U.K. MIDWEEKS: ROD'S RUN FOR THE ROSES

Rod Stewart is eyeing the U.K.’s Official Albums #1 this week with Blood Red Roses (Decca) leading by 11k combined sales ahead of Cher, who’s one place behind with Dancing Queen (Warner Bros.) at #2. Over on singles, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper currently have the highest new entry with “Shallow” (Polydor) opening at #10.

Should Stewart hold onto his lead by Friday, Blood Red Roses will be his ninth #1, while Cher will score her highest U.K. chart peak since 1992.

Lil Wayne has the third highest new albums entry with Tha Carter V (Cash Money) at #5, followed by Nile Rodgers & Chic with 1979—It’s About Time (Virgin EMI) at #6.

Following the death of Chas Hodges in September, beloved British duo Chas & Dave are on track to return to the Top 10 for the first time in more than 23 years with career retrospective Gold (Demon) at #8, while Irish rock band Kodaline are gunning for a third Top 10, with Politics of Living (RCA) new at #10.

DJ and producer Sigala is at #13 with debut album, Brighter Days (Ministry of Sound), Joe Strummer 001(Ignition) starts at #18, Seasick Steve's Can U Cook? (BMG) is at #19, and Logic start at #20 with YSIV (Virgin EMI).

On the Official Singles midweeks, the reign of Calvin Harris and Sam Smith with “Promises” (Columbia) at the top is being challenged by Marshmello and Bastille, who rise two places to #2 with “Happier” (Positiva).

Silk City f/Dua Lipa have also moved up three places to #4 with “Electricity” (Columbia), while Dynoro & Gigi D’Agostino are up three to #5 with “In My Mind” (Ministry of Sound).

Other climbers this week include Rita Ora jumping six spots to #8 with “Let You Love Me” (Atlantic), singer-songwriter Freya Ridings with “Lost With You” (Good Soldier) up nine to #11, and Sigala f/Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor and French Montana's “Just Got Paid” (Ministry of Sound) up 20 spots to #13 following the release of the producer's debut album.