Ariana Grande continues to dominate the charts, demonstrating remarkable staying power and a knack for connecting with audiences across genres. Her release, Eternal Sunshine, initially topped the Billboard 200, and now, bolstered by the deluxe reissue Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, it has returned to the number one spot, a feat achieved in its 56th week on the chart.
The resurgence of Eternal Sunshine is particularly striking, jumping from number 87 to number one on the -dated Billboard 200. This impressive climb is largely attributed to the addition of six previously unreleased songs in the deluxe edition, which resonated with fans and drove significant streaming numbers. The album earned 137,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. During the week ending , a 968% increase, according to Luminate.
The success isn’t solely based on streaming. The deluxe edition also performed strongly in traditional sales, accounting for 61,000 units of the total 137,000. 75,000 units were accrued via 98.45 million on-demand streams. The availability of the album on vinyl and CD further contributed to its overall performance, highlighting a continued demand for physical media alongside digital consumption.
This return to the top marks the third time Eternal Sunshine has held the number one position on the Billboard 200. The album initially spent its first two weeks at number one following its original release. It’s also notable as one of only two releases in the last six months to reclaim the top spot after a period exceeding a year.
The deluxe edition isn’t just impacting the album charts. Six tracks from Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead have landed on the Hot 100 singles chart, led by “twilight zone,” which debuted at number 18. This demonstrates the strength of the new material and its ability to stand alone as compelling singles.
Grande’s chart success extends beyond the Billboard 200 and Hot 100. She recently landed her first top 10 hit on Billboard’s new Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart with “Sympathy is a Knife,” a collaboration with Charli XCX, debuting at number 76. A decade-old single, “Into You,” has unexpectedly resurfaced on the Billboard Global 200, showcasing the enduring appeal of her earlier work.
The timing of this renewed success is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Grande’s Oscar-nominated role in the film adaptation of Wicked. The film, and her involvement in it, has undoubtedly brought increased attention to her music, creating a synergistic effect that benefits both her acting and recording careers. The project helped lay the groundwork for her similarly chart-storming turn in Wicked.
The success of Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead is a testament to Grande’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality music that resonates with a broad audience. The strategy of releasing a deluxe edition with new tracks proved highly effective, revitalizing an already successful album and propelling it back to the top of the charts. This approach, while not new, demonstrates its continued viability in the current music landscape.
The album’s performance also highlights the evolving nature of album consumption. The Billboard 200 chart now incorporates multi-metric consumption, including album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). This reflects the diverse ways in which fans engage with music in the digital age, and Grande’s success across all these metrics underscores her widespread appeal.
Looking ahead, Grande’s continued chart dominance suggests a bright future for her music career. With a successful album, a high-profile film role, and a dedicated fanbase, she is well-positioned to remain a major force in the entertainment industry for years to come. The combination of established hits and fresh material, coupled with strategic releases and a strong brand identity, has proven to be a winning formula for Ariana Grande.
