How Coldplay Broke the Record for Most Downloaded Album

Coldplay's fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, recently topped the charts and broke the record for most downloaded album of all time, which was held by John Mayer's Continuum. Extraordinary feat, yes. But think about it again: Is it really an honor? I suppose it's a nice accomplishment, but recording artists make less money on downloaded albums than they do for physical albums. So it's actually something of a notorious title. A bigger honor would, of course, to have your album sell many physical copies, because that's where a lot of your money comes from besides touring.

But enough with undermining their great success.

The band seems to be at their peak right now with early sales. But that depends on whether sales will slowly fizzle away, like other albums with astounding first week numbers that fail to follow up with real hit singles (Kanye West's Graduation).

But that seems unlikely for the English rock band. Unlike West and more recent chart extraordinaire Lil Wayne, Coldplay's album has made a huge impact overseas as well, especially in the U.K.

They are a band with integrity who will have a long, successful career.

"Viva la Vida" has already become their first number one single in the U.S. But in this age of downloads, I wasn't surprised one bit the week it claimed the coveted spot. Downloads have been responsible for driving many singles to the top lately, becoming much more of a factor on the big chart than airplay.

With all the hype and anticipation, it wasn't a coincidence that the single touched number 1 close to the album's release date. Back in 2007, Avril Lavigne's The Best Damn Thing debuted at the summit with "Girlfriend" becoming her first single to become number 1 as well. Other artists, like Maroon 5, have also claimed their first number 1's recently.

Another thing that Coldplay has in common with West is that they have the love of many critics. They are prolific, very talented writers and producers of music. They help make our music world a better, fresher place, and more of them we need.

With the positive press still going around and Coldplay's own confidence in the album's success, this could be their best-selling album yet. This will be a challenge in the crumbled music industry, but it's certainly not impossible.

Here's to a long, lasting run for the best rock album we've had in a while.