Selena Gomez’s highly anticipated third studio album “Rare” has debuted at #1 on the Rolling Stone Top 200 Albums chart. The 13-track record moved 108,600 album-equivalent units in its first week, narrowly edging out Roddy Ricch’s “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial” which fell to #2.”Rare” marks Gomez’s third #1 album, following her 2013 debut “Stars Dance” and 2015’s “Revival.”
The album was led by the singles “Lose You to Love Me” and “Look at Her Now,” both of which also reached #1 on the Rolling Stone Top 100 Songs chart.The album’s strong first week was driven by a number of factors. Physical sales accounted for nearly 50,000 units, while digital downloads of the album added another 32,000 units. Streaming also played a major role, with “Rare” generating 61.5 million on-demand audio streams in its first week.Gomez’s devoted fanbase, known as Selenators, turned out in force to support the album.
The singer promoted “Rare” heavily in the lead-up to its release, including a YouTube documentary series and a performance on Saturday Night Live. She also made headlines with the deeply personal lyrics on songs like “Lose You to Love Me,” which many interpreted as a reflection on her past relationship with Justin Bieber.At just 27 years old, Gomez has already established herself as one of the biggest pop stars of her generation.
With over 170 million Instagram followers, she is one of the most followed people on the platform. Her previous album “Revival” was certified platinum, and she has amassed over 22 billion streams on Spotify alone.”Rare” has received generally positive reviews from music critics, who have praised Gomez’s vulnerability and growth as an artist. Rolling Stone called it her “best album yet,” while Billboard said it “solidifies her status as a pop force to be reckoned with.”With the #1 debut, Gomez has proven that she remains one of the most popular and successful young artists in the music industry today. The album’s success will likely open the door for a major tour in support of “Rare” later this year. For now, Selenators are celebrating their idol’s latest milestone achievement.
