U.K. MIDWEEKS: LET THE SUNSHINE IN

Ariana Grande’s eternal sunshine (Republic) has taken the early lead in the race for this week’s Official Albums #1, while Beyoncé is settling in for a full month atop singles.

Grande’s seventh album is in position to be her fifth chart-topper in the U.K. She most recently hit #1 in 2020 with Positions.

Eyeing a #2 debut this is Judas Priest’s Invincible Shield (Columbia). The 19th studio set from the Birmingham-born heavy metal band could earn them a career-best entry; their previous peak was #4 with 1980’s British Steel.

Bleachers is also looking at a personal best as the eponymous fourth studio album (Dirty Hit) from Jack Antonoff’s band is currently #3. A Bananarama compilation, Glorious—The Ultimate Collection (London), is #6 and potentially their first Top 10 entry in 36 years. Another blast from the past, Girls Aloud’s 2004 record What Will the Neighbours Say? (Polydor), is #10 following a 20th anniversary reissue on CD, vinyl and digital formats.

A 20th anniversary red vinyl edition of Kylie Minogue’s Body Language (Parlophone) has pushed it to #11; Grace Petrie’s Build Something Better (Robot Needs Home) is #17.

At singles, Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” (Parkwood/Columbia) is in position to become her longest-running chart-topper in the U.K. to date.

Grande has three eternal sunshine tracks in the Top 20: “yes, and?” is up seven to #4 while two new entries, “why can’t we be friends (wait for your love)” and “bye” are #6 and #11, respectively.

Billie Eilish’s Oscar-winner “What Was I Made For?” (Interscope) is already making a return to the Top 20 following its release on vinyl. Will the Academy Award victory push it even further up the chart?