U.K. MIDWEEKS: JAMIE TEES UP FOR #1

After a six-year break, Jamie T is on course to land his first U.K. #1 album, The Theory of Whatever (Polydor). At singles, Warner’s LF System is eyeing a monthlong stay at the top.

Jamie T has previously landed four titles in the Top 5 of the Official Albums Chart; 2016’s Trick, which topped out at #3, is the most recent.

One slot behind him is Jack White’s second full-length of the year, Entering Heaven Alive (Third Man); his April release, Fear of the Dawn, peaked at #3.

Masquerade (In Synk), the 12th studio album from Bananarama—now in its fourth decade—stands at #5 midweek and may well be its highest chart showing for a collection of new material. The act's 1983 debut, Deep Sky Diving, peaked at #8.

Brighton-born The Kooks may score their highest-charting record in 14 years with sixth studio release 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark (Lonely Cat/AWAL), which is #8. Another veteran, Gilbert O’Sullivan, find his 20th studio album, Driven (Grand Upright/ Union Square), parked at #10. It's likely to be his highest Official Albums Chart entry in a whopping 48 years.

Bob Marley & the Chineke! Orchestra—a new collection of the reggae legend’s work reimagined by the titular ensemble—is #26, while the soundtrack to the ZZ Top documentary Raw: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas (BMG) is #27. A vinyl reissue of Paul Weller’s 2008 album, 22 Dreams (Island), has pushed the set to 28.

At singles, where LF System’s “Afraid To Feel” is holding steady at #1, George Ezra’s “Green Green Grass” (Columbia) has inched up to #2. The highest new entry at mid-week is Central Cee’s self-released “Doja,” at #4. Billie Eilish’s surprise release “TV” (Darkroom/Interscope) is on track to debut at #18.