We’re already halfway through the year and we’ve been absolutely spoiled with new music from some of the world’s biggest artists. But taking out the title as the best-selling album of the year so far is the soundtrack to The Greatest Showman.
The movie musical starring Hugh Jackman has sold almost four million copies for Atlantic Records, beating out album sales from iconic artists Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake and, literally everyone else. Turns out, people really love musicals.
Guilty.
The next most popular album of the year so far is, unfortunately, Post Malone’s Beerbongs & Bentleys (full disclosure, I kinda hate that guy), and The Greatest Showman soundtrack has outsold it by about 2-to-1.
It’s an incredible result from a film that never led the box office. It did however smash it out of the park for longevity and overall worldwide ticket sales, and the soundtrack spent 11 consecutive weeks at #1 – tying with Adele’s 21 for the longest running #1 in 30 years.
On behalf of the entire @GreatestShowman team … thank you!! This platinum album and, all the success of the film, is because of you!! @pasekandpaul Michael Gracey @Zendaya @ZacEfron @kealasettle @warnermusic @AtlanticRecords @20thcenturyfox #amilliondreams pic.twitter.com/x45Q7jvski
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) May 25, 2018
The success of the album, featuring hit after hit composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is a nod to the neglected genre of all-original soundtracks.
Reception for the original Black Panther and Frozen soundtracks are further proof that when films go the extra mile and compose specifically for the project, it makes an impact.
Clearly people love The Greatest Showman soundtrack and we love to hear Hugh Jackman smashing on it along with Zac Efron, Zendaya and a crew of talented artists.
Someone: "The Greatest showman sucked sm. I don't get why would anyone like it"
Me: this is so sad, Alexa play "The Greatest show" from platinum album by the best selling artist Hugh Jackman— ????????⍟ (@rocksij) July 3, 2018
Honestly you just can’t deny it – this soundtrack is epic and Hugh Jackman is a damn star.
