KoL’s previous leaders in the U.K. are: Because of the Times (2007); Only By The Night (2008); Come Around Sundown (2010); Mechanical Bull (2013); and Walls (2016), their last album.
Also debuting this week is Gabrielle’s seventh studio album Do It Again (BMG), new at No. 4. It’s the British soul singer’s third Top 5 and her highest-charting album in two decades, since her career retrospective Dreams Can Come True peaked at No. 2 in 2001.
Meanwhile, Zara Larsson’s third studio album Poster Girl (Black Butter) bows at No. 12, new wave outfit Japan return to the chart with the reissue of their 1980 album Quiet Life (BMG). It arrives at No. 13, easily eclipsing the set’s previous chart peak of No. 53.
Veteran Scottish alternative rock outfit Arab Strap bag their highest chart position with As Days Get Dark (Quiet Action), new at No. 14; Aussie Britpop revivalists DMA’s see their Live At Brixton (Infectious Music) start at No. 17; and Against The Wall (7HZ Productions), the debut album from Glasgow rockers Mason Hill, begins its chart journey at No. 19.
Over on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, Olivia Rodrigo continues her streak with “Drivers License” (Interscope), which now enters a ninth week at No. 1.
There wasn’t much in it. “Drivers License” led Nathan Evans’ No. 2-placed “Wellerman” (Polydor) — the leader on the midweek chart — by just 742 chart sales.
“Drivers License” is now the longest-running No. 1 debut single in 15 years, since Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” chalked up nine weeks at the summit back in 2006, the OCC reports.
Finally, Dutch EDM star Tiesto has an equal chart best as “The Business” (Atlantic) rises 4-3, while Drake bags the two highest debuts, as Scary Hours 2 tracks “What’s Next” (OVO/Republic Recordings) and “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” featuring Rick Ross, open at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively.
