Welsh artist Ren, whose full name is Ren Erin Gill, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing the number one spot on the UK Official Albums Chart with his latest release, โSick Boiโ. This independently released second studio album from the breakout star marks his first-ever chart-topper, and it was a hard-fought victory in a week-long battle against pop icon Rick Astley.
โSick Boiโ, a truly emotive body of work, showcases Renโs courage in being open and addressing his physical and mental health struggles, including a diagnosis of multiple chronic illnesses, especially Lyme disease. Despite not having the backing of a major label and being unable to perform live due to his health issues, Ren acknowledges the unwavering support of his dedicated friends and fans. Their support played a vital role in helping him clinch the top spot on the UK Official Albums Chart.
Speaking exclusively to the Official Charts Company, Ren said: โItโs all because of the fans that this has even happened. Weโve done this independently and the main foundation of promotion has been the fans showing up and showing support. What theyโve done in terms of spreading it โ the amount that Iโve seen them pushing this record โ is incredible. I want to say thank you to them so much.
โThis feels incredible, itโs so affirming. For me and everybody all my best friends around me whoโve worked on pushing this record. This means so much to me, it feels like a victory over my illness. It feels very empowering.โ
Remarkably, โSick Boiโ also marks a significant achievement for the independent entertainment company The Other Songs, as it becomes their first-ever Top 10 album and their first Number 1 release. Founded in 2018 by brothers Alastair and Billy Webber, who previously worked with Island Records and Warner Records, The Other Songs has enjoyed a four-year-long partnership with Ren, culminating in this chart-topping success.
Rick Astley, known for hits like โNever Gonna Give You Up,โ debuts at Number 2 on the chart with his ninth studio album, โAre We There Yet?,โ reflecting the enduring popularity of this Lancashire-born chart stalwart.
As for last weekโs chart-topper, Drakeโs โFor The Dogs,โ it has slipped to the third position, making way for Renโs triumphant entry.
Meanwhile, Australian multi-talent Troye Sivan has achieved a career-best ranking with his third full-length collection, โSomething To Give Each Other,โ securing the fourth position on the chart. This record, which includes notable singles like โRushโ, โGot Me Startedโ, and โOne Of Your Girlsโ, adds to Troye Sivanโs impressive track record of Top 10 albums.
Troye Sivanโs โSomething to Give Each Otherโ also dominates the UK Official Vinyl Albums Chart, proving to be the most sought-after vinyl record of the week.
Completing this weekโs Top 5 is Holly Humberstone, the 2022 BRITs Rising Star winner. Her debut LP, โPaint My Bedroom Black,โ lands at Number 5, while also securing high debuts on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart and the Official Record Store Chart, number 2 and number 3 respectively, further underscoring the success and diversity of the UKโs music scene.
Renโs achievement with โSick Boiโ on the UK Official Albums Chart represents a remarkable triumph for independent artists and the power of dedicated fan support. The chart continues to reflect the evolving landscape of the music industry, where talented artists from diverse backgrounds can make their mark. Who will top the chart next?