Stereophonics are leading the race for the top spot on this week’s Official Albums Chart with their new record Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait. The Welsh rockers’ 13th studio album is on track to become their ninth UK Number 1, continuing a streak that includes Performance And Cocktails (1999), Just Enough Education To Perform (2001), and Oochya! (2022).
However, close behind are Swedish heavy metal outfit Ghost, whose sixth studio album Skeletá is aiming to match their previous career-best peak at Number 2, achieved with 2022’s IMPERA. If it holds, Skeletá will become the band’s fifth UK Top 10 album, following Prequelle (2018), Phantomime (2023), and Rite Here Rite Now (2024).
Elsewhere, James Arthur’s PISCES is on course to secure the Number 3 spot. The chart-topping singer-songwriter, known for hits like Say You Won’t Let Go, is seeking his sixth Top 10 album following recent success with Bitter Sweet Love earlier this year.
A personal milestone could be on the horizon for Self Esteem, the project of South Yorkshire’s Rebecca Lucy Taylor. Her new album A Complicated Woman is expected to debut at Number 4, potentially surpassing her 2021 Mercury Prize-nominated breakthrough Prioritise Pleasure, which peaked at Number 11.
At Number 6, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are eyeing a career-best with Still Blooming, featuring collaborations with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Scarlett Johansson, and Maiya Sykes.
Scottish folk-pop band Tide Lines aim for their first Top 10 entry with Glasgow Love Story (7), while fellow Scots Simple Minds could score their 13th Top 10 album with Live In The City Of Diamonds (8).
Further down the chart, Gary Numan’s remastered Berserker looks set to re-enter at Number 11, while Viagra Boys could achieve their first Top 40 appearance with viagr aboys (12). Punk icon Billy Idol’s Dream Into It may land at Number 16—his highest placement in 35 years—and folk singer Kate Rusby eyes a return to the Top 40 with When They All Looked Up (39).
