Will Smith’s return to music is a flop as his first album in years sells very few copies
Will Smith’s highly anticipated music comeback seems to have fallen short of expectations as his first album in two decades, titled Based On A True Story, has only managed to sell a mere 268 copies in its debut week in the UK. This figure is indeed disappointing for the renowned Hollywood actor, especially considering his star power and the anticipation surrounding his return to the music scene.
The album, which includes 14 tracks and collaborations with artists such as his son Jaden, rapper Big Sean, and DJ Jazzy Jeff, has failed to make a significant impact on the charts, with just 232 copies sold on streaming services and a mere 36 downloads. It is a stark departure from the success Will Smith enjoyed in the 1990s with hits like Summertime, Boom! Shake the Room, and Men In Black, which all dominated the charts during that era.
Following a tumultuous incident at the 2022 Oscars where Will Smith infamously slapped comedian Chris Rock, his music career took a hit, and this album was seen as a potential opportunity to reignite his music stardom. However, it appears that this comeback attempt has not resonated with audiences as intended, with the album failing to even crack the Top 200 charts in the US.
Despite this setback, Will Smith remains undeterred and has expressed his intentions to release two more albums later this year. Additionally, he has announced a UK tour scheduled for August, which will see him perform in various cities including Scarborough, Cardiff, Manchester, London, and Wolverhampton. This ambitious schedule indicates that Will Smith is determined to continue pursuing his passion for music, despite the lackluster reception of his latest album.
The disappointing sales figures of Will Smith’s latest album underscore the challenges faced by celebrities attempting to make a successful comeback in the music industry after a prolonged hiatus. Despite his undeniable talent and star power, it seems that this particular project did not resonate with listeners as expected. However, Will Smith’s resilience and determination to continue creating music suggest that he is committed to overcoming this setback and finding success in the music industry once again.