In a triumphant moment marking their 30th anniversary, Shed Seven has secured their first-ever Official Number 1 album with “A Matter of Time”. The York-formed rock group, consisting of Rick Witter, Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin, Tim Wills, and Rob Maxfield, now holds the record for the longest gap between the debut album and the first Number 1 album for a British rock band, with an impressive 29 years and 3 months.
The journey to the top spot began in 1994 with their debut album “Change Giver” which charted at Number 16, and the culmination in 2024 with “A Matter of Time” is a testament to the enduring appeal of Shed Seven’s music. This achievement surpasses their previous success, which included four Top 10 albums on the Official Albums Chart, such as “A Maximum High” at Number 8 in 1996, “Let It Ride” at Number 9 in 1998, “Going for Gold” at Number 7 in 1999, and “Instant Pleasures” at Number 8 in 2017, as well as 2020’s “Another Night Another Town” charting at Number 31 and 2001’s “Truth Be Told” missing out on the Top 40, peaking at Number 42.
In an exclusive statement to the Official Charts Company, Shed Seven expressed their excitement: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart with ‘A Matter of Time’. It’s also our 30th anniversary. What better way to start proceedings? We’re just getting started! Thanks to everyone for their support over the years, and especially for buying this record. It’s much appreciated – we shall see you on the road!”
Adding to their accomplishments, “A Matter of Time” also dominates the Official Record Store Chart and the Official Vinyl Albums Chart. Sales through independent record shops accounted for over half of the album’s total, making it the best-selling album of the week in UK independent record stores.
As Shed Seven revels in their success, last week’s chart-topper, Lewis Capaldi’s “Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent”, maintains a strong position at Number 2. The Weeknd holds steady at Number 3 with “The Highlights”, while Noah Kahan achieves a career-best at Number 4 with his third studio album “Stick Season”.
Rounding out the Top 5 is the ever-popular Taylor Swift with “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”, showcasing her enduring presence in the music scene.
Beyond the top spots, notable comebacks include Busted’s “Greatest Hits 2.0″, surging back into the Top 20 following an extended Another Present for Everyone edition release. Dublin band, SPRINTS, achieved their first Top 20 album with their debut album”Letter to Self” which charted at Number 20, claiming impressive positions on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart at Number 2 and Official Record Store Chart at Number 3.
Lastly, American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims makes a memorable debut in the UK Top 40 albums with “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)”, featuring the breakout hit “Lose Control”, landing at Number 24.
It seems the UK Official Albums Chart is crowning a new album each week. Considering it took Shed Seven 30 years to get to the top, it really could be anyone who follows suit, with the band effortlessly inspiring others and proving that hard work really does pay off.
