IFPI Platinum Europe - Certifications for February 2004
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The month of February sees five albums credited with Platinum Europe Awards for sales of a million or more in Europe.
Following in the footsteps of stars such as Kylie Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia, Melbourne-born Delta Goodrem landed a part on TV soap Neighbours as a shy high school girl with aspirations of becoming a singer. The scriptwriters called for her character to record a demo and Goodrem, who was already working on her debut album, offered what was to be her first single of the album, Born To Try. It became an instant smash in Australia. The album Innocent Eyes goes platinum in Europe.
Norah Jones earned many admirers with her Grammy-winning debut album Come Away With Me. Her much anticipated follow-up Feels Like Home doesn't stray far from Jones's near perfect formula ensuring the same success as its predecessor. Feels Like Home enlists the help of esteemed guests including Dolly Parton, Levon Helm and Garth Hudson of the Band. The album achieved a million sales in Europe within a month of its release.
Following a rousing performance at this year's Brits, The Black Eyed Peas score another million sales, earning a second Platinum Europe Award for Elephunk. The album is an eclectically influenced hip-hop album that incorporates dashes of Latino rhythm, uplifting pop and a twist of soul. The third forthcoming single to be released off the album, Hey Mama, has been featured on the recent iPod advertising campaign.
Celine Dion's 1996 album Live A Paris gains a further Platinum Europe Award. Whilst the album still features its share of ballads Live A Paris has more of a rock feel than any of her other live or studio releases. The recording includes Dion's hard to find To Love You More, a previously unreleased version of The Power of Love and includes a cover of Ike and Tina Turner's River Deep Mountain High.
Ladies and Gentlemen - the best of George Michael reaches an impressive six million sales mark in Europe since its release in 1998. The 28 songs - split into two CDs, 'For the Heart' and 'For the Feet' - spans nearly a full decade of George Michael's success as a male solo artist. Amongst numerous hits such as Careless Whisper, Jesus to a Child, Faith and Fast Love the collection also includes rarities, new tracks and collaborations with Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Queen.
