Image by Mitski
As Billboard notes, Laurel Hell by Mitski is the best-selling album in the United States. The album debuted at No 5 on the Billboard 200, outperforming several other albums, including Disney’s Encanto soundtrack. Mitski, on the other hand, is a (kind of) chart-topper, with 24,000 digital and physical sales, including a big 17,000 vinyl sales, the year’s most significant so far.
In a press statement, Phil Waldorf, a co-founder of Mitski’s label, Dead Oceans, stated:
An independent artist landing a Top 5 on the Billboard 200 and a number 1 selling album is always an achievement to celebrate, but with Mitski it rings especially true. Mitski is an uncompromising artist and a generational talent, and to see her gain commercial recognition, entirely on her own terms, is an incredible achievement.
Following the success of her two most recent albums, the indie darling has enjoyed a steady climb in popularity over the last several years. Laurel Hell has catapulted the artist to new heights of chart success, taking her further than ever before into the public. Mitski’s video for “Stay Soft”, directed by Maegan Houang, was released earlier this month. Mitski will be opening for Harry Styles on his forthcoming European tour before heading out on her own later this year.
