Human Nature’s nod to its Motown roots has been a goldmine for the Sydney-based Aussie R&B male vocal band. Its first Motown collection “Reach Out” from 2005 has sold 400,000 units (5 times platinum), according to Sony BMG Music Entertainment Australia.
It reached No. 1 on the official Australian Recording Industry Assn. (ARIA) chart in the week before Christmas, and again after Mother’s Day in May. It remains in the Top 50 fifty weeks after release.
The sequel, “Dancing In The Street”, debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA chart this week. The set shipped platinum (70,000 units).
It is Human Nature’s third chart-topping album, the first being its sophomore set “Counting Down” from 1999.
SMEA set up the release of “Dancing In The Street” initially targeting the act’s fanbase directly on the Internet. TV advertising and national concert dates followed.
Denis Handlin, chairman and CEO of SMEA, is confident the album can outsell its predecessor, and again register strong sales through Christmas and Mother’s Day.
Handlin tells Billboard.biz, “We are absolutely delighted with the album debuting at No. 1. Human Nature has now achieved two No. 1 albums in 2006 which is a very special achievement for any band.”
Only four other Australian acts have had two chart topping albums within a 12-month period. They have included rock band Skyhooks in 1975 with their first two albums “Living In The ’70s” and “Ego Is Not A Dirty Word” through Mushroom; Jimmy Barnes in 1988 with “Freight Train Hearts” and “Barnestorming” through Mushroom; and Delta Goodrem in 2004 with “Innocent Eyes” and “Mistaken Identity” on SMEA.
Human Nature will tour Asian territories, where there is strong interest from SMEA affiliates, and will play in Las Vegas in 2007.
