Spanish-Language Albums Top Billboard 200 Chart for First Time
In a groundbreaking development for Latin music, Spanish-language albums have made history by occupying the top two spots on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart for the first time ever. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” by Bad Bunny reclaimed the top spot, surging from 7th to 1st in the latest rankings released on May 17, bolstered by its recent vinyl release. Additionally, Fuerza Regida’s latest album “111XPANTIA” debuted at No. 2, marking the highest chart placement for the band to date.
This week marks a significant milestone as it is the first time that two Spanish-language albums have simultaneously dominated the top positions on the Billboard 200 chart in its 69-year history. Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” has now spent a total of four weeks at No. 1, having previously held the position for three consecutive weeks on charts dated between January 25 and February 8. Fuerza Regida’s “111XPANTIA” secures its place as the highest-charting Spanish-language album by a duo or group and in the regional Mexican music category.
The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the U.S. each week based on multi-metric consumption, encompassing album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The previous week ending May 8 saw “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” accumulate 84,500 equivalent album units, with vinyl sales accounting for 48,000 units. On the other hand, “111XPANTIA” amassed 76,000 units, with 39,000 album sales.
Bad Bunny and Fuerza Regida have achieved several significant milestones with their latest album releases. Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” registered the biggest sales week for a Latin music album in nearly six years, with 48,000 copies sold, surpassing the previous record set by Santana’s “Africa Speaks” in June 2019. This album also achieved the largest sales week for a Latin album on vinyl since tracking began in 1991.
Fuerza Regida’s “111XPANTIA” made history by becoming the highest-charting Spanish-language album by a duo or group and the highest-charting regional Mexican album. The impressive debut of “111XPANTIA” at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 showcases the growing influence and popularity of Latin music in the mainstream music scene.
The success of these Spanish-language albums reflects the increasing diversity and global impact of Latin music, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the music industry. As these albums continue to make waves on the charts, they pave the way for more Latin artists to achieve recognition and success on a global scale.