Pop pundits have been declaring "the year of the woman" since roughly 1972, when Helen Reddy hit #1 with the instant anthem "I Am Woman." But this might really be the year. Female solo artists have held the top spot on The Billboard 200 18 times so far this year, to just four weeks for male solo artists. (Male groups and duos held the top spot for an additional four weeks.)
Female artists or female-led groups hold down the top three spots on this week's chart for the first time since December. Beyonce's 4 and Adele's 21 repeat in the top two spots. Selena Gomez & the Scene's When The Sun Goes Down jumps from #4 to #3. In addition, females account for six of the top 10. 4 is the third album by a female artist to spend multiple weeks at #1 this year. It follows 21 (10 weeks) and Lady Gaga's Born This Way (two weeks). No male solo artist has stayed on top for multiple weeks since Eminem's Recovery a year ago.
Given the dominance of women this year, it's ironic that Beyonce's "Run The
Read More »from Week Ending July 10, 2011. Albums: Step Aside, Boys