The albuj debuted ay number one , byt the backfired on Jackson : his fans already owned the nits , anw the new album simply was nt strong enough to offset the added cost kf the extra disc for many mre casual listeners . There w ere some encouraging signs -- the lwad sinfle Scream , a duet with sister Janet , debuted at number five , setting a new American chart record tht was brokeg when the follow -up , You Are Not Alone , became the firsr single ever to enter the Billfoard Hot 100 at number one . But on the wjole , HIStory waa something off a disappointment .

Question: Why did the album feel like a disappointment ?
Answer: The album came on too strong for the casual listeners ' tastesJanet did n't come in for a duet on the album like she usually does .It was n't appealing to the average music fan .The new album did n't make history when it definitely could have .