How will their new albums stack up?
With Justin Bieber and One Direction both releasing highly anticipated new albums on Friday, Nov. 13, we can't help but wonder who will come out on top in the numbers game.
Industry insiders are already hinting that the race is too close to call, so ETonline is taking a look back at the stars' chart histories and latest milestones for clues.
There's no doubt that each album is novel in its own way: Bieber's Purpose marks a comeback of sorts, celebrating the 21-year-old's new, more mature sound and a potential transition from a young phenom to a full-fledged star. Meanwhile, One Direction's Made in the A.M. will be their last album before going on "hiatus." The boys have promised fans that they'll be back (eventually), but not everyone is convinced.
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Which album will you be buying this weekend? (Or are you holding out for Adele's 25, which streets next week?)
No. 1 Albums on the Billboard 200:
Justin Bieber - 5
One Direction - 4
What it means:
Of JB's seven releases, five have hit No. 1. In addition to only two traditional studio full-lengths, that number includes an EP, a holiday record, and a collection of acoustic tracks.
But don't cout One Direction out just yet! The band has opted for a different release strategy in their career, putting out four traditional studio albums in just as many years. All of them have debuted at No. 1. In fact, 1D is the first band to ever debut at No. 1 with their first four albums (and they've got the Guinness World Record to prove it). JB may have released more content, but the guys of 1D are batting 1000.
No. 1 Singles on the Hot 100:
Justin Bieber - 1
One Direction - 0
What it means:
The Biebs scored his first-ever chart-topper with "What Do You Mean?", the lead single off Purpose, making him the youngest male artist to ever debut at No. 1. Purpose's second single, "Sorry," is not far behind at No. 2.
Surprisingly, the boys of 1D have never reached the chart summit with a single, though several songs have cracked the Top 10. From Made in the A.M., "Drag Me Down" peaked at No. 3 and "Perfect" is currently climbing the Top 10.
Album Tracks Already Released
Justin Bieber - 3
One Direction - 7
What it means:
Fans eager for an early taste of the album they're buying have a much better idea of what to expect from One Direction's offering, with seven songs available for purchase (or a pre-order instant grat). Meanwhile, Bieber has only unveiled one track in addition to his previously released singles.
Album-Related YouTube Views
Justin Bieber - 541.4 million
One Direction - 233.6 million
What it means:
JB has seven videos connected to Purpose, including lyric videos, a live performance, a remix, and official music videos.
One Direction has five Made in the A.M.-related videos, including two music videos and their respective behind-the-scenes features.
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Famous Muses
Justin Bieber - 1
One Direction - 1
What it means:
Fans looking for an inside look at Bieber's and Harry Styles' high-profile relationships with Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, respectively, are already eating their hearts out.
Bieber's "What Do You Mean?" video was said to include a subtle shout-out to his famous ex, while 1D's "Perfect," which was co-written by Styles, includes some pretty tell-tale lyrics about Ms. Swift.
iTunes Pre-Orders
Justin Bieber - 110,000 units
One Direction - 170,000 units
What it means:
As of Nov. 11, the numbers were close -- but according to Billboard, they're not necessarily indicative of how many albums will sell across multiple platforms.
Early Industry Sales Projections
Justin Bieber - 300,000 units
One Direction - 300,000 units
What it means:
Too close to call!