List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2006 explained

The highest-selling albums and EPs in the United States are ranked in the Billboard 200, published by Billboard magazine. The data are compiled by Nielsen Soundscan based on each album's weekly physical and digital sales.^[1] In 2006, 40 albums topped the chart in 52 issues of the magazine.

High School Musical, the soundtrack to the Disney Channel Original Movie of the same name, is the best-selling album of 2006, accumulating 3.7 million unit sales by the end of the year. The album spent two non-consecutive weeks at the top of Billboard 200, the first TV soundtrack to achieve since the Miami Vice soundtrack in the 1980s.^[2] Me and My Gang by Rascal Flatts is ranked second, accumulating 3.5 million total sales by the end of the year.^[2] The album sold 722,000 copies in the United States during its debut week, becoming the band's highest first week sales.^[3] Me and My Gang is also one of the longest-running of the albums, topping the chart for three consecutive weeks. Other albums with extended chart runs include Unpredictable by Jamie Foxx and the compilation album Now 22, each spent at number one for three weeks.

Barry Manilow's The Greatest Songs of the Fifties topped the chart on the strength of 156,000 unit sales, giving him the first chart-topper album in nearly 29 years of his career, and his best first-week sales since Billboard 200 incorporated data tracked by Nielsen SoundScan in 1991.^[4] The band Red Hot Chili Peppers earned their first number-one album, Stadium Arcadium, for the first time in its 22-year career. Stadium Arcadium, which debuted with sales of 442,000 copies, gave the band its career best sales in a week.^[5] Prince scored his first number-one album, 3121 since 1989's Batman, in a debut week.^[6] Johnny Cash's topped the chart with his posthumous record , his first number one since 1969's At San Quentin.^[7] Evanescence's The Open Door gave the band its first number-one album, which became the 700th number one in the history of Billboard 200.^[8] Diddy's Press Play reached number one in November 2008, giving him his second chart topper in nine years. The album, however, sold 170,000 copies in its debut week, the lowest first-week sales figure for Diddy.^[9]

Rapper Jay-Z earned his ninth number-one album, Kingdom Come, tying the Rolling Stones for the third act with the most number-one albums in the United States. The album sold 680,000 copies domestically, giving Jay-Z his best sales in a week.^[10] Kingdom Come had the second highest debut sales, behind Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds, which opened at 684,000 units.^[11] The compilation series Now That's What I Call Music! produced two number ones this year: series 22 and 23. The 23rd installment gave the series its 10th number one.^[12]

Unusually, the best performing album of 2006 (Some Hearts by Carrie Underwood) did not get to number one.

Chart history

scope=col	Issue date	scope=col	Album	scope=col	Artist(s)	scope=col	Sales	scope=col class="unsortable"
	The Breakthrough		727,000	^[13] ^[14]
	Unpredictable		200,000	^[15] ^[16]
	131,000	^[17] ^[18]
	The Breakthrough	Mary J. Blige	118,000	^[19] ^[20]
	Unpredictable	Jamie Foxx	97,200	^[21] ^[22]
	Ancora	Il Divo	156,000	^[23] ^[24]
	The Greatest Songs of the Fifties		156,000	^[25]
	Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George		163,000	^[26] ^[27]
	Ghetto Classics	Jaheim	152,000	^[28] ^[29]
	High School Musical	Soundtrack	101,000	^[30] ^[31]
	In My Own Words	Ne-Yo	301,000	^[32] ^[33]
	Reality Check	Juvenile	174,000	^[34] ^[35]
	High School Musical	Soundtrack	142,000	^[36] ^[37]
	3121	Prince	183,000	^[38]
	King	T.I.	522,000	^[39] ^[40]
	Me and My Gang	Rascal Flatts	722,000	^[41]
	345,000	^[42] ^[43]
	143,000	^[44] ^[45]
	IV	Godsmack	211,000	^[46] ^[47]
	10,000 Days	Tool	564,000	^[48] ^[49]
	Stadium Arcadium	Red Hot Chili Peppers	442,000	^[50]
	157,000	^[51] ^[52]
	Taking the Long Way	Dixie Chicks	526,000	^[53] ^[54]
	271,000	^[55] ^[56]
	Decemberunderground	AFI	182,000	^[57] ^[58]
	The Big Bang	Busta Rhymes	209,000	^[59] ^[60]
	Loose		219,000	^[61] ^[62]
		India.Arie	161,000	^[63] ^[64]
			88,000	^[65]
	Now 22	Various Artists	398,000	^[66] ^[67]
	207,000	^[68] ^[69]
	LeToya	LeToya	165,000	^[70] ^[71]
	Now 22	Various Artists	127,000	^[72] ^[73]
	Port of Miami		187,000	^[74] ^[75]
	Back to Basics		346,000	^[76] ^[77]
	Danity Kane	Danity Kane	234,000	^[78] ^[79]
	Modern Times		192,000	^[80] ^[81]
	B'Day	Beyoncé	541,000	^[82] ^[83]
	FutureSex/LoveSounds		684,000	^[84]
	217,000	^[85] ^[86]
	Release Therapy	Ludacris	309,000	^[87] ^[88]
	The Open Door	Evanescence	447,000	^[89]
	Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time		184,000	^[90] ^[91]
	Press Play	P. Diddy	170,000	^[92]
	Hannah Montana	Soundtrack	281,000	^[93] ^[94]
	203,000	^[95] ^[96]
	Now 23	Various Artists	337,000	^[97]
	Doctor's Advocate	The Game	358,000	^[98] ^[99]
	Kingdom Come	Jay-Z	680,000	^[100]
	Light Grenades	Incubus	165,000	^[101] ^[102]
		Ciara	338,000	^[103] ^[104]
	The Inspiration	Young Jeezy	352,000	^[105] ^[106]

See also

• 2006 in music

Notes and References

1. Web site: Billboard Methodology . . . 28 January 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080731010035/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/about_us/bbmethodology.jsp . 31 July 2008 . dead .
2. News: High School Rules '06 Album Sales . Jenison. David. 2007-01-04. E!. 2009-03-04.
3. Rascal Flatts' 'Gang' Takes Over No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-04-12. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
4. After Nearly Three Decades, Manilow Tops Album Chart. Hasty. Katie. 2006-02-08. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
5. Chili Peppers Post 'Stadium' At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-05-17. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
6. Prince Nets First No. 1 Album Debut With '3121'. Hasty. Katie. 2006-03-29. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
7. Cash Earns First No. 1 Album Since 1969. Hasty. Katie. 2006-07-12. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
8. Evanescence Zooms By Killers To Take No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-10-11. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-03.
9. Diddy Scores First No. 1 Album In Nine Years. Hasty. Katie. 2006-10-25. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-03.
10. Jay-Z Reclaims His 'Kingdom' With No. 1 Debut. Hasty. Katie. 2006-11-29. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
11. Timberlake Earns First No. 1 Album With 'FutureSex'. Hasty. Katie. 2006-09-20. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-01.
12. 'NOW 23' Trumps Groban, Urban, Sugarland At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-11-15. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
13. Web site: January 7, 2006. .
14. Blige's 'Breakthrough' Bows At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2005-12-28. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
15. Web site: January 14, 2006. .
16. Foxx Overtakes Blige On Album Chart. Hasty. Katie. 2006-01-04. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
17. Web site: January 21, 2006. .
18. Foxx Holds Off Blige At Top Of Album Chart. Hasty. Katie. 2006-01-11. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
19. Web site: January 28, 2006. .
20. Blige's 'Breakthrough' Returns To No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-01-18. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
21. Web site: February 4, 2006. .
22. Foxx Back On Top Of The Billboard 200. Hasty. Katie. 2006-01-25. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
23. Web site: February 11, 2006. .
24. Il Divo Zooms Past Jamie Foxx To Claim No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-02-01. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
25. Web site: February 18, 2006. .
26. Web site: February 25, 2006. .
27. Johnson & Friends Bow At No. 1, Grammys Spur Sales. Hasty. Katie. 2006-02-15. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
28. Web site: March 4, 2006. .
29. Jaheim's 'Classics' Crash In At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-02-22. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
30. Web site: March 11, 2006. .
31. 'High School' Leads Youthful Album Chart Charge. Hasty. Katie. 2006-03-01. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
32. Web site: March 18, 2006. .
33. Ne-Yo's 'Words' Speak Volumes At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-03-08. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
34. Web site: March 25, 2006. .
35. Juvenile's 'Reality' Upends Ne-Yo At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-03-15. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
36. Web site: April 1, 2006. .
37. 'High School' Returns To The Top Of The Class. Hasty. Katie. 2006-03-22. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
38. Web site: April 8, 2006. .
39. Web site: April 15, 2006. .
40. T.I. Rules As 'King' Of Album Chart. Hasty. Katie. 2006-04-05. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
41. Web site: April 22, 2006. .
42. Web site: April 29, 2006. .
43. Rascal Flatts Wins Billboard 200 Country Battle. Jeckell. Barry. 2006-04-19. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
44. Web site: May 6, 2006. .
45. Rascal Flatts Earns Third Week At No. 1. Cohen. Jonathan. 2006-04-26. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
46. Web site: May 13, 2006. .
47. Godsmack Earns Second No. 1 With 'IV'. Cohen. Jonathan. Caulfield, Keith . 2006-05-03. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
48. Web site: May 20, 2006. .
49. Tool Tops Album Chart With '10,000 Days'. Hasty. Katie. 2006-05-10. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
50. Web site: May 27, 2006. .
51. Web site: June 3, 2006. .
52. Chili's Warm To No. 1 Album Post Again. Hasty. Katie. 2006-05-24. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
53. Web site: June 10, 2006. .
54. Dixie Chicks' 'Long Way' Nests In At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-05-31. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
55. Web site: June 17, 2006. .
56. Dixie Chicks Retain Lead On Billboard 200. Hasty. Katie. 2006-06-07. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
57. Web site: June 24, 2006. .
58. AFI Burns Brightly With No. 1 Debut. Hasty. Katie. 2006-06-14. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
59. Web site: July 1, 2006. .
60. Busta's 'Bang' Crowns Three Album Charts. Hasty. Katie. 2006-06-21. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
61. Web site: July 8, 2006. .
62. Furtado Scores First Chart-Topping Album. Hasty. Katie. 2006-06-28. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
63. Web site: July 15, 2006. .
64. India.Arie's 'Testimony' Debuts At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-07-05. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
65. Web site: July 22, 2006. .
66. Web site: July 29, 2006. .
67. 'Now 22' Zooms By Yorke, Pimp C For No. 1 Debut. Hasty. Katie. 2006-07-19. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
68. Web site: August 5, 2006. .
69. 'NOW 22' Remains Atop Album Chart In Slow Sales Week. Hasty. Katie. 2006-07-26. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
70. Web site: August 12, 2006. .
71. LeToya Powers Right To No. 1 On Billboard 200. Cohen. Jonathan. 2006-08-02. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
72. Web site: August 19, 2006. .
73. NOW 22' Edges Out DMX's 'Dog' At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-08-09. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
74. Web site: August 26, 2006. .
75. Rick Ross' 'Hustle' Pays Off With No. 1 Debut. Hasty. Katie. 2006-08-16. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
76. Web site: September 2, 2006. .
77. Aguilera Takes No. 1 Amid All-New Top Five. Hasty. Katie. 2006-08-23. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
78. Web site: September 9, 2006. .
79. Danity Kane Sidesteps OutKast To Claim No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-08-30. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
80. Web site: September 16, 2006. .
81. Dylan Earns First No. 1 Album Since 1976. Hasty. Katie. 2006-09-06. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
82. Web site: September 23, 2006. .
83. Beyonce's 'B-Day' Makes Big Bow At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-09-13. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-01.
84. Web site: September 30, 2006. .
85. Web site: October 7, 2006. .
86. Timberlake Remains No. 1 Amid Five Top 10 Debuts. Hasty. Katie. 2006-09-27. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-01.
87. Web site: October 14, 2006. .
88. Ludacris Scores Third No. 1 With 'Release Therapy'. Hasty. Katie. 2006-10-04. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-03.
89. Web site: October 21, 2006. .
90. Web site: October 28, 2006. .
91. Rod Rocks Back With Fourth No. 1 Album. Hasty. Katie. 2006-10-18. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-03.
92. Web site: November 4, 2006. .
93. Web site: November 11, 2006. .
94. 'Hannah Montana' Trumps My Chem, Legend At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-11-01. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
95. Web site: November 18, 2006. .
96. 'Montana' Zooms By Manilow For Second Week At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-11-08. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
97. Web site: November 25, 2006. .
98. Web site: December 2, 2006. .
99. The Game Wins No. 1 On The Billboard 200. Hasty. Katie. 2006-11-22. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
100. Web site: December 9, 2006. .
101. Web site: December 16, 2006. .
102. Incubus' 'Grenades' Ignite At No. 1. Hasty. Katie. 2006-12-06. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
103. Web site: December 23, 2006. .
104. Ciara, Eminem, Stefani Overtake The Billboard 200. Hasty. Katie. 2006-12-13. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.
105. Web site: December 30, 2006. .
106. Young Jeezy, Hicks Enter Atop The Billboard 200. Cohen. Jonathan. 2006-12-20. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-02-04.