Shaboozey’s first-week numbers dipped from his last release. Does it really matter, though?

Shaboozey’s The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales officially debuts at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 with 31,000 units.

The 20-track project is loaded with star power, featuring appearances from Kehlani, Jamie Foxx, Leon Bridges, Teyana Taylor, Sam Elliott, Orville Peck, and Gunna. That’s one hell of a guest list and proof that artists from all corners of music want to work with him. Tracks like “Cowgirl” and “Born To Die” have also helped keep the project in the conversation.

To put these numbers into perspective, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going debuted at No. 5 with 50,000 first-week units. Of course, that project also featured “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” one of the biggest songs of the decade, so expecting lightning to strike twice immediately might’ve been unrealistic.

Why the drop? Honestly, I think album sales are down across the board right now, and Shaboozey simply didn’t have another once-in-a-generation smash pushing this release. Even so, 31,000 units is nothing to sneeze at. Artists like him win by playing the long game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this album continues gaining momentum over the next several months.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.