The Weekend Makes History with Fifth No. 1 Album

A Triumphant Return to the Top of the Charts

The Weeknd has once again proven his unstoppable force in the music industry by securing his fifth No. 1 album on the Billboard chart with Hurry Up Tomorrow. This achievement not only solidifies his status as a pop powerhouse but also marks a significant milestone in his career. The album’s release, initially set for late January, was delayed by a week due to the Los Angeles wildfires, but the wait only seemed to heighten anticipation. When Hurry Up Tomorrow finally dropped on January 31, it debuted with the largest overall numbers on the Billboard chart since Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets in April of the previous year. The Weeknd’s ability to draw massive numbers, even after a slight delay, is a testament to his devoted fanbase and his ability to blend the lines between pop and the darker, eerie vibes he’s known for.

A Grammy Boost and a Historic Comeback

The Weeknd’s performance at the Grammy Awards played a pivotal role in the album’s success. After a four-year boycott of the event due to grievances over the voting process, The Weeknd returned to the stage, delivering a two-song medley that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most compelling live performers in the industry. This performance not only brought attention back to his music but also seemed to reignite his relationship with the Grammys. The timing couldn’t have been better, as it coincided with the album’s release, giving Hurry Up Tomorrow a much-needed boost. The album’s first-week numbers were nothing short of impressive, with 490,500 equivalent sales in the U.S. alone, as reported by Luminate. This figure represents a combination of digital downloads, physical sales, and streams, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to dominate across all formats.

Breaking Down the Numbers: A Streaming and Sales Giant

While The Weeknd is undoubtedly a streaming heavyweight—boasting over 20 tracks with at least a billion streams on Spotify—Hurry Up Tomorrow saw its success driven largely by traditional sales. The album sold 183,000 digital downloads, 99,000 CDs, and a whopping 77,000 vinyl copies, marking The Weeknd’s best week ever in the vinyl format. For the nostalgic few, there were even 1,000 cassette copies sold, proving that physical music still holds a special place in fans’ hearts. Additionally, the album’s 22 tracks amassed 172 million streams, further cementing The Weeknd’s status as a streaming giant. The combined total of 490,500 equivalent sales places Hurry Up Tomorrow as the highest-performing album in a single week since Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets debuted with a staggering 2.6 million equivalent sales last April.

The Vinyl Revival: The Weeknd’s Best Week Yet

The Weeknd’s success with Hurry Up Tomorrow is particularly notable for its strong performance in the vinyl market. Selling 77,000 copies in its first week, the album marks The Weeknd’s best week ever for vinyl sales. This accomplishment speaks to the enduring appeal of physical music, even in an era dominated by streaming. Vinyl has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many fans appreciating the tangible connection it offers to the music and the artwork. The Weeknd’s ability to tap into this trend highlights his versatility as an artist and his willingness to cater to a wide range of audiences. Whether it’s through digital downloads, CDs, or vinyl records, The Weeknd continues to prove that his music transcends formats.

The Grammys’ Impact on the Charts

The Grammys, as always, played a significant role in shaping the music charts this week. In addition to The Weeknd’s performance, other artists saw notable moves following the ceremony. Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos slipped to second place after spending three weeks at the top, while SZA’s SOS dropped one spot to No. 3. Meanwhile, some of the night’s big winners and performers saw a modest boost in their album sales. Kendrick Lamar, who took home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” saw his album GNX fall one spot to No. 4, though its numbers slightly increased. Billie Eilish, who performed but left empty-handed, saw her album Hit Me Hard and Soft rise five spots to No. 5. Chappell Roan, who performed and won Best New Artist, enjoyed the biggest jump, with her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess leaping eight spots to No. 6.

The Weeknd’s Legacy Continues to Grow

With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd has once again reminded the world of his artistic prowess and his ability to connect with fans on a massive scale. The album’s success is not just a reflection of his talent but also a testament to his dedication to his craft. From the delay caused by the Los Angeles wildfires to his triumphant return to the Grammys stage, The Weeknd’s journey with this album has been nothing short of remarkable. As he continues to break records and push boundaries, it’s clear that The Weeknd’s legacy will only continue to grow. With Hurry Up Tomorrow, he’s solidified his place as one of the most important artists of his generation, and fans can’t wait to see what he does next.