Sales of contemporary Christian and gospel music totaled 49.6 million units in 2002, holding fairly steady with sales from the previous year, the Christian Music Trade Association reported.
The total sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan, totaled 49,664,000 units, a decrease from 2001 sales of 49,965.
Album sales increased by 8 percent among Christian chain retailers and 2.4 percent in mainstream outlets, but dropped 10.5 percent among Christian independent retailers.
The overall music industry reported a decline of more than 8 percent in CD sales.
“The year 2002 started strong for Christian and gospel music sales, following our biggest year ever in 2001,”Frank Breeden, president of the music association, said in a Jan. 3 announcement.
“It appears that alongside a lean release schedule, the slower economy finally reached us a little in the fourth quarter to bring (Christian Music Trade Association) even in sales over the year,” Breeden said.
2002 Top-selling Christian Albums
1.“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Various Artists
2. “Satellite,” P.O.D.
3. “Rebirth of Kirk Franklin,” Kirk Franklin
4. “Worship,” Michael W. Smith
5. “Almost There,” Mercy Me
6. “Christmas Extraordinaire,” Mannheim Steamroller
7. “Songs 4 Worship: Shout to the Lord,” Various Artists
8. “Believe,” Yolanda Adams
9. “WoW Hits 2003,” Various Artists
10. “Worship Again,” Michael W. Smith (RNS)
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