The race to the summit will be a closely fought contest, as The Essential Michael Jackson compilation aims to climb back to the top spot. Having been knocked off the throne by Drake’s ICEMAN last week, the legacy pop collection currently sits at Number 2 on the latest mid-week update, threatening to disrupt Peters’ chart goals.
Further down the standings, veteran performer Michael Ball is on track to secure his 15th Top 10 album with his latest release, Glow, which is tracking at Number 4. Meanwhile, YUNGBLUD could see a major resurgence into the main standings as his former Number 1 album, Idols, hits Number 7 following the release of two new physical variants featuring bonus tracks. New Jersey rock outfit Bleachers are also pushing for a strong debut, with their sixth full-length project, Everyone For Ten Minutes, currently holding the Number 8 position.
The mid-week update also highlights notable returns and milestones. Alternative rock band A are positioned to crack the Top 20 at Number 17 with PRANG, their first studio album since 2001. Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien is sitting at Number 27 with his sophomore solo effort, Blue Morpho, while Yorkshire rock band Marmozets are holding the Number 38 spot with CO.WAR.DICE..
One of the week’s most compelling stories features Northampton independent artist Billy Lockett, who is vying for his first-ever Top 40 placement with Things Are Looking Up. Lockett has recently gone viral on social media for a transparent video series filmed alongside his mother in their kitchen, exposing the brutal financial realities faced by independent musicians. Currently tracking at Number 33, Lockett’s new followers have put him within striking distance of a landmark chart debut.
