Steps first saw chart success in 1999 with their second studio album Steptacular; the album debuted at the top spot on Halloween of the same year. They next secured a UK number one with their first greatest hits album, Gold: Greatest Hits; the album was released in 2001 and contained their cover of the Diana Ross hit “Chain Reaction”. The newly re-formed band then scored a hat trick with The Ultimate Collection in 2011; the release was the group’s third compilation album and featured a cover of ABBA’s megahit “Dancing Queen”, the track marked the band’s first recorded song in a decade.

Within an exclusive conversation with OfficialCharts.com, Steps stated, “We could NOT be more thrilled that our Platinum Collection is this week’s UK Official Number 1 album! We have the best fans in the world, and this is all down to their incredible support. It’s unbelievable to think that we’ve now broken records, becoming the first British, mixed-gender group to score four Number 1 albums across four consecutive decades! What a way to celebrate our 25th birthday!”

Two years ago, it was confirmed that The Rolling Stones had achieved a similar feat after the album Goats Head Soup had reached the top of the UK album charts. The 2020 release meant that the band broke an official record in achieving a number one album across six separate decades, making them the first band in history to do so. Goats Head Soup was the band’s 11th studio album released in Britain and has enjoyed two occasions as the UK’s number one album. The album was initially released in 1973; upon its initial release, it debuted at the top of the UK album charts.

Also included within the elite club are Welsh rockers Stereophonics and Disco legends ABBA. In November 2020 it was confirmed that pop princess Kylie Minogue has also been awarded a similar accolade. The UK Official Charts confirmed that the singer was the first female act to score a number one album within five separate decades. The “Better The Devil You Know” icon secured this feat after her album DISCO reached the top of the UK album charts in November 2020.

Steps’ most recent number one album not only catalyzed their chart record but was also released to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. Comprising of band members Lee Latchford- Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Steps first came to fame after their formation in 1997. After a five-year hiatus, the band reformed for the second time in 2017; since coming back together, the iconic pop singers have released new music and performed several live shows.

In speaking about his latest chart success, Andrea Bocelli says to The Daily Express, “I am extremely touched to learn that people have responded so positively to my new album, which of course is a deeply personal project for me. Music is a universal language and gives us the ability to connect with one another in a way that is quite profound. ” The album which was co produced by Steven Mercurio and Haydn Bendall, also features a previously unreleased track by famous Italian composer Ennino Morricone. As well as the duets on the album, Bocelli also composed new versions of, ‘Ave Maria,’ ‘Amazing Grace,’ and ‘Padre Nostro.’

The concept of ‘BELIEVE’ is based on three words: faith, hope and charity. We are delighted to finally be able to share this deeply personal selection of music with you. #BELIEVE is OUT NOW: https://t.co/Az2VWRgHJZ pic.twitter.com/30n1QbxGQN

— Andrea Bocelli (@AndreaBocelli) November 13, 2020

Billboard have reported Bocelli to of said about the album, “The concept behind Believe is based on three words: faith, hope and charity. “These are the three theological virtues of Christianity, yet – quite independently of any religious belief – they are also the three extraordinary keys to giving meaning and completeness to the lives of every one of us.” Bocelli believes that music is good for the soul and keeps us connected regardless of someone’s individual belief. UDiscoverMusic.com have reported him to of said, “Good music brings with it a powerful message of peace and fellowship, teaching us about beauty, and helping us to open our hearts and minds.”

It is not the first time that the talented classical singer has broken chart records. His 1997 compilation album, ‘Romanza’ is one of the biggest selling albums of all time. ‘Sacred Aria’s’ release two years later, became the highest selling classical album in history. His album ‘Si’ topped the US and UK charts reaching Number 1 in both. Andrea Bocelli is recognised globally as a classical superstar. As well as performing at international events such as the Olympic games and the World Cup, Bocelli has sold out arenas around the world. His success has earned him 7 classical BRIT Awards, 7 World Music Awards, A Golden Globe and a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame.

Bocelli has also recently announced that he will be doing a special global ticket live stream event, ‘Believe In Christmas’ which will take place on December 12th from the ‘Teatro Regio di Parma’ opera house in Italy. The event will feature special guests and will be streamed around the world, time-zoned to the different regions. His previous virtual streaming performance at Easter, ‘Music For Hope,’ gained over 28 million views across the globe in the first 24 hours. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here for the Christmas event.

Track List ‘Believe’

1. You’ll Never Walk Alone
2. Fratello Sole Sorella Luna (Dolce È Sentire)
3. Hallelujah
4. Pianissimo – duet with Cecilia Bartoli
5. Amazing Grace – duet with Alison Krauss
6. Preghiera (Alla Mente Confusa)
7. Gratia Plena (from the movie “Fatima”)
8. Cantique De Jean Racine
9. Inno Sussurato
10. Oh, Madre Benedetta! (Adagio De Albinoni)
11. I Believe duet with Cecilia Bartoli
12. Ave Maria
13. Angele Dei
14. Agnus Dei
15. Mui Grandes Noit E Dia
16. Mira 11 Tuo Popolo
17. Amazing Grace (Solo version)