Taylor Swift has once again proven her dominance in the music industry by achieving a remarkable chart double on the UK Official Charts with her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department”, and its lead single, “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. This extraordinary feat not only marks Swift’s 12th Number 1 album but also solidifies her position as one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation.
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Record-Breaking Album Success
“The Tortured Poets Department”, Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, has made history by securing the UK’s biggest opening week in seven years, surpassing Adele’s 2021 release “30”, becoming the biggest opening week since Ed Sheeran’s 2017 “÷ (Divide)”. The album has sold a staggering 270,000 chart units in its first week, surpassing Swift’s previous personal best of 204,000 units with “Midnights” in 2022. This outstanding performance not only showcases Swift’s continued relevance but also reaffirms her status as a chart powerhouse.
In addition to these impressive milestones, Taylor Swift has now equalled Madonna’s record as the female artist with the most Number 1 albums in Official Albums Chart history, with a total of 12 chart-topping albums. This feat means she draws level with Bruce Springsteen who also has 12 Number 1s with only four other acts who have more UK Number 1 albums.
Furthermore, “The Tortured Poets Department” has achieved the biggest opening week for an international act in 18 years, nearly matching the Scissor Sisters’ record of 288,000 units with their 2006 album “Ta-Dah!” Can anyone top the Scissor Sisters?
Taylor Swift’s accomplishment in accumulating 12 Number 1 albums in just 11 years and 6 months surpasses even The Beatles’ record, making her the fastest artist to achieve this milestone in UK Official Chart history. This beats The Beatles’ record who managed the same amount of Number 1s in 14 years and 1 month.
Impressive Singles Performance
On the singles front, “Fortnight” marks Swift’s fourth Official Number 1 single in the UK, adding to her impressive string of chart-topping hits including “Look What You Made Me Do”, “Anti-Hero”, and “Is It Over Now?” This also marks her third chart-double having previously managed the feat in 2022 and 2023.
Moreover, “The Tortured Poets Department” has seen multiple tracks from the album achieve significant chart positions. The title track itself debuted at Number 3 on the UK Official Singles Chart while “Down Bad” charts at Number 4.
Chart Success Across the Board
Albums Chart
In addition to Taylor Swift’s phenomenal success with “The Tortured Poets Department”, other artists have made significant impacts on the UK Official Albums Chart, this week. Pearl Jam secured their highest-charting UK album in 11 years with “Dark Matter,” debuting at Number 2. UB40’s 21st studio album “UB45” also made an impressive debut, entering the chart at Number 5.
Fleetwood Mac’s classic album “Rumours” re-entered the Top 10 at Number 9 with the release of a brand-new picture disc exclusive to Record Store Day 2024. Further down is the artist that Taylor Swift has now matched with for 12 Number 1 albums, Bruce Springsteen who dropped “Best of Bruce Springsteen” which charted at Number 15 seeing him claim his 37th UK Top 40 album.
Many albums have re-entered the UK Chart due to Record Store Day (RSD), Blur’s “Parklife” claimed Number 16, becoming the first time in 26 years since it has charted within the UK Top 40. The album received a 30th-anniversary zoetrope vinyl release specifically for RSD.
Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” jumped back into the Top 20 for the first time since 2021, landing at Number 17. This isn’t a surprise since the biopic film that shares the same name as the album is currently available to watch in cinemas. Pink Floyd also marks their return to the UK Top 40, claiming Number 21 after a 50th-anniversary collector’s edition release, with crystal clear vinyl featuring a UV artwork print.
Orbital’s self-titled debut album received a special reissue in a new 2LP format exclusive to RSD, making a notable entrance onto the charts at Number 31. Meanwhile, The 1975 celebrated the tenth anniversary of their influential debut album with “Live From Gorilla”, which debuted at Number 32. David Bowie’s release, “Waiting In The Sky (Before the Starman Came to Earth)”, also captured attention and secured a spot on the chart at Number 39.
Singles Chart
In the singles arena, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” rose to Number 5, becoming her first UK Top 5 single. Mark Ambor’s “Belong Together” climbed to Number 12, continuing its upward trajectory. Drake’s diss track “Push Ups” debuts at Number 14—marking his 95th UK Top 40.
US singer-songwriter Shaboozey achieved a significant milestone with his first-ever UK Top 40 single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, climbing to Number 16 on the charts, he has received a significant boost worldwide after being featured on Beyoncé’s chart-topping album “COWBOY CARTER”. Lay Bankz’s track “Tell Ur Girlfriend” experienced a notable surge, reaching Number 18, while Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” also saw a rise in popularity, securing the Number 21 position.
Headie One’s collaboration with Stormzy and Tay Keith, “Cry No More”, debuted at Number 33, marking a significant success for all artists involved. These chart successes highlight the dynamic and diverse landscape of music in the UK, with Taylor Swift’s monumental achievements serving as a testament to her enduring talent and unmatched appeal.
As fans celebrate Taylor Swift’s latest triumphs, her record-breaking impact reaffirms why she remains a beloved figure in the music industry and continues to redefine the boundaries of chart success. You can view the full UK Official Charts on the Official Charts Company website by clicking here.
