The Weeknd's surprise EP My Dear Melancholy, is projected to be next week's highest-selling album, according to Hits Daily Double. The project is expected to move between 150,000 and 175,000 equivalent album units, with 55,000 to 65,000 of that figure coming through in pure sales. It follows 2016's STARBOY, which launched at No. 1 with 348,000 equivalent album units. The EP will mark Abel's third consecutive project to top the charts if it meets its sales expectations.
Meanwhile, Rich The Kid's debut album The World Is Yours is looking to move between 50,000 and 60,000 album equivalent units with 8,000 to 10,000 in pure sales. The album features some big guest appearances from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and more.
The Weeknd's new project is being compared to the dark, early material that introduced the Toronto songwriter to the world in 2011. NBA star LeBron James is one of those fans who has praised the return to form. "He back in his "dark side" mood on this project which i Love!!!!" wrote James in a post to Instagram Friday, comparing the EP to Abel's debut mixtape. "House of balloons type vibes."
The EP features collaborations with French producer Gesaffelstein, who worked on Kanye West's Yeezus, as well as Frank Dukes and Nicolas Jaar. Listen to it here.
