Harry Styles has secured a “double delight” to start the year. His fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally., has been named the official biggest album of 2026 to date, while simultaneously claiming the title of the year’s best-selling vinyl record. Styles’ latest LP moved an incredible 66,000 units in its opening week alone, marking the biggest first-week vinyl sales for a UK artist this century.
Following closely in the second spot is Olivia Dean with The Art of Loving, while Gorillaz take third place with The Mountain, making them the highest-charting band on the list. The top ten is rounded out by a blend of new releases and “forever favorites,” including Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours at number five and Lily Allen’s highly discussed return, West End Girl, at number six.
In the singles market, RAYE continues her stratospheric rise. Her track “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” is the official best-selling vinyl single of the year so far, boasting nearly 15,000 copies sold on wax. RAYE also appears at number five with “Nightingale Lane.,” a standout from her chart-topping sophomore album.
British female artists are the defining force of the 2026 singles chart, occupying seven of the top ten positions. However, international superstars still make their mark; Taylor Swift claims both the second and third spots with “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite,” while “Midwest Princess” Chappell Roan lands three entries in the Top 40, led by “The Subway” at number seven.
The Q1 data also reveals a deep appreciation for heritage acts and screen music. The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” returned to the top ten following a 30th-anniversary 12-inch reissue, while the Stranger Things Season 5 soundtrack and Lorien Testard’s orchestration for Clair Obscur – Expedition 33 both pierced the Top 40, proving that for modern collectors, the needle is staying firmly on the record.
