First, because the material itself was not at ALL built in a “for the masses” type of way. Not like there’s any radio singles on this or pandering to any current trends or even him specifically trying to set new trends.

Second, because in 2022 sales numbers really don’t even mean what they used to. Once the people realized that artists/labels can manipulate streaming numbers how they want, it really took away any context to what the numbers mean. Which in turn actually freed up established artists to make what they want.

And given both of these, he STILL has the best selling release of the year.