Ariana Grande takes an early lead in the race for this week’s Official Number 1 album, with eternal sunshine expected to reach the summit on Friday.
The US multihyphenate’s seventh studio record, which sees her team up with long-time collaborators Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh (ILYA) once again, could become her fifth chart-topper to date in the UK. Previously, Ariana’s reached Number 1 with 2016’s Dangerous Woman, 2018 LP Sweetener, 2019’s thank u, next and 2020 release Positions.
Meanwhile, three eternal sunshine tracks are set to place inside the Top 20 this week; lead single yes, and?, we can’t be friends (wait for your love) and bye.
Eyeing a Number 2 debut this week are Judas Priest, with their 19th studio collection Invincible Shield. The Birmingham-born heavy metal outfit, comprising Ian Hill, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner, could earn a career-best with the LP, having previously claimed a Number 4 peak with 1980 album British Steel.
Bleachers also look to achieve a personal best with their eponymous fourth studio album this week (3). Bleachers is currently on course to provide the New Jersey-formed group, made up of Jack Antonoff, Zem Audu, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Mike Riddleberger and Evan Smith, their first-ever Official Albums Chart entry in the UK.
Bananarama’s latest hits compilation Glorious – The Ultimate Collection is on track to earn the group their first Top 10 LP in 36 years (6). Previously, Bananarama enjoyed Top 10 success with 1983 debut Deep Sea Skiving (8) and 1988’s The Greatest Hits Collection (3).
What will the neighbours say this time? Following its 20th anniversary reissue across brand-new CD, vinyl and digital formats, Girls Aloud’s 2004 record What Will The Neighbours Say? could return to the Top 10 for the first time in 19 years this week (10).
Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh’s second studio album now includes previously unreleased rarities and remixes, including the group’s ‘long-lost’ 2005 single; a cover a Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game.
Also celebrating 20 years, Kylie Minogue’s Body Language expects to see a Top 40 return following its release on anniversary red vinyl (11). Kylie’s ninth full-length record peaked inside the Top 10 on its debut in 2003 (6).
Protest singer, songwriter and stand-up comedian Grace Petrie looks to claim her highest-charting album to date with Build Something Better (17), while The Rolling Stones’ Live At The Wiltern 2002 recording could enter the Top 40 for the first time following its release on vinyl (31).
Visions is on track to earn American singer-songwriter Norah Jones a seventh UK Top 40 album this week (35), as fellow New York native Kim Gordon hopes to land her first with The Collective (37).
Elvis Presley’s chart staple ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits could rebound 18 back into the Top 40 on Friday (39), while Teddy Swims’ debut I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) looks to fly back up 26 (40).
