YE JOLLY OLDE iTUNES U.K. CHARTS

It appears this Butterfly is built for long-distance flight, as Brits snap up Kendrick Lamar’s new opus just like their counterparts in the Colonies. The newest arrival on the album leaderboard is influential veteran Mark Knopfler, whose latest is on Mercury in the U.K. (the former Dire Straits frontman is on Verve in the U.S.).

Meanwhile, Sam Smith’s reign continues, as his John Legend-featuring “Lay Me Down” remains atop the singles chart, while his album keeps moving units, as do those of newly minted star Hozier and the relentlessly popular Ed Sheeran—whose 2011 debut reappears thanks to its £4.99 sale price.

Track-wise, it looks like “King” from English EDM trio Years & Years, on Polydor, may have legs, as it stays near the top of the chart in its second week. Ditto for Republic’s James Bay, whose degree of popularity is approaching his critical acclaim. The preorder for his 3/23 album has been popping in and pout of the Top 10 this week; it’s presently #14.