U.K. MIDWEEKS: GARRATT LEADS THE WAY FOR #1

Jack Garratt’s debut album, Phase (Interscope/Island), has drummed up enough hype to be headed for a U.K. #1 after a wealth of impressive reviews. Despite little single success so far, Garratt is currently 3k sales ahead of Adele’s 25. Can the BRITs Critics’ Choice winner steal the top spot on Friday?

XL’s Adele will be performing at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday—where she’s also nominated in four categories—which will be broadcast live on ITV with an expected audience of just under 6 million. Will another 25 buying/streaming frenzy give the album a last minute boost before the chart's final figure count at midnight on Thursday?

Three more acts that could be in for BRITs boosts—thanks to a tribute, performances and nominations—make up the rest of the midweek Official Albums Top 5. David Bowie’s career retrospective Best of Bowie (Parlophone) falls a place to #3. Justin Bieber's Purpose (Virgin EMI) is down one to #4, and Coldplay's A Head Full of Dreams (Parlophone) stays at #5.

Over on the Official Singles Chart midweek update, a performance on Jonathan Ross' ITV chat show on Friday night has helped Warner-signed Danish band Lukas Graham shift another 53k combined sales of “7 Years”. The track has held on to the top spot for the last two weeks and looks set to do so again this week.

Jonas Blue and Dakota’s dance cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” (Positiva) is up two places to #2. Rihanna and Drake’s “Work” (Virgin EMI) is a non-mover at #3, but with the video released today and RiRi another highly anticipated name on the bill at the BRITs, its fortunes could very well improve by Friday.

ZAYN's recent chart-topper, “PILLOWTALK” (RCA), falls two places to #4, and another former #1, “Stitches” (Virgin EMI) from Shawn Mendes, rounds off the Top 5.