The band's sixth studio album 'Pray for the Wicked' debuts atop Billboard 200 and ARIA Album charts in addition to receiving generally positive reviews.
- Jul 9, 2018
AceShowbiz - Losing their members doesn't stop Panic at the Disco from doing their very best in music. Even though Brendon Urie is the only member left in the group, he shows to the world that the band is still a threat to be wary of when Panic's sixth studio album "Pray for the Wicked" debuted atop Billboard 200 chart with 180,000 equivalent album units.
The achievement marked the band's second No. 1 album on the chart, following "Death of a Bachelor", as well as the largest week for an alternative rock album. The effort also became the fifth highest-selling vinyl album in Nielsen music history in addition to topping Australia's ARIA album chart for the second time. Meanwhile, lead single "Say Amen (Saturday Night)" ruled Alternative Songs airplay chart.
In addition, "Pray for the Wicked" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Glenn Gamboa of Newsday suggested that Urie's involvement in "Kinky Boots" seemed to "have pushed him to new heights on Panic's sixth album," adding that his Broadway stint "brings him a creative burst and a theatrical bent." NME similarly said that his Broadway experience "has injected these tracks with unprecedented levels of sass and drama."
Due to the success of the effort, Panic ruled Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time after vaulting from No. 59. The band became the fourth group to lead the chart in 2018, following Fall Out Boy, Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Band.
In support of the album, Panic will embark on a 68-date world tour called "Pray for the Wicked Tour". The trek is set to begin on July 11 at Target Center in Minneapolis and conclude on February 20, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Rock band Arizona and Hayley Kiyoko will serve as the opening acts. Tickets went on sale to general public on March 30.
