Daughtry Tops Billboard Charts at No. 1

Daughtry’s second album, LEAVE THIS TOWN (19 Recordings/RCA), debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 269,299 copies sold in its first week of release. The record is also No. 1 on the Digital Albums Chart and the Rock Chart. Daughtry moves Michael Jackson from the top of the sales charts, where the late singer has dominated for the previous three weeks.

LEAVE THIS TOWN is Daughtry’s first album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 and its second consecutive No. 1 album. The band’s self-titled debut entered the charts at #3, sold more than 4.5 million copies, spent two weeks at No. 1 and is still on the charts more than two years after its release. The first single from LEAVE THIS TOWN “No Surprise” is quickly ascending the pop charts and currently with the no. 1 video at Vh1.

Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely recorded LEAVE THIS TOWN with producer Howard Benson.

“This album is special because it’s our first together as a band,” Chris Daughtry said. “We poured our hearts into these songs to make the record we’ve always dreamed about. To have people respond the way they have is extremely gratifying, but even more humbling.”

Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment, comments: “Daughtry have become a legitimate rock band – passionate, united and dedicated. For their sophomore album to debut at number one is a spectacular achievement. I’m proud to be associated with Chris, Josh, JP, Joey and Brian. Long may their successful journey together continue.”

“Daughtry possesses a rare common touch that allows his band’s music to hit a nerve with the public unlike most artists today. This great result on top of the group’s last album which was the fastest-selling rock debut in history is proof of that. The RCA/Jive Label Group is thrilled to be a part of Daughtry’s continued success,” says Barry Weiss Chairman and CEO, RCA/Jive Label Group.

LEAVE THIS TOWN has received outstanding reviews, earning raves for singer Chris Daughtry’s powerful voice. “… an instrument cleaner and stronger than anybody else singing mainstream rock right now,” said the Los Angeles Times while People gave the album three out of four stars, noting: “His voice has never sounded better.” The Seattle Times called the album “more confident and eclectic” a point confirmed by other publications, including The Detroit News and Free Press, which said: “a powerhouse voice that’s nicely matched with some well-written, diverse material.” In a cover story, Billboard observed, “… it’s another record full of songs that make you want to roll down the car windows and bust a vocal cord or two while trying to match Daughtry’s gravelly wail.”

With LEAVE THIS TOWN, the band is poised to continue the global success it achieved with the group’s debut. The album earned the band Grammy nominations, American Music Award wins and charted three No. 1 hits; a rare feat for any artist.

Source: RCA Music Group