DOWNLOAD THESE, POP FANS

The horses are out of the gate. The gentlemen have started their engines. But before we attempt to read the tea leaves, it’s important to note that preorder redemptions are no longer counted toward chart position at iTunes now that the albums are out, so what we’re seeing on the album chart is a direct reflection of what’s selling right now.

Nine hours into the pop battle royal, the initial signs as evidenced by the iTunes charts would seem to favor the Biebs, whose Purpose is #1 and #10, plus he’s got 40% of the Top 10 singles, including three of the Top 5. This is also starting out to be an extremely good day for Def Jam, with no less than three debuts on the big board. And the country constituency continues to put up points, thanks to standard bearers Chris Stapleton and Eric Church, who have been joined by Chris Young from the Sony side of the street.

Act now. Phone lines are open and operators are standing by.