Sam Smith has become the only artist in the world to score a million-selling album in both the UK and the US during 2014, the Official Charts Company confirms today.
Smith‘s In The Lonely Hour passed the 1 million landmark in the UK during the past 24 hours, making it only the second artist album to reach the landmark this side of the Atlantic.
The confirmation comes 24 hours after his album was confirmed a million-seller in the United States, by Nielsen Music.
Sam told OfficialCharts.com:
“OFFICIALLY sold 1 MILLION copies of In The Lonely Hour! To say I am ecstatic is a huge understatement. Thank you so much to every single person who has purchased my album.”
By Midnight last night, In The Lonely Hour had sold 1.007 million copies (based on Official Charts data), making it only the second artist album to achieve the feat in the UK this year, after Ed Sheeran’s X hit the milestone at the end of November. In the US, Only Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and the Frozen soundtrack have passed the million-mark this year, according to Nielsen Music.
The success of Smith and Sheeran also makes 2014 the first year since 2011 when more than one album has passed 1 million sales in the UK – in 2011, Adele’s 21 and 19, Michael Buble’s Christmas and Bruno Mars’ Doo-Wops & Hooligans all passed 1 million sales.
Official Charts’ Chief Executive Martin Talbot, said:
“Many festive congratulations to Sam. To hit a million anywhere is impressive, but to become the only artist in the world to do so on both sides of the Atlantic is quite remarkable. His journey in 2014, from unknown newcomer winning the Brit Awards’ Critics Choice award to internationally renowned double million-seller, has been incredible.”
The BPI’s Gennaro Castaldo added:
“It’s proving to be another amazing year for British artists, who are not only dominating the charts at home but continue to fly the flag for British music around the world.
“Like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith is enjoying an absolutely stellar year, but for him to sell a million copies of his debut album in the UK and, remarkably, the US within the same 12 month-period that he collected his BRITs Critics Choice Award is a truly outstanding achievement. British music has unearthed another great talent that has all the makings of a global superstar, following in the traditions of Amy Winehouse and Adele.”
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In The Lonely Hour debuted Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart in May and June this year with impressive first-week sales of 102,000. It spent a second week at the top returning for a further fortnight 12 weeks later.
The record has also been a regular feature at the top end of the chart, having spent just one week outside the Top 5 since its release.
Sam’s album has also spawned a string of successful singles, including Number 1s Money On My Mind and Stay With Me, as well as Top 10s I’m Not The Only One (Number 3) and Like I Can (9). To date, To date, tracks downloaded from his album total 2.48 million, have been streamed 87 million times and viewed on video streaming sites in the UK 48 million times.
