Robbie Williams has become the British artist with the most UK Number One albums, usurping The Beatles previous record of 15 across their career as a band. New release ‘BRITPOP’, his first solo studio album since 2019, stormed into the charts in first place, further securing his place in British music history.

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Williams first rose to prominence with boy band Take That, formed in 1990. He joined the band at the age of just 16, going on to have a string of number one hits and number one albums, before he struck an iceberg. He had developed serious substance abuse problems, and was struggling with the hierarchy neglecting his input in the songwriting process. In 1995, he was pressured into leaving the band due to his behaviour, and after a run of partying and trying to break free from the record label contracts binding his future, he began releasing solo music in 1996.

Debut solo album ‘Life Thru A Lens’, was a serious statement of intent, only managing 11th in the chart on its first week, but going on to spend 2 weeks at number one, and 147 weeks in the chart since its 1997 launch. Other singles ‘Old Before I Die’ and ‘Let Me Entertain You’ were big hits in their own right, but the fourth single ‘Angels’, became the biggest song of Williams’ career to date by both sales and streamed plays.

From there, Robbie became the biggest pop sensation of the 90s, through to much of the early 2000’s. His charismatic “bad boy” image and diverse assortment of songs made him a superstar both at home and abroad. The only albums in his catalogue not to reach UK Number Album were 2009’s ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’ and 2003 live album ‘Live At Knebworth’, both of which peaked in second place.

‘BRITPOP’ released on the 16th of January, with a selection of guests and collaborators. Single ‘Rocket’ featured Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, and Gaz Coombes of Supergrass lent his talents to several songs. Most interesting is the participation of Take That main man Gary Barlow, whose feud with Williams was responsible for his 1995 exit. They have since mended their relationship, with Robbie rejoining the band for number one album ‘Progress’ in 2010.

Now with his 13th studio album, Robbie Williams is feeling on top of the world again. In a video he shared with the Official Charts Company, he reflected on a career of highs and lows, and how much his dedicated fans have meant to him over his lifetime. He said “You have given me a life and saved my life at the same time”. Elsewhere in the feature, he expressed gratitude for the album, saying “’BRITPOP’ is the album I always wanted to make, and seeing it become my 16th number one album means everything to me”. As well as this, in an interview with the BBC, he celebrated his sobriety, joking that he and wife Ayda Field would celebrate the chart success with “a Coke Zero and a salad”.

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Including his live and compilation albums, this gives Robbie Williams the record for most number one albums, above The Beatles, the biggest band of all time by most metrics. Interestingly, when you put his Take That numbers in the mix, he has 21 total number one albums, second only to former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, who has 23 across all of his endeavours. Robbie Williams heartening story comes at an exciting time for the UK’s Official Album Chart, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this July.

Despite Moon Magic being the last of Coldplay’s new music for a while, the band are continuing to cement their musical legacy.

Huge congratulations to #Coldplay (@coldplay), who celebrate the biggest week for a UK act in three years with 10th Number 1 album #MoonMusic #Coldplayhttps://t.co/IvS9kbCYTO

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) October 11, 2024

Coldplay appeared on the tele-shopping channel QVC on the eve of Moon Magic’s release. After 25 years in the musical promotion game, Coldplay used this unique idea to promote their latest work to a different and somewhat unsuspecting audience.

This promotion of Moon Magic clearly paid off for Coldplay, as the album soared to the top spot, becoming the fastest-selling album (both in physical copies and downloads) since Adele’s 30 in 2021. Moon Magic achieved 209,000 in pure sales whereas 30 acquired 218,000 in its opening week. Additionally, Coldplay beat Adele’s record with 30, by earning 237,000 chart units in its opening week, making Moon Magic the biggest debut for a British act in three years.

This immense achievement has made Coldplay neck and neck with many other iconic acts. ABBA, Michael Jackson and Queen all join Coldplay, each act possessing 10 number one records on the Official Albums Chart.

Moon Magic accompanies the rest of Coldplay’s chart-topping records, which began with Parachutes, their 2000 debut, along with A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) and their most recent release prior to Moon Magic, Music Of The Spheres (2021).

With the singles ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’ and ‘We Pray’ that remained in the Top 20 of this week’s singles chart, Moon Magic with its 237,000 units trails behind Taylor’s Swifts’ The Tortured Poets Department and its 270,000 units, which was released back in April and establishes Swift with the record of biggest first-week sales of 2024. This further makes Coldplay musical royalty with the success of their tenth album, which with its strong numbers, puts the band reams and reams ahead of other British acts this year.

With that being said, the BBC has stated that the sales of Moon Magic this week has seen the record sell more copies than the rest of the Top 40 combined. This is a huge achievement for Coldplay, who recently revealed earlier this year with the announcement of Moon Magic, that their twelve album would their last album.

The success of Coldplay’s Moon Magic further reveals their musical legacy remains prominent over more than two decades in the music industry.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/coldplays-moon-magic-claims-the-number-one-spot-of-the-uk-albums-chart/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-last-dinner-party-lead-in-uk-chart-race-for-debut-album-prelude-to-ecstasy/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-last-dinner-party-lead-in-uk-chart-race-for-debut-album-prelude-to-ecstasy/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:12:55 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=99447 British newcomers The Last Dinner Party are zooming ahead in the UK chart race, with midweek sales and streaming statistics predicting the band are currently on track to achieve a Number 1 spot in the Official Album Charts for their debut album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy.’ The London-based quintet are currently riding the wave of the album’s release since last Friday, touring up and down the country playing sold-out shows, meeting with fans, as well as taking part in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge and talk show appearances, a far cry from when they first emerged on to the scene post-lockdown.

Abigail Morris (lead vocalist), Georgia Davies (bass), and Lizzie Mayland (rhythm guitar) met in 2020 when they were enrolled at King’s College London together. The trio went on to form the band, originally called ‘The Dinner Party’, with Emily Roberts (lead guitar) and Aurora Nishevci (keys) from Guildhall School of Music & Drama joining them soon after. Crowned as the winners of this year’s BRITs Rising Star Award and the prestigious BBC Sound Of…2024 poll, The Last Dinner Party have had a whirlwind couple of months, securing their first-ever Official Singles Chart Top 40 entry just last week with the album’s lead single ‘Nothing Matters‘ charting at 22. ‘Prelude to Ecstasy‘ is expected to take the title, with BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders counting down to the top spot this Friday between 16:00 and 17:45PM GMT as part of the Official Chart Show.

The fearless five-piece have been highly active on social media this week, spreading the album far and wide and expressing their gratitude for the incredible reception it has received, commenting: “Sharing this magical week with each and every one of you up and down the country has been SO special. Our heartfelt gratitude to you all knows no bounds. Without one single doubt, you are our crème de la crème.”

We are delighted to say that our autumn adventures will be taken to even dizzier heights of frenzy and experimental trousers with new tour dates in Belfast, Dublin and London. Tickets on sale 8am tomorrow ❤️ https://t.co/OfK1Tll22x pic.twitter.com/wNVEcvwW31

— The Last Dinner Party (@lastdinnerparty) February 8, 2024

After building a word-of-mouth fanbase on the UK gig circuit over the past few years, The Last Dinner Party have now confirmed the dates for their upcoming European and North American Tour, as well as their first major UK/Ireland Tour this September and October. Presale tickets are currently available to purchase here for fans who have been granted a presale access code, with the General Sale commencing this Friday, February 9, from 8AM GMT. The tour will conclude in the group’s hometown at the iconic Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on October 16.

Tearing ahead for their first potential UK Number 1, this is a band not at all flustered by a potential sell-by date, having already secured career-defining performances at this year’s Reading and Leeds and TRNSMT Festival, and even across the pond for Coachella. Serving up a fruitful debut, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy‘ is out now.

The Last Dinner Party 2024 UK/Ireland Tour

September

23/09/2024 – O2 City Hall – Newcastle
24/09 – O2 Academy – Leeds
25/09 – Octagon Centre – Sheffield
27/09 – The LCR, UEA – Norwich
28/09 – The Engine Shed – Lincoln
29/09 – Tramshed – Cardiff

October

18/09 – Belfast –  The Telegraph Building
01/10 – O2 Academy –Birmingham
02/10 – Rock City – Nottingham
04/10 – O2 Academy – Bristol
05/10 – O2 Guildhall – Southampton
07/10 – 3Olympia – Dublin
08/10 – 3Olympia – Dublin
10/10 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
11/10 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester
12/10 – Mountford Hall – Liverpool
14/10 – Corn Exchange – Cambridge
16/10 – Eventim Apollo – London
17/10 – Eventim Apollo – London

Another day, another Tay slay

Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) ends an incredible year by claiming 2022’s Official Christmas Number 1 album with #Midnights

Read the full story ➡ https://t.co/owb6I7lgxZ #XmasNo1 #TaylorSwift pic.twitter.com/cfF052r2fq

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) December 23, 2022

The 33-year-old singer’s festive victory marks the second instance in which Midnight has topped the charts. Released on 21st October 2022, the album debuted at the top spot in the UK album charts and found success in streams, particularly within the platform Spotify. The release marks the tenth studio album by Swift and followed the 2020 release Folklore and Evermore.

 With its win this week, Midnight has now accumulated three weeks at the number one position. Its first entered the charts upon its release and debuted at number one, Midnight then outsold the competition again the following week and has remained in the top three until its triumphant return this festive season. Swift’s recent chart success marks the second time she has spent three weeks at number one. Released on 24th July 2020, Folklore also spent three weeks as the UK’s number-one album.

The success found with Midnight’s charting propelled Swift into the chart of the most popular singers, the “Bad Blood” singer has accumulated the second most number one albums in UK chart history. Swift has entered the top billing with a high stat of nine albums, Madonna remains at the top with twelve UK number-one albums.

Placing at number three within the official 2022 UK album charts is Christmas by Michael Buble, the crooner’s seasonal staple was released on 24th October 2011 and has remained a favourite for shoppers and listeners. Upon its initial release, the album was given a Juno Award for Album of the Year, creating a landmark moment as it was the first holiday-themed release to be given the accolade.

Placing at number four within this year’s annual album race is SOS by SZA, the American singer’s second and most recent album was released on 9th December 2022 via Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records, peaking at number two within the UK album charts. Closing off the top five is A Family Christmas by Andrea/Matteo/Virginia Bocelli, a compilation album created by Andrea Bocelli with a heavy focus on family and the Christmas spirit.

Elsewhere in the charts, The Snuts also hit number three with their second studio album Burn The Empire with Craig David returning to the charts with his eighth studio album, 22 at number seven. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have also scored their fourth top 10 album this week with their fifth record, Cool It Down. It was Slipknot who came out on top with their singles also performing vary well on streaming platforms, one of the most popular songs on the album include “Chapeltown Rag” reaching almost 19 million streams on Spotify as well as “The Dying Song (Time To Sing)” with just under 14 million with its music video reaching 15 million on YouTube, which you can view below.

Speaking about the band’s new album to NME Slipknot’s Corey Taylor said the band’s latest album most closely resembles their third record, ‘Vol. 3: (Subliminal Verses)’. Released back in 2004, that was the album where the band focused on melody, taking their songwriting in new, unexpected directions. “Musically, we’ve never shied away from a challenge,” Taylor said. “It got to the point where you’re like, ‘Where do we go?’ [We said] let’s look back for inspiration instead of trying to look forward, and let’s try to embrace some of the shit that made us wanna do this in the first place.” He then went on to say that the band worried “less about the cohesion of the album and more about the strength of the songs. Each song has its own identity, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the identity of the album.”

This latest album is available in multiple formats, but for those who purchased it on vinyl or cassette, you may have noticed an error, the wrong title was actually printed on the cover. This was pointed out by fans on the internet who noted that the album cover actually reads The End for Now…, while the correct name can be seen on the sticker on the protective plastic wrap, however if you bought the CDs it would appear to have the correct title on them.

Speaking on their win from L.A, 5 Seconds of Summer have stated, “What’s up, UK! We did it! We’re the f*cking Number 1 album! We honestly just can’t believe it. Thank you everyone, so much. We love you. You’re amazing. I’m going to cry now.“

Consisting of members Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin and Michael Clifford, the group’s fifth studio album garnered great success within multiple charts. It has been confirmed that the release’s highly profitable week consisted of 78% physical sales, becoming this week’s most physically purchased record as well as the most downloaded album within the UK.

The band’s recent album was released on 23rd September 2022 via BMG Rights Management; work began on 5SOS5 immediately after the release of CALM. The album’s existence and release were announced during the band’s Take My Hand World Tour, held across the Summer this year; the band performed the singles “Easy For You To Say” and “Blender” for the first time live. The hitmakers proceeded the album’s launch with the singles “Complete Mess“, “Taken My Hand“, “Me Myself & I“, “Blender“, and “Older“.

Elsewhere within this week’s UK album charts, Lap 5 by D-Block Europe places in second place. The British hip hop collective last landed within the UK album chart’s top 5 in 2020 with The Blue Print: Us vs Them; the release marked their first studio album but was preceded by multiple mixtapes. The group’s recent release has been named this week’s most streamed album and marks their seventh release to break into the top 40 and third UK top 5; D-Block Europe first entered the top 5 with their 2019 mixtape PTSD, which reached number four.

Landing at number three this week is Gulp! by Sports Team; the British alt-rockers released the album on 23rd September 2022. Marking their second studio album, Gulp! is the band’s first entry into the top 3 and has been named this week’s number one record on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart as well as the Official Record Store Chart. The band’s recent album comes two years after the release of their debut album Deep Down Happy; the album dropped in 2020 and entered a chart battle with Lady GaGa’s All Time Low, Sports Team’s first chart entry positioned at number two.

Speaking on his win, Williams has stated, “Thank you to everyone who’s supported the album: everyone who’s bought it, streamed it, downloaded it and reviewed it. I’m so pleased that it’s gone to Number 1, and whilst it feels strange to be receiving an award during these sombre times, I wanted to thank you all for your support and dedicate this to the fans, who I never take for granted. I really appreciate it, thank you so much.”

OFFICIAL CHART RECORD BREAKER.@RobbieWilliams overtakes Elvis Presley as the solo act with most UK Number 1 albums in history with #XXV.

Congratulations, Robbie! https://t.co/43bmmaxUao

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 16, 2022

Before One Direction took the world by storm, Take That captured the nation’s hearts, arguably laying the groundwork and formula for future boybands. Williams joined the boyband in 1990 at the young age of 16 and quickly became a favourite for many. In 1996, with boyband fever still in swing, Take That broke the hearts of many when they announced their split. Whilst a member of Take That, Williams scored four number one albums within the UK, including the greatest hits album Odyssey; the figure is five UK number one albums.

During the same year as Take That’s disbandment, Williams embarked on his hotly anticipated solo career. Throughout the Stoke-on-Trent native’s career as a solo artist, he released fourteen studio albums, all but one has placed at the top spot. The singer’s eighth solo studio album, Reality Killed the Video Star, was released in 2009 and placed at number two on the UK album charts. The singer’s recent release, XXV, is Williams’ third greatest hits collection to secure the number one position.

Although Williams is now the record holder, The Beatles still hold the first place as the act with the most UK number one albums. The fab four have accumulated fifteen UK number one albums throughout their career, first securing the top spot in 1963 with their debut album Please Please Me. The group have featured within the UK charts even after their split; in 2000, the group’s greatest hits album entitled 1 spent an impressive 174 weeks at the top of the charts.

Famed Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney is still untouched and remains the individual who has collected the most number one albums. The singer has accumulated twenty-three number-one albums throughout his long career; the figure includes his time spent in the Beatles, Wings and as a solo performer.

Minogue and Williams released “Kids” in 2000; the duet was co-written by Williams and his writing partner Guy Chambers. The single originated from Williams and Minogue’s initial stages of their partnership; the two first started to work together when Minogue asked Williams to write music for her album Light Years. During the songwriting process, the two singers felt the creative chemistry between themselves and decided to turn “Kids” into a duet rather than a solo track for Minogue. The two later worked together the following year; Williams lent his writing talents to Minogue in 2001 when he co-wrote the track “Your Disco Needs You“.

During a recent appearance on Fox FM, Williams alluded to a reunion with the certified pop princess. The 48-year-old singer stated, “I need to ask her, maybe I should do that on this radio station right here, right now. Kylie, please come and sing with me. I’d love it if you did.” When pressed for more information, the “Let Me Entertain You” singer said, “I cannot confirm or deny [but] I will be singing a song that isn’t a Robbie Williams song. I’ll just put that out there.” Williams has also been vocal in his reactions to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the singer took to social media to post a tribute to the 96 year old monarch.

I am truly saddened at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She represented Britain around the world with poise and strength – my thoughts are with the Royal Family and all who loved her. pic.twitter.com/kvCgas86aL

— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) September 9, 2022

This week saw Williams make a recent return to the UK charts; the multiple Brit award-winning artist released XXV on 9th September 2022. The compilation album was released via Columbia Records and serves to commemorate the singer’s 25th anniversary as a solo artist. The album is the singer’s tenth greatest hits LP and comes with a twist on the format; the release contains re-worked, re-recorded and orchestrated renditions of the singer’s most beloved tracks from his long and storied solo career. The album contains many reimagined songs, including an XXV version of Williams’ fourth solo single, “Angels” the new version was released as XXV’s lead single on 7th June 2022.

My new album XXV is out September 9th, celebrating 25 years as a solo artist. Available on CD, cassette & 2LP vinyl – click the link to pre-order now x https://t.co/6H7tHeWYuH pic.twitter.com/DclexJHLYq

— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) June 21, 2022

Recent data released via the UK official charts confirmed that Williams’ new album could reach the top of the album charts. The singer’s thirteenth studio album is outselling the rest of the top 10 albums combined and is tipped to become the UK’s number one album. If it continues to sell well, XXV will become Williams’ fourteenth solo number one album in the UK. The Stoke on Trent native first broke into the charts as a solo artist with his debut album, Life Thru A Lens; the album was released on 29th September 1997. The album marked a sharp re-direction from his boyband days and saw Williams adopt the Britpop sound, which was prominent during the 90s.

thankyou for everythin my family … i have plans https://t.co/kC5vEMEbee

— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) September 9, 2022

Yungblud, real name Dominic Harrison, took to Twitter when he heard the news to say, “thank you for everythin my family … I have plans.” Followed by a smiling devil emoji and a black heart. When the musician received the trophy from the Official Charts Company for Weird reaching Number One, he melted it down to make 150 safety pins for his diehard fans.

In light of current events, the Official Charts are published simply as a matter of record this evening.

The charts will be accessible at https://t.co/3g6cKUqJfE pic.twitter.com/NRPd6qjgp7

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 9, 2022

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary 70-year reign has so far spanned the entire existence of the Official Singles chart so far, which was created in November 1952, the same year she ascended to the throne. To mark respect for the Queen’s passing Official Charts Company did not share any stats around this week’s charts but published them “simply as a matter of record”.

The album so far has received rave reviews, NME giving it four stars and saying, “It’s a lot more focused than what’s come before; Harrison’s replaced his kid in a candy shop approach to music with a blistering confidence. Perhaps for the first time in his career, he knows exactly what he wants. ‘Yungblud’ is a coming-of-age album but it doesn’t skimp on the excitement either.”

Addressing the social media accusations of ‘queer-baiting’, being an ‘industry plant’ and pretending to be working class the review finishes by saying, “It would have been easy for Yungblud to pull back from the spotlight after getting a battering online. Instead, he’s come back with his most confident, cohesive album, which sees him fighting hate with understanding and love. It’s a battle he knows he can win”.

Talking to the Official Charts Company website about the success of Weird and the recording of his new album he said, “I started working on it almost immediately after Weird! went to Number 1 and there was all this “commercial success” in inverted commas, whatever that means. I had the chance to work in any studio with any writers, anything I f*cking wanted. And that just wasn’t me, man. I mean, I went [into those rooms] and these producers were all like “oh, you’re doing that rock thing.”

He continued, “Like, what do you mean “that rock thing?!” It was all very fake. It felt fake. So I ended up making the album in my mate’s bedroom. We started in January, and we’d finished by February and now it’s coming out. You can’t choose what an album sounds like, it’s almost got to choose you”. When asked about his unique celebration for Weird reaching Number One and if he had any plans to repeat if Yungblud reached the top spot, Harrison said, “It will be something mental. I might make them into golden ducks or summit. Guys at Official Charts, make sure you have the furnace ready!”

WE MADE FOOKIN HISTORY LAST NIGHT!!! 3 shows in 1 night on the sunset strip!!! played the new album in full and over 700,000 of you tuned in! thankyou for everythin … pic.twitter.com/4f3x7dxo0D

— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) September 9, 2022

Yungblud is currently in Los Angeles and on September 9^th played three shows in one night on the Sunset Strip. He played the new album in full and “over 700,000” people tuned in to watch. Yungblud is available everywhere now.

.@OfficialSteps‘ history-making Platinum Collection leads the Official Albums Top 10 ✨

See the Top 100 https://t.co/qA3DHUXugJ pic.twitter.com/gkxsbi8AU5

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) August 27, 2022

Those who buy Aitch’s new project will have a choice of unique NFT artwork to own; the collectable NFTs will be partnered with a physical copy of Close To Home. The new album is not only breaking ground within new media but has also sired Aitch his highest positioning release within the UK album charts. The 22 year old artist has also gained traction with the UK singles chart, his collaboration with Ed Sheeran has entered the UK top 10. The track, “My G”, has charted at number six and is the third single to be released from Close To Home.

Speaking to OfficialCharts.com, Aitch gave an exclusive statement, “A massive thank you to everyone who has bought my debut album, Close To Home. Also gassed to hear I’ve made Official Charts history, becoming the first artist ever to chart with an NFT project! Big up to everyone that has purchased an NFT from my collection, the support means the world to me. I’ll see you on tour very soon.”

Close To Home, my debut album is out now

Thank you to everyone who’s been involved and supported me, I can’t appreciate you enough.

My G is a song on the album that probably means the most to me, written for my sister Gracie. The video is out now https://t.co/UOmmkshgbK pic.twitter.com/KKnrJQaZai

— Aitch (@OfficialAitch) August 19, 2022

Since their creation in 2014, NFTs have been utilised by various musical acts to offer fans exclusive content. They have also gained vast popularity throughout all avenues of the entrainment industry. Standing for Non-fungible token, an NFT serves as a record stored on a blockchain typically attached to digital and physical assets. Each comes with metadata and unique ID codes; this information is used to separate each NFT. Their use has extended further than music, culture and the arts; this recent invention has even been used to represent properties and rights such as real estate.

The first instance of a release containing NFT data coming to the charts was made this April, it was confirmed that The Amazons’ forthcoming new album would be eligible to enter the UK album charts. The British rockers will release How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? this September, the album will come with an attached digital boxset edition of the Vinyl release and additional NFT digital content.

The UK Official Charts Company CEO Martin Talbot has given the following statement, “We are delighted to approve this first-ever NFT for Official Albums Chart inclusion, it is an incredibly exciting moment for the chart and the UK music scene. As far as we are aware, this is the first release to include an NFT component to achieve chart approval anywhere in the world – so congratulations to The Amazons for this fantastic first. The UK’s Official Charts have always strived to evolve as music fans change how they buy and consume their favourite music, and this is another example of how we have always sought to reflect the pioneering spirit of the music industry and, in particular, the UK scene.“

Click here to buy/download/stream Close To Home.