: Gimme More has held the iTunes No. 1 position essentially since the day of its release, and Britney has done almost no promotional activities, something industry insiders believed would have a huge impact on sales.  Yes, she’s in the news every day, but for all the wrong reasons.  Perhaps this is one case where all press was not good press. 

Given the negatives – her MTV VMA performance to name yet another – Jive Records must be relieved the album has managed at least a decent result.