Lady Gaga, Elton John, U2, Eminem & Springsteen-led comp should generate millions

"Songs for Japan," the 38-track album featuring current hits, vintage tracks and live performances benefiting Japan earthquake and tsunami relief, has been selling briskly since its release at the iTunes Store on March 25. A 36-track, two-CD version of the collection was released on April 4. In its second week of release, the album had already reached Number Three on Billboard’s Digital chart and Number Five in its Top 200 LP listings. The compilation is modestly priced at $9.99 in either format.

The tracks on the compilation consist of 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including 16 top 40 entries, nine top 10s and five No. 1s: Beyonce's "Irreplaceable," "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna, Katy Perry's "Firework," Rihanna's "Only Girl (in the World)" and a remix of the list's most recent chart-topper, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga, in a remixed version exclusive to this set. Additionally, Yoko Ono has licensed John Lennon’s “Imagine” to the compilation to help benefit her native country.

In a rare industry-wide initiative, "Songs for Japan" is a joint effort among the four major label groups, Universal Music, Warner Music, Sony Music and EMI Music. Proceeds from the album's sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society. The artists participating on “Songs for Japan”, as well as the music labels and music publishers with proprietary interests in the recordings and copyrights, have waived their royalties and proceeds to ensure as great a return as possible for the Japanese Red Cross Society. Based on early projections, the collection is anticipated to generate several million dollars for the relief effort.

To find out more about how you can help with earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan, go to the Red Cross website.
“Songs For Japan” is available at iTunes and Amazon.com.