SAGGING sales for reggae and dancehall continued in 2013, although a number of albums from 2012 maintained moderate figures into this year.
These are the 10 best-selling reggae albums in the United States for 2013, according to Nielsen-Soundscan which tracks sales of singles and albums.
(10) Easy Stars’ The Thrillah: Easy Star All Stars
The New York collective is at it again. They released this cover of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album in the summer of 2012. The album has consistently been in the Top 10 of the weekly Billboard Reggae Album chart. It has to date sold 7,500 copies.
(9) One Love, One Life: Beres Hammond
This double album from the veteran vocalist reached number one on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart four weeks after its release in November, 2012. Though it started slowly, the set has moved 8,272 copies and was recently nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Reggae album.
(8) Reggae Worship: A Roots Revival: Christafari
Released in 2012, this inspirational album created history when the band became the first Christian act to reach number one on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart. The set shot to the top spot almost nine months after its release and has to date sold 10,082 copies.
(7) Hawaii 13: The Green
The Hawaiian reggae band also topped the Billboard Reggae Album chart in August with its third studio effort. The Green has so far moved 11,025 copies.
(6) Automatic: Iration
The Santa Barbara, California reggae band had the year’s second best opening when Automatic topped Billboard’s Reggae Album chart with 8,000 copies sold in its first week. The album has consistently ranked in the chart’s Top 20 and has sold 12,610 copies since its release in August.
(5) Legend Remixed: Bob Marley and The Wailers
Released in June, this remixed version of the 1984 Island Records compilation went to the Billboard Reggae Album chart summit shortly after its release. Legend Remixed has been in the Top 10 for most of the 24 weeks it has been on that chart, with sales of 12,765 copies.
(4) Reggae Gold 2012: Various Artists
The 20th edition of VP Records’ various artistes compilation, opened atop the Billboard Reggae Album chart in July, 2012 with less than 2,000 copies sold. The double disc contained popular hits including Gal a Bubble by Konshens; Only Man She Want by Popcaan; and Ya So Nice by Potential Kid. The package has shown staying power with latest sales of 22,278 copies.
(3) Rebirth: Jimmy Cliff
Cliff’s first studio album in almost eight years. Released in July, 2012, the set peaked at number one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart; number 76 on the Billboard 200; and number 83 in the United Kingdom. By December, 2012, Rebirth sold 33,000 copies and has to date sold 43,385 copies. It won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album this year.
(2) Spark Seeker: Matisyahu
The American Jewish artiste debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 album chart with sales of 16,000 copies. It has sold 66,151 copies.
(1) Reincarnated: Snoop Lion
The American rapper (formerly Snoop Dogg) scored the year’s biggest opening with his debut reggae effort. In April, it bowed at number one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart and number 16 on the Billboard 200 with 21,000 copies. To date, Reincarnated has sold 84,000 copies and is by far the most commercially successful reggae album for 2013. It earned a Best Reggae Album call for the 56th Grammy awards.
