Madonna’s 14th studio album Madame X, her first in four years debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1, becoming the ninth studio of the pop icon set to hold the top position in the U.S.
The publication announced on Sunday that Madame X had moved 95,000 equivalent album units (including 90,000 in pure sales, 4,000 streaming equivalent units, and 1,000 track equivalent units), almost 31,000 more than the No. 2 album of this week, the Western Stars by Bruce Springsteen.
Madonna called Madame X a concept album focused on the title persona, defined as a secret agent traveling around the globe, altering identity, fighting for liberty, and shedding light on dark places. This new album includes production by Madonna’s longtime collaborator Mirwaïs, Diplo and Mike Dean.
Madame X marks the ninth chart-topper of the 60-year-old on the Billboard 200 after MDNA in 2012, Hard Candy in 2008, Confessions on a Dance Floor in 2005, American Life in 2003, Music in 2000, Like a Prayer in 1989, True Blue in 1986, and Like a Virgin in 1985.
The set’s sales tally notches the fourth largest by a female in 2019. With the nation’s second-most No. 1 records, she expands her place as the female, only behind Barbra Streisand who has eleven number one albums. The Beatles have the most of all performers with 19 No. 1s, followed by Jay-Z’s 14, Springsteen and Streisand’s 11, Elvis Presley’s 10, and Madonna, Eminem, Garth Brooks, and The Rolling Stones’ 9.
Billboard announced Friday that the Maluma-assisted lead single “Medellín” on the Dance Club songs chart had become Madonna’s 47th No. 1. She also preceded the album with “Future” (with Quavo), “Crave” (with Swae Lee), “I Rise,” and “Dark Ballet” promotional singles.
Madame X is now available on all digital distributors and streaming services and will be endorsed throughout 2020 by an intimate, global theater tour. The Billboard 200 chart’s latest edition will be published in full on Tuesday.
