Today marked the fifth consecutive week in which United States album sales we’re below 5 million units. With back to back weeks at all time lows. For a few years now Nielsen SoundScan, the company that tallies album and singles sales, has recorded multiple weeks of less than 5 million units. But four weeks into the third quarter, now marks the longest drought in the modern music era. The figure acting as the guideline is indicative of various components.
Album sales are down, yet streaming revenues are up. An ongoing quarrel that now seems to have valid evidence of streaming websites disrupting album sales. Or is it more likely that summer months and subsequent increase in outdoor activities is keeping listeners from purchasing albums? Some may like to believe this, yet it does not seem to justify the drastic sustainment. The third quarter has seen a similar reduction for many years. Strategic planning by labels and agents may be partly at fault. The fourth quarter is always a popular time for purchases and some feel that holding out until the fall to release albums will lead to optimum sales. In all likely hood it is the vicious concoction of all these factors that are drastically hurting album sales across the country. Think long island iced tea (legally of course). 
It’s important to note that even digital downloads are wavering. They are down by nearly 1% from the second quarter. So how does an analyst pinpoint where the fault truly lies? Well they can’t. Analysts are scouring data in an attempt to further understand the massive decrease, yet no concrete evidence exists. Simply speculation. Thoughts?
via Billboard
Everything your hinting at is on point…but lets also mention the fact that only a few artists are left that truly make complete albums with intention that their fan base will enjoy and more importantly…buy! i.e Drake, Gaga, Adele, Taylor etc. follow me on twitter @GoodKidfromBK holler!
Torrents. Just throwing that out there.
why the hell would I buy music… with as many albums and songs as I like to listen to, I’d be spending thousands of dollars every year on music. no thx
The amount of money dj’s get from festivals and clubs is ridiculously high cant see me downloafing one song for free hurting their pockets.
why buy an album when you can get them all for $10 a month thru spotify.
The word “album” reminds me of going to Best Buy and purchasing an actual physical copy. If so, of course sales are down. CDs are the dinosaurs of music revenue. Major record labels (which I’m sure this article 100% relates too) are on their last leg also. Music fans have ditched the middle man and go directly to the producer. We will find the artist we like, and cut out the BS that trys to get spoon fed to us.
Pandora & Spotify to name 2 of the sources where I see many people listening to music. I work for a specific retailer where I deal with customers devices and how they use them. Almost all of them do not purchase music from their favorite artists anymore. Why should they when they can use a streaming service. It’s obvious people. I guess we have to wait for the data analysts to prove it though. Sad world in so many ways. I support my artists and buy their “albums” when they come out and yes, they are albums people. They always have been and always will be called albums. ugh