'Billboard' reports that compact disc sales rose from 40.16 million units in 2020 to 40.59 million in 2021.<br />It's the first time that has happened in 17 years.<br />Complex reports that the jump in CD sales was driven by several big releases by top-selling artists.<br />Adele released her album, '30,' which sold 898,000 CDs in 2021.<br />Taylor Swift reissued her projects, 'Fearless' and 'Red,' which respectively sold 263,000 and 237,000 CDs.<br />Complex points out that BTS, Carrie Underwood and Olivia Rodrigo also released some of the top-selling CD albums of 2021.<br />BTS' 'Map of the Soul: 7' sold 210,000 copies on CD, while their 'Be' album sold another 187,000 copies.<br />Underwood released 'My Savior,' which sold 217,000 CDs.<br />Rodrigo's album, 'Sour,' sold 195,000 copies.<br />'Billboard' points out that Adele, Swift and BTS accounted for 7.1% of all CD sales in 2021.<br />According to 'Billboard,' the increase in physical sales could be attributed to perks offered by artists.<br />CD packaging and art, exclusive tracks, as well as collectibles like tees, photo cards and posters all helped boost sales.
