In this article we are going to analyze The Preacher's Wife (soundtrack) in detail, a topic that has gained great relevance in recent years. The Preacher's Wife (soundtrack) is a concept widely studied in various areas, from psychology to economics, including sociology and politics. Throughout history, The Preacher's Wife (soundtrack) has been the subject of debate and reflection by experts and academics, as well as public opinion in general. In this sense, it is of utmost importance to deepen the knowledge and understanding of The Preacher's Wife (soundtrack), in order to achieve a broader and clearer vision of its impact on society and daily life. Through this article, we propose to explore the multiple dimensions and facets of The Preacher's Wife (soundtrack), with the aim of enriching the debate and promoting critical reflection on this topic.
Music critics saw a more emotionally engaged side of Houston, particularly with the soundtrack's gospel offerings. “For the first time in her 12-year recording career, Houston sounds genuinely moved by her material. Early on she stumbles through the Annie Lennox-penned "Step By Step," but the presence of the Georgia Mass Choir on six subsequent tracks melts her frosty reserve,” People magazine wrote.[7]
Commercial performance
Released on November 26, 1996, The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 albums chart on the issue dated December 14, 1996, selling 90,500 units in the first week.[8] On its second week, the album jumped to number four on the chart with the Greatest Gainer mark, and the following week reached number three which was the album's peak position, with reported sales of 330,000 copies that week, producing the highest first-week sales of a gospel release in history, a record it holds to this day.[9][10] The album also debuted at number eight on the BillboardTop R&B Albums chart, and in three weeks later, peaked at the number one and remained there for two weeks, becoming her fourth number one album on the chart.[11][12] It stayed for a total of 43 weeks and 49 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and the Top R&B Albums chart respectively.[11][13] In Europe, the soundtrack became the first and only gospel album in history to sell a million copies in the continent.
In addition, the soundtrack was more successful on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. It debuted at number one, becoming the first album by a female solo artist to do so. It spent 26 consecutive weeks at the top from December 14, 1996, to June 7, 1997. It remained on the chart for 117 weeks during its initial run.[14][15] It has since returned to the Top Gospel Albums chart for 45 more weeks, bringing its total to 162 cumulative weeks. The album was the number one gospel album on the 1997 Billboard Top Gospel Albums year-end chart.
Prior to the album's release, music industry insiders had expected The Preacher's Wife soundtrack to "do at least as well as" Waiting to Exhale's soundtrack, which sold 5,100,000 copies in the United States.[16] The album was the Best-selling Gospel Recording by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) in 1996–1997.[17][18] It was certified 3× Platinum for shipping 3 million copies in the United States alone by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 30, 1998.[19] According to Nielsen SoundScan, as of 2012, the album has sold 2,627,000 copies in the United States alone.[2]
"Step by Step" was another hit single, peaking at number 15 on the BillboardHot 100 chart. "My Heart Is Calling" became the soundtrack's final single release.
Promotion and appearances
Pacific Rim Tour
Chart success of the soundtrack and its hit singles, "I Believe in You and Me" and "Step By Step", the singer further promoted the album and singles touring across Asia, Australia, and in North America. Known as the Pacific Rim Tour, Houston played shows in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia and Hawaii. The setlist featured tracks from the album, as well as duet performances of "Count On Me" with singer CeCe Winans and "In Return" at select shows in Japan.
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