British indie rock band Blossoms are on the verge of securing their fourth UK Number One album with their latest release, “Gary”. Early midweek sales and streaming figures from the Official Charts Company indicate a strong lead for the Stockport five-piece.
From Stockport to Stardom
“Gary,” released on Odd Sk Recordings, marks the band’s fifth studio album. If projections hold, it will follow in the footsteps of their previous chart-toppers: their self-titled debut in 2016, “Foolish Loving Spaces” in 2020, and “Ribbon Around The Bomb” in 2022. Their 2018 album, “Cool Like You,” reached a respectable Number 4 on the UK charts.
A Chart Battle Brews
While Blossoms enjoy a comfortable lead, the race for the top spot is far from over. Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is hot on their heels with her debut album, “The Rise And Fall of a Midwest Princess,” currently sitting at Number Two. The Official Charts Company reports a difference of just over 2,000 chart units between the two albums.
Tom Walker Eyes a Triumphant Return
Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker is also in the running for a top three debut with his sophomore album, “I Am.” Walker, best known for his Brit Award-winning 2019 debut album, “What A Time To Be Alive,” could secure his second Number One with a strong showing in the latter half of the week.
A Busy Week for New Releases
The UK charts are buzzing with anticipated releases. Katy Perry is on track for a Top 5 debut with her sixth studio album, “143.” If projections hold, this will be her fifth Top 10 album in the UK and her highest-charting release since “Prism” topped the charts in 2013.
Meanwhile, Jamie xx, best known for his work with The xx, could see his solo album “In Waves” make a Top 10 debut. The album, a follow-up to his 2015 release “In Colour,” is currently projected to enter the charts at Number 6.
Rock, Pop, and Post-Punk: Genre Diversity on Display
Several other artists are vying for Top 10 positions, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles. Yorkshire rock band Terrorvision are on course for their highest-ever chart position with “We Are Not Robots,” while rapper Future could secure his fifth UK Top 10 with “Mixtape Pluto.” Manchester post-punk outfit Ist Ist are also aiming for their first-ever Top 10 appearance with “Light A Bigger Fire.”
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” Remains a Chart Force
Over on the singles chart, Sabrina Carpenter’s hit single “Taste” continues its reign, on track for a fifth consecutive week at Number One. This achievement would extend Carpenter’s record for the most combined weeks at Number One for a solo female artist in a calendar year.
Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” Poised for Potential Upset
Despite “Taste’s” dominance, Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” is hot on its heels at Number Two. The Official Charts Company notes that the song is “closer than ever to her first UK No. 1 single,” trailing Carpenter by fewer than 2,000 chart units.
A Week of Chart Anticipation
The official UK Albums and Singles Charts will be revealed on Friday, September 27th. With several tight races and potential upsets on the horizon, it’s set to be an exciting week for music fans and industry watchers alike.
