WASHINGTON, DC (Top40 Charts/ IFPI) - The fall 2007 season turned out to be a golden one for popular artists Jonas Brothers, Colbie Caillat, Paramore, The Shins,
Regina Spektor and Elliot Yamin, all receiving their first Gold record, according to the October and November report of Gold and Platinum certifications by the Recording
Industry Association of
America (RIAA).
Island Def Jam popular hip-hop artist Kanye West graduated to multi-Platinum in October after selling more than 2 million copies of his third album, Graduation. West also brings home his first multi-Platinum digital award for the track 'Gold Digger' featured on the album, also certified as a Platinum master Ringtone. Do we see a 'Multi-Platinum Digger' in the future? We'll leave that to Kanye.
Nickelback has every right reason to celebrate after selling more than 7 million units of their 2005 release All the Right Reasons. This Roadrunner Records release has been certified 7 times multi-Platinum by the RIAA, making it their highest selling album yet.
Country icon Reba McEntire continues to solidify her legacy by selling more than 40 million albums total and adding more certifications to her impressive roster. MCA Nashville's 2005 release Reba No 1's was certified double Platinum along with her most recent album Reba Duets. This latest work has sold more than 1 million units and features the popular Oklahoman singing with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Leanne Rhymes, Faith Hill, and Justin Timberlake.
New artist sensation Colbie Caillat received her first ever Gold and Platinum award for her debut album Coco, titled after her childhood nickname. Signed to Universal Motown after being discovered on MySpace, this 22-year old singer-songwriter from California just concluded her tour with rockers Lifehouse and the Goo Goo Dolls and has been rocking the charts with her popular tune 'Bubbly.'
Pop star and Island Def Jam recording artist Rihanna brought home some serious brass this fall, including a Gold and Platinum award for her latest album Good Girl Gone Bad. From this album, her hit single 'Umbrella' sold more than 2 million downloads, certifying it as a Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum digital single as well as a Gold and Platinum master Ringtone. Rihanna also received another two Platinum digital single awards for her tracks 'Pon De Replay' and 'Unfaithful.'
Rapper Common's seventh album release of Finding Forever earned him a Gold record, selling more than 500,000 units. Alongside his musical career, Common has also dabbled in acting, appearing in recent films Smokin' Aces and American Gangster, officially making his name ironic.
New Jersey siblings Kevin, Nicholas, and Joseph partnered up to form the teen rock band known as the Jonas Brothers. Their eponymous sophomore and self-titled album released on Hollywood records landed this trio their first Gold record, selling more than half a million units.
Exclamation points abound as Tennessee punk-pop group Paramore's sophomore release Riot! from Fueled by Ramen sold more than 500,000 units, certifying it Gold.
Also in the freshman Gold class is Russian-born folk rocker Regina Spektor who received her first Gold certification for her first album off Sire Records entitled Begin to Hope.
American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin scored a Gold award for his self-titled release on Hickory Records. He has already received a Gold digital single award for the patient track 'Wait for You' off the album.
Sub Pop Recording artists The Shins received their first Gold album certification for Wincing the Night Away, which also has them climbing to the top of the Billboard charts and no longer causing any nocturnal pain.
The RIAA awarded a total of 51 albums, 16 digital single and 3 Master Ringtone in both October and November 2007. All certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Complete lists of all album, single, mastertone and video awards can also be accessed at www.riaa.com.