Adele's forthcoming album is looking to have some competition. Adele's previous albums, "19" and "21" - subsequently named after the age she wrote the album, were both released to commercial and critical success.
"19" went four times platinum in the U.K. and double platinum in the U.S. "21" was released to just as much success, reaching of the fourth best-selling album of all tie in the UK, going platinum 16 times in Britain, and reaching "Diamond" status in the U.S. This means "21" held the top spot in the album charts longer than any other album since 1985. - selling 30 million copies worldwide. Retailers are definitely hoping for the same from her third installment "25" from the British songstress, but there may be a worthy opponent on the rise.
Retailers are anticipating a Nov. 20 release for Adele's "25." The "Now! That's What I Call Music" compilation series has confirmed the release of "Now! 92" on the same day.
The 32-year old "Now!" series is quite the opponent - at a bargain price and a diverse set of chart-topping singles. The double-disc set has a track record of success. As The Independent explains, "Now! 89," which was released the approximate time last year, "became the fastest-selling album of 2014, racking up one million sales in just over five weeks. Only Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith sold more, with albums that had already been on sale throughout much of the year."
Moreover, even in an age of album streams, "Now!" has fared pretty well, selling 2.5 million copies this year, which is a 20 percent increase from the previous year. In comparison, the best-selling album of this year, James Bay's "Chaos and the Calm" has only sold 350,000 copies and downloads.
Whoa! "25" is facing some fierce competition. The "Someone Like You" singer's third LP is looking towards a Nov. 20 release date, however this is yet to be confirmed by her label Beggars/XL independent group. The album is looking to feature work with "Happy" producer Pharrell Williams, Swedish pop artist Max Martin, Canadian singer/songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr, and producer/musicians Danger Mouse and Ryan Tedder.
Regardles, it sounds like it is going to be a smash.