Phil Wickham‘s eighth full-length, Hymn of Heaven, blasts in at the summit of Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums chart (dated July 10), becoming the singer-songwriter’s third No. 1.
Released June 25, the LP earned 6,000 equivalent album units, with 3,000 in album sales, in its first week, ending July 1, according to MRC Data.
The set marks the third No. 1 for the 37-year-old Wickham, originally from San Diego. He co-wrote all 13 of its tracks.
“It has been incredible to see this album connecting with so many,” Wickham tells Billboard. “These songs mean so much to me. I wrote many of them in the most uncertain and frustrating times of last year. I needed to remind myself of the hope and joy that can be found in Jesus, a kind of hope and joy that shines regardless of circumstance. I pray these songs would do the same for those who listen.”
Wickham last led Top Christian Albums in August 2018 when Living Hope romped 22-1 in its second frame, following its first week in wide release. His Sing Along 3 — with Kari Jobe, Shane & Shane and Jeremy Riddle — became his first leader when it bowed atop the survey in May 2015.
The lead single from Hymn to Heaven, “Battle Belongs,” topped Christian Airplay for four weeks in April-May. It pushes 8-6 on the airplay-, sales- and streaming-based Hot Christian Songs chart, after reaching No. 2 in April, with 1.7 million U.S. streams in the latest tracking week.
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