In a momentous achievement, The Rolling Stones have once again taken the music world by storm, securing their 14th Official UK Number 1 album with “Hackney Diamonds”. This sees the group knock Ren’s “Sick Boi” off the top spot. This remarkable feat cements their legendary status in the industry.
“Hackney Diamonds” enjoyed a stellar debut week, amassing an impressive 72,200 chart units, according to the Official Charts Company. It’s a remarkable achievement for the band, as they outperformed the competition and claimed this week’s Number 1 album. In fact, this album boasts the third-largest week of sales for any album in 2023 so far, trailing behind Lewis Capaldi’s “Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent” and Ed Sheeran’s “-“.
This album holds special significance for fans as it marks The Rolling Stones’ first collection of new material in 18 years. Additionally, it’s their first release following the sad loss of their iconic drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021. “Hackney Diamonds” not only reaffirms their enduring popularity but also pays tribute to the legacy of this influential band.
With this accomplishment, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood join an elite group of artists with a remarkable chart feat. They now have 11 different studio albums that have reached Number 1 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart. This places them alongside illustrious acts such as The Beatles, Robbie Williams, and Bruce Springsteen, who have also achieved 11 chart-topping studio albums.
However, the achievement doesn’t stop there. When you consider their entire discography, including greatest hits albums, reissues, and live recordings, The Rolling Stones now stand shoulder to shoulder with Robbie Williams, both having secured 14 Number 1 albums. They come joint-second only to The Beatles, who boast a staggering 16 Number 1 albums. The Official Charts Company did a deep dive into this.
It’s not just the official album chart that “Hackney Diamonds” has conquered. The album has also claimed the top spot on this week’s Official Vinyl Albums Chart, demonstrating the enduring appeal of vinyl records and this band’s timeless music.
In addition to this historic moment for The Rolling Stones, the Official Albums Chart also welcomed other notable entries. blink-182 made a strong debut, landing at Number 2 with their ninth studio album, “ONE MORE TIME…” This marks the highest chart position for this incarnation of the band, featuring Tom DeLonge, Travis Barker, and Mark Hoppus. It’s a testament to their enduring popularity.
Bombay Bicycle Club also had a reason to celebrate, with their album “My Big Day” entering the chart at Number 3. This marks their fifth Top 10 album, showcasing the consistent quality of their music and their appeal to a dedicated fan base. Notably, “My Big Day” also claimed the top spot on this week’s Official Record Store Chart, proving its popularity among independent record shop customers across the UK.
In the ever-evolving world of music, The Rolling Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds” reigns supreme, proving that their rock ‘n’ roll legacy is still very much alive and thriving.