Why Would An Album That Sold 4 Million Copies Be Called A ‘Flop’?

A copy of Fleetwood Mac's 35th anniversary edition of "Tusk" recently arrived in the mail. I listened to it while having my Saturday morning coffee. I bought a vinyl copy "back in the day."  It reached #4 on the US chart, produced 2 top 10 singles, and sold 4 million copies worldwide. Label execs branded it a flop. What, you say??!!  Making "Tusk" was a bold move on the band's part. They were coming of the historic success of "Rumours," which had sold 40 million copies worldwide. When a band or artist captures lightning in a bottle, the record company wants them to do it again within about a year. The group had other ideas. They had toured in support of the album for over a year, & heard it everywhere for 2. The last thing on their minds was making "Rumours, Vol.2."  "Tusk" was a double album, (something record companies don't like) containing an eclectic mix of 20 songs. The Mac spent over a million dollars making the album. That was unheard of in 1979. It was also priced at $15.98, about $2.00 higher than a typical double album at the time. I think it's a brilliant album. Mick Fleetwood says it's his favorite Fleetwood Mac album, but, In the words of Van Morrison, "This business isn't based on creativity. It's based on sales."