U.K. MIDWEEKS: QUEEN TO REIGN AGAIN?

Queen’s Greatest Hits (Universal) could return to #1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart for the first time in 40 years on Friday. Over on the singles side, Ed Sheeran looks set for a second week at the top with “Bad Habits” (Atlantic).

Following the release of a special 40th anniversary edition, Queen’s anthology is leading today’s chart update with a 4k+ sales advantage over its closest competitor. 86% of its sales total comes from physical retail. Should the best-of set hold onto its lead, the album will win a fifth total week at #1 (its first run at the top took place over four consecutive weeks in 1981).

There are two new entries in today’s Top 10; Bobby Gillespie and Jehnny Beth start at #4 with their collaborative album, Utopian Ashes (Sony), while Pink Noise, Laura Mvula’s debut on Atlantic (and third album overall), starts at #5.

On the U.K.’s Official Singles midweeks, Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” leads in streams while also garnering more digital downloads than the rest of the Top 10 combined.

Several tracks are set to claim new peaks in the Top 10: “Heartbreak Anthem” (Atlantic) by Galantis, David Guetta and Little Mix at #3; surging Italian rock troupe Måneskin’s “I Wanna Be Your Slave” (RCA) at #4 and “Beggin” at #6; and Calvin Harris’ “By Your Side” f/Tom Grennan (Columbia) at #8.

“Remember” (Polydor) by Becky Hill & David Guetta jumps six places to #10 after 48 hours, and “Black Magic” (3Beat) by Jonasu is the highest climber of today’s update, zooming 18 places to #12.

Finally, following England’s ongoing success in the Euro 2020, “3 Lions” (Sony) by Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds has flown eight spots to #14.

We in Blighty wish you the best as you enjoy your leftover potato salad and daydrinking.