 NASHVILLE, Tenn., (By Regina Stuve/ MCA Nashville) - Country Superstar Gary Allan debuts at No 1 on the Billboard Country Album Chart. Marking the best selling first week in the history of his career, TOUGH ALL OVER on MCA Nashville, sold 99,662 units its first week in stores. With first day sales exceeding the 30,000 mark, retailers were forced to begin re-ordering the album on the second day it was available to consumers. This album is a very personal one for Allan. It showcases not only his rich and unique voice, but his heart and soul as well. An album review in Entertainment Weekly summed it up by saying, "...the music of California honky-tonker Allan has always set itself apart with a dark, dreamy vibe and an edge of hypnotic danger. Tough is a bold album of soul-piercing beauty." Indeed, the album is bold. Allan took a risk in writing more on this album than ever before while allowing us a glimpse inside his head and his heart. Fans and critics alike are applauding him for it. His fiercely loyal fan base showed up at retail in force the first week as overwhelming reviews of the album continued to pour in for TOUGH ALL OVER. The New York Times calls the album "elegant" and "dazzling," while in USA Today the album was described as "sometimes chilling, always heartbreaking ... achingly beautiful." Allan, his manager and band learned of the news while on tour in Australia. When told of the first week sales figures and the glowing reviews Allan said, "I poured my soul into TOUGH ALL OVER. I have always spoken through my music and I am very grateful that what I have to say continues to connect with the fans." His manager John Lytle went on to say, "Gary and his team have been working very hard for a long time, taking his brand of country music to the people. It is very exciting to see his career make such strides. Between this CD release and upcoming tour opportunities, this should be a stellar year for Gary Allan." Allan is a gifted singer who's enjoyed back to back number one hits at radio and critical acclaim. He's an intoxicating entertainer who breaks attendance records at venues across the country while performing to sold-out crowds night after night. Above all, he is a man who has poured his heart into a collection of songs on TOUGH ALL OVER, the album Country Weekly calls "one of the bravest and most stunningly intimate mainstream country albums ever made."
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