2020: The New Album

"I am not a lead singer, I am the CEO" really hasn't aged well, but it kinda comes with such actions. Pearl Jam (not a fan of them musically) just released their album. Hell, Dua Lipa released her album anyway.

If I'm not mistaken, streaming data is also a part of chart positions since this year. If that's the case, they wouldn't get the album to number 1 anymore anyway.

Streaming data was part of the charts back when This House got to number one (twice) also I believe? I would expect they to do so again with this album, as both times they got there due to CD sales being added to every concert ticket purchased for the US tour.

Edit: Streaming has counted since 2007 in billboard charts apparently, but they have recently changed it so that Paid subscription services carry more weight than free streams.

It's not just Jon's decision to delay the record, the label would have had a lot of input in to that also, and yes of course the chart position matters to them.

Has Jon actually confirmed that Do What We Can is actually going to be released at some point? I might have missed that? I just presumed it was something just for fun while everyone is on lockdown....

I think you're right. Thinking Delaying/not delaying the record being Jon's call to make is a bit naive. Higherups have way more say in it.

I believe he said Do What You Can would be a bonus track. If the CD's are already ready to go I imagine it would be a digital-only bonus track like This Is Our House was.

What do they say about the album release here?

I'd be really disappointed if the album was delayed. Like many I'm sure, for me it's something to look forward to with all this going on. The thought of the album coming out and then listening to it is exciting. Whilst I understand the commercial aspect, to be commercial in these times seems in slightly bad taste. "We wanted to release it to give people something new to listen. We're really proud of stand hope you enjoy it" would be a far better message to be giving than "We've postponed everything to get maximum sales" just doesn't seem right. Again I understand the commercial side - I guess with all going on (and let's be honest album sales don't generate huge incomes) some things are more important.

Not to the label....

If the album is finally delayed without a date, will there be refunds for those who purchased the album in pre-order?

That would depend on the providers. Spotify, iTunes etc I believe. I don't think so, though if it's delayed and not cancelled. Album release dates being subject to change is pretty frequently stated when you pre-order, I don't see how this is any different.

What makes you think there wouldn't be a new date? The release is being postponed not cancelled. There will be a new date immediately, I would guess sometime over the summer. If they need to delay it again then they will...but hopefully they wouldn't have to.