SZA‘s “SOS” came out on top for a fourth consecutive week on the albums chart in what appeared to be a tight race between her and Taylor Swift for the coveted No. 1 spot.
“SOS” collected the equivalent of 125,000 album units sold in the U.S., according to data by Luminate, with an increase in album sales following the release of two new digital packages (one with alternative cover art). The digital sales included two bonus tracks: “PSA,” and a solo version of “Open Arms,” while fans await the as-yet-unannounced deluxe version of the album that the singer has previously teased in passing on social media and in promotional interviews.
With “SOS” at No. 1 this week, it’s the first time an album by a woman has held the top spot four consecutive times since Adele’s “30,” which dominated the chart for six weeks in 2021, Billboard reports.
Swift’s “Midnights” sits at No. 2 with 117,000 equivalent album units, and like “SOS,” experienced a bump in album sales after the release of limited-edition digital album variants, featuring alternative cover art and “Behind the Song” commentary from Swift about one of four songs (“Mastermind,” “Anti-Hero,” “Karma” and “Bejeweled,” specifically) on the album.
Following the announcement of the sales on social media, the rivalry between both records sparked online discourse between Swift and SZA supporters and ultimately prompted the “Kill Bill” singer to share her thoughts on the charts competition via Twitter.
“I genuinely loved [Swift’s] album and the writing!” SZA wrote in a Jan. 5. tweet. “Everyone’s jus tryna do their best as we all should. Love to everyone.”
Uhh I feel silly that I even have to say this but i see supporters arguing and I hate that . I don’t have beef w ANYONE especially not Taylor lmao I genuinely loved her album and the writing!Everyone’s jus tryna do their BEST as we all should . LOVE TO EVERYONE. Gn
