U.K. MIDWEEKS: OLLY MURS LEADS

This week’s Official Albums race is a battle between Sony and Universal with RCA act Olly Murs currently ahead of Virgin EMI’s Emeli Sande. Over at singles, Atlantic act Clean Bandit are set for a second week at #1.

Murs’ 24 HRS could be his fourth consecutive #1, while Sande’s Long Live The Angels is the follow-up to her record-breaking debut. It's interesting to note that both acts haven't scored a Top 10 single with either campaigns; something that has irked Murs. They have both enjoyed radio support, however.

Also new at #3 is Cliff Richard with Just… Fabulous Rock ’n’ Roll, which joins Elvis in the Sony Music CG camp. Michael Ball and Alfie Boe’s Together (Decca) declines two places to #4 and Elvis’ The Wonder of You does the same to #5.

Elsewhere, in honour of the late Leonard Cohen, his final studio album You Want It Darker (Sony) rises 23 places to #6 and The Essential greatest hits re-enters the Top 40 at #19.

Over on the Official Singles midweek race, the Top 3 is the same as last week. Clean Bandit’s “Rockabye” is still #1, followed by Little Mix with “Shout Out To My Ex” (SYCO) and James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go” (SYCO) at #3.

Bruno Mars has improved a place with “24K Magic” (Atlantic) and Swedish producer Neiked’s “Sexual” (Polydor) is also rising, up one place to #5.