Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” beat Adele’s “25″ for the biggest first-week numbers, surpassing 3.5 million equivalent album units, accounting for both sales and streaming, Variety reported.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. The Life of a Showgirl is tied as Taylor Swift's ...

Taylor Swift is everywhere. It's exactly what she wants. Swift's media blitz to promote her 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl," has emulated all facets of the performer she is. She announced the ...

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. Madonna’s “MDNA.” Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising.” Mariah Carey’s “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” According to ...