Justin Timberlake‘s “Everything I Thought It Was” was released on Friday, March 15. It’s his first new studio album since “Man of the Woods” six years ago. But will it return him to the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart? Gold Derby users have made their predictions, and they say it’ll be a close contest between “Everything” and the second week of Ariana Grande‘s “Eternal Sunshine,” which released on March 8. Grande actually gets the slight edge in their head-to-head.

Billboard expects “Eternal Sunshine” to top the chart in its debut “as easily the biggest new release of the week.” They add, “‘Sunshine’s’ consistent performance on streaming throughout the week may also help nudge it past the 174,000 units that its predecessor, 2020’s ‘Positions,’ posted in its first week.” But how much of her total will she hold on to in week two, when she’s up against Timberlake?

The former NSYNC star’s career chart performances suggest that he should be able to take the top spot. Despite mixed reviews for “Man on the Woods,” that collection launched with 293,000 equivalent album units in 2018 based on its combined album sales, individual track sales and online streaming performance. And before that 2013’s “The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2” got started with 350,000 copies sold. But it has been a long six years for Timberlake, whose personal image has taken a hit since the release of his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears‘s memoir “The Woman in Me.” Will his fans still turn out for him in 2024? What music will you be listening to this week?

PREDICTthe Billboard 200 now; change them until Thursday night

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