Flyleaf’s debut studio album, titled “Flyleaf,” was released on October 4, 2005, under Octone Records. On October 30, 2007, a CD/DVD special edition was launched, featuring extra acoustic tracks and music videos. This album was re-released on January 14, 2008, by Polydor Records in the United Kingdom, which included three additional acoustic tracks.
Thematically, “Flyleaf” explores subjects such as Christianity, love, and mortality. The album garnered a mixed response from music critics. Initially debuting at No. 88 on the Billboard 200, it sold over 13,000 copies in its first week. Over time, due to increased exposure and popularity, it climbed to its highest position of No. 57 during the week of September 17, 2007, spending a total of 133 weeks on the chart. Additionally, the album reached the top position on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, establishing itself as the ninth best-selling Christian album of the 2000s. With over 1 million copies sold, it achieved Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Background: “Flyleaf” was initially released on October 4, 2005. On October 30, 2007, the band launched a Special Edition CD/DVD version, retaining the same tracks as the original release while adding acoustic renditions of “Cassie,” “Fully Alive,” “I’m So Sick,” “All Around Me,” and “Red Sam” (the only acoustic song not released as a single). The DVD included exclusive interviews with Flyleaf, along with music videos for “All Around Me,” “I’m So Sick,” and “Fully Alive.” This re-release also featured a complimentary “All Around Me” ringtone and a “locker” poster. Subsequently, on January 14, 2008, the album was re-released in the UK by Polydor Records, containing only three additional acoustic tracks.
When A&M Records joined forces with Octone Records, the album underwent a reprint to reflect the new joint-venture label arrangement. This version featured a modified back cover artwork and a shortened duration of “Fully Alive,” now clocking in at 2 minutes and 34 seconds compared to the original 2 minutes and 48 seconds.
The single “Cassie” was penned as a tribute to Cassie Bernall, a victim of the tragic Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Commercial performance: During its first week, the Special Edition CD/DVD of “Flyleaf” sold over 13,000 copies, propelling the album 59 spots up to No. 62 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. In the subsequent week, it sold over 10,100 copies. To date, the album has surpassed 1,000,000 copies sold in the U.S., earning it platinum certification.
According to Billboard, “Flyleaf” secured the position of the ninth best-selling Christian album from 2000 to 2009.
