SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – DECEMBER 16: South Korean boy group Stray Kids attend the 2022 KBS Song … [+]
The competition for the top spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart next week seems to be primarily between two bands, and although they have both reached the summit before, the similarities between them end there. One rock band aims to return to the No. 1 position after a tragic event, while their competition seeks to make history for a rising genre in the United States.
Stray Kids and Foo Fighters, whose latest albums were released today, have the best chance of capturing the throne on the Billboard 200. Both albums are expected to perform well, and there is no clear, immediate frontrunner for the top spot.
Foo Fighters, fronted by former Nirvana musician Dave Grohl, are currently one of the biggest rock bands in the world. They have previously topped the Billboard 200 twice and landed seven additional top 10 albums. Their new album, But Here We Are, may become their third No. 1, although it faces strong competition.
Stray Kids, a K-pop boy band, has been on an impressive winning streak. They achieved not just one, but two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 last year, making them only the second South Korean act, following BTS, to reach the top spot on the chart multiple times. Now, they are aiming for another successful release with their album 5-Star.
Considering the performance of their recent albums upon release, Stray Kids appear to have the advantage. Both of their 2022 EPs moved around 110,000 equivalent units in their first week, with the majority being sales. With their popularity steadily growing, 5-Star may be on track to earn an even larger debut frame.
In contrast, Foo Fighters’ last album, Medicine at Midnight, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2021 with 70,000 equivalent units. Their 2017 album Concrete and Gold topped the chart with 127,000 equivalent units. Although the rock band hasn’t performed as strongly as the K-pop group in recent times, fans of the Grammy winners are likely to show their support following the unexpected passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. The group is still reeling from that sudden loss, and But Here We Are is their first without him.
The race for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week is expected to be tight, and the winner should be announced by the chart company on Sunday, June 11.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2023/06/01/stray-kids-face-off-against-foo-fighters-in-the-race-for-the-no-1-album/