NEW RELEASE: A MIDWEEK READ ON LOVER (UPDATE)

Based on early reads, Taylor Swift is off to a strong start with new set Lover; the high end of the projection range noted below is particularly impressive and indicates that she has a good chance of a 1m U.S. release-to-date total (factoring in tracks that dropped before the album) at the end of her first week. The collection is already being touted as having the biggest first-week sales of 2019.

Taylor Swift (Republic) 850-900k total, 700-750k albums

This will be, as we've previously noted, the biggest bow of the year by far; it's also further testimony not only to Swift's musical power but to her brilliance as a marketer. Stay tuned as we see how her CBS Sunday Morning segment, MTV VMAs opening and other elements play into the developing story.

THE HITS LIST TURKEY TROT
...with all the trimmings (11/22a)
AN AWARD-WINNING CMA GALLERY
Cowboy hats and funny caps (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: WITCHING HOUR
It's not easy being green. (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
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