Akon’s debut album, “Trouble,” marked his entry into the music scene on June 29, 2004. It includes the popular global hit, “Lonely,” which served as a significant commercial breakthrough for the artist. Another notable track, “Locked Up,” played a pivotal role in securing Akon’s record deal, chosen strategically to resonate with street audiences before crossing over to mainstream success.
“Trouble” found immense success in the United Kingdom, topping the UK Album Chart. In the first week alone, the album sold 25,000 copies and later received Platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States, with a total of 1.6 million copies sold.
The album’s journey on the charts was remarkable. It first appeared on the UK Album Chart on February 12, 2005, gradually ascending until it reached the #1 position on April 30, 2005. It held the top spot for two non-consecutive weeks, solidifying Akon’s standing in the UK music scene.
Over time, various versions of the album were released in different regions, each featuring unique tracks and remixes. The UK version initially contained thirteen tracks, while the US version had twelve, omitting “Ghetto.” The digital US album, however, included a bonus track called “Kill The Dance.” Later, in 2005, the UK version received a reissue with additional bonus tracks, “Gunshot” and a remix of “Locked Up.” Japan’s version mirrored the UK’s bonus tracks but excluded “Ghetto.”
For its European release in late 2004, the album underwent significant alterations, with remixes of “Belly Dancer,” “Lonely,” and “Don’t Let Up” replacing the original versions found in the US and UK editions. Additionally, the European version replaced “I Wont” with a new track, “Easy Road.”
In 2005, “Trouble” was reissued yet again, this time accompanied by a bonus disc featuring two brand new tracks, two remixes, and six collaborations between Akon and other artists. The European bonus disc included eleven tracks, with another remix of “Ghetto” as the first track.
Ultimately, the European edition became the preferred version, as all US versions of the album were removed from iTunes in 2006, making way for the European release, albeit with slight modifications. The European version omitted “Easy Road” but reinstated the original track “I Wont,” while also including the US digital bonus track, “Kill The Dance,” instead of the remix of “Locked Up.” To date, “Trouble” remains Akon’s most successful album in the United Kingdom.
