The Billboard 200:
As reported earlier this week, Carrie Underwood claimed her third No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with “Blown Away.” The effort, her fourth release overall, debuted atop the list with 267,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It was a busy top 10, as six new albums debuted in the region. Norah Jones’ “Little Broken Hearts” started in the runner-up slot (110,000), while the “Now 42” compilation staked its claim at No. 3 (95,000).
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Carrie Underwood’s ‘Blown Away’ Debuts At No. 1 With Best Country Sales In Months
However, let’s look at some of the movers and shakers farther down this week’s list:
— Coldplay: The band’s first visit to “American Idol” (May 3) helps generate a 34% increase in sales for its album “Mylo Xyloto.” The set, which was released last year, jumps 65-49 on the chart, selling 9,000 copies. The group was in Los Angeles (where “Idol” is filmed) for a three-show stand at the Hollywood Bowl (May 1, 2 and 4).
— Various Artists, “Every Mother Counts”: The second volume of the all-star charity compilation features 19 songs and debuts at No. 50 with 8,000 sold. The Starbucks-exclusive album includes contributions from Sting, Bono, Sade and David Bowie. Proceeds from its sales benefit the Every Mother Counts organization, which supports maternal health care worldwide.
— Gavin DeGraw: Though dismissed from the “Dancing With the Stars” stage weeks ago, the former contestant returned to the ballroom to perform his “Sweeter” album’s title track on May 1. In turn, the album’s sales jump by 63% and it vaults 198-113 on the tally.
— ” Avengers: Assemble”: The blockbuster movie’s soundtrack just misses the top 10, as it arrives at No. 11 with 27,000 sold. It features Soundgarden’s new song, “Live to Rise,” which also starts at No. 39 on the Rock Digital Songs chart (9,000 downloads; up 214%).
— Red Hot Chili Peppers: The band’s iTunes-exclusive “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Covers” set debuts at No. 91 with 5,000 sold. The latest entry gives the Chili Peppers an even dozen chart entries in its history on the Billboard 200. The band first debuted on the Billboard 200 almost 25 years ago — on Nov. 21, 1987 with “Uplift Mofo Party Plan.”
— Jackie Evancho: The young performer sang two songs on the May 1 edition of “Dancing With the Stars,” thus prompting her “Dream With Me” album’s out of the blue 220% gain. With 3,000 sold, it reenters the Billboard 200 at No. 178 and returns to No. 1 on the Classical Crossover chart for the first time since Nov. 5, 2011.