NASHVILLE, TN. (Universal
Music Group Nashville/ www.mercurynashville.com) - For the first time in history, Universal
Music Group Nashville (UMGN) sweeps the No 1, No 2 and No 3 spots on SoundScan's Top Current Country Albums Chart.
Securing the top seat is
Shania Twain with "Shania Twain Greatest Hits." Catapulting her first-ever greatest hits to all-time highs, Twain now holds the titles of biggest country greatest hits debut in the history of SoundScan and the second biggest greatest hits debut behind The Beatles.
Further contributing to this milestone are "Toby Keith Greatest Hits 2," which landed the number two spot and George Strait's "50 Number Ones" at number three, which concluded its five-week run at the top of the chart. With this news comes fresh kudos for Keith who takes the third biggest country greatest hits debut and the fifth biggest among all genres.
Grabbing the top three slots puts UMGN in control with market share of 76% of the Top 10 chart and 65% of the overall Top 75 chart. "When any label group places records No 1, No 2 and No 3 on the charts, it's an amazing achievement... when the sales of those records accounts for 76% of the total top 10 sales for the week, its almost mind-boggling," exclaimed Ben Kline, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, UMGN. "In addition, UMGN amassed an unprecedented percentage of the Top 75 chart, and one of every two country records sold in America last week was a UMGN title... simply incredible."
"Shania Twain Greatest Hits," the first ever greatest hits album from the multi-Grammy, multi-platinum-selling artist consists of 21 tracks; 17 of Twain's chart-topping hits and three brand new songs, including the current smash duet "Party for Two." Twain is the only artist in history to have three consecutive 10x platinum certified albums ("The Woman In Me," 12x platinum; "Come On Over," 20x platinum and "UP!," 10x platinum). "Come On Over" is the best-selling record in SoundScan history.
"This latest achievement by Shania proves that nothing should ever surprise us with her," said Kline. "She continues to prove herself as one of only a handful of artists that appeals to every corner of the music-buying population... I am unbelievably proud to be a part of this historic week."
"Toby Keith Greatest Hits 2" consists of 14 tracks, 3 new songs and 2 live recordings from his "Big Throwdown Tour." Reigning Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, two times consecutive, Keith maintains a multi-platinum status with four albums ("How Do You Like Me Now?!," platinum; "Pull My Chain," 2x platinum; "Unleashed," 4x platinum and "Shock 'N Y'all," 4x platinum). Keith's current single, "Stays in Mexico" is also on the greatest hits album.
Fifteen-time Country Music Association Award winner and 22-year country music veteran George Strait received his highest album debut ever with "50 Number Ones," which includes one new song, Strait's current single, "I Hate Everything." Giving fans more than they bargained for, Strait actually delivered an album of 51 No1's when "I Hate Everything" garnered the No 1 spot on country radio within a week of the album's release.
Universal Music Group is the world's largest music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 71 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the industry's largest global music publishing operations.
