Timing is everything. And this week, country star Blake Shelton picked just the right time to release his new album, “Red River Blue,” as it is on course to become his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week.
Industry sources suggest “The Voice” coach could sell around 110,000 copies of the set by week’s end on Sunday, July 17. That would easily place it at No. 1, ahead of the likely No. 2 set — Incubus’ new “If Not Now, When?,” which might do around 75,000.
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Shelton’s Billboard 200 history dates back to his 2001 self-titled debut, which peaked at No. 45. He’s since notched eight more chart entries, including four top 10 albums. His last studio set, “All About Tonight” (EP), debuted and peaked at No. 6 last August. That effort also became his first No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart — a destination he’s clearly headed with his new “Red River Blue” album.
“Red River Blue” is led by his No. 13 Billboard Hot 100 hit single “Honey Bee” — his highest charting single on that tally.
Other albums aiming for a big bow next week include Chris Young’s “Neon” and Colbie Caillat’s “All Of You,” which will both likely start in the top five. Beyonce’s “4” will likely yield the No. 1 slot to Shelton and slip to No. 5.