In a thrilling moment for the British music scene, Dua Lipaโs newest album โRadical Optimismโ has debuted at the top of the UK Official Albums Chart, showcasing a remarkable milestone in the career of this talented artist.
โRadical Optimismโ has not only secured the Number 1 spot but has also achieved the biggest opening week for a British female artist since Adeleโs โ30โ in November 2021. The album garnered an impressive 46,300 chart units in its first seven days, according to the Official Charts Company, surpassing other notable releases of the year, and becoming the album with the biggest opening week for any British artist overall, for this year.
This success is particularly noteworthy as itโs Dua Lipaโs first album to debut directly at Number 1 in the UK. Her previous Number 1 record, โFuture Nostalgiaโ, reached the top spot in its second week of release. Whereas her debut self-titled album managed to peak at Number 3.
Adding to the celebration, โRadical Optimismโ emerged as this weekโs best-selling vinyl album, topping the Official Vinyl Albums Chartโa testament to Dua Lipaโs broad appeal across formats.
Meanwhile, in the dynamic landscape of the UK music scene, other artists are making waves. Frank Turnerโs latest album โUNDEFEATEDโ marks his sixth Top 10 entry by charting at Number 3. Turnerโs recent world record of playing the most gigs over 24 hours, supporting music venues, adds to the buzz surrounding his new release. The album also became this weekโs Number 1 on the Official Record Store Chartโthe best seller in UK independent record shops over the past week.
Additionally, Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones achieves a personal best with his second solo album โInevitable Incredibleโ, surpassing the success of his debut solo project, by charting at Number 6.
ABBAโs enduring influence is highlighted as โGold: Greatest Hitsโ re-enters the Top 10 in its remarkable 1149th week on the chartโa remarkable feat showcasing the timeless appeal of their music as they celebrate 50 years since their life-changing win at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988.
Further down the chart, emerging talents like Rachel Chinouriri with โWhat A Devastating Turn Of Eventsโ, The Karma Effectโs debut โPromised Landโ, Camera Obscuraโs โLook To The East, Look To The Westโ, and KayMuniโs mixtape โSigned To Tโ make notable debut appearances at Number 17, Number 19, Number 36, and Number 37, respectively.
Dua Lipaโs achievement with โRadical Optimismโ underscores the vibrancy and diversity of the UK music industry, where established names and rising stars continue to captivate audiences and shape the UK musical landscape. What new albums will enter next week? Can any of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 representatives make an impact?