David Bowie’s ‘Blackstar’ Becomes His First No. 1 Album in US

“Blackstar” is the late British singer’s first album to top ranking of album sales in the U.S.

David Bowie in 2002 grammy awards grammys
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David Bowie‘s final record, “Blackstar,” has become his first No. 1 album in the United States.

As expected, the late British singer’s 27th album has topped the Billboard 200 chart for the week ending on Jan. 14. According to Billboard, “Blackstar” sold 181,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., and 174,000 of those were pure album sales, which is Bowie’s largest debut since sales have been tracked electronically.

Several other Bowie releases popped up on the charts, as well. Nine Bowie albums are back on the Billboard 200, with several in the Top 40. Those include “Best of Bowie” at No. 4 and “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars” at No. 21.

“Blackstar” was released on Jan. 8, just two days before Bowie’s death from cancer at age 69. Many fans are interpreting his single “Lazarus” to be about his impending death.

In addition to several visual clues in the music video, the opening lyrics of the song are, “Look up here, I’m in heaven/I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.” The lyrics conclude, “Oh I’ll be free. Just like that bluebird. Oh I’ll be free. Ain’t that just like me.”

Bowie’s family confirmed the news of his death in a Facebook post to his official fan page on Jan. 10.

David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer,” the message read. “While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

Bowie will be honored at a concert at Carnegie Hall on March 31 featuring the Roots, Cyndi Lauper and the Mountain Goats.

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