In a monumental shift for British music history, Robbie Williams has officially surpassed The Beatles to become the artist with the most UK Number 1 albums of all time. The achievement was cemented today as his 13th studio album, BRITPOP, debuted at the summit of the Official Albums Chart.
This latest success marks Williams’ 16th solo chart-topper, moving him clear of the legendary "Fab Four." Since launching his solo career in 1997 with Life Thru A Lens, the Stoke-on-Trent superstar has maintained a nearly flawless record; of his 14 studio albums, only 2009’s Reality Killed The Video Star failed to hit Number 1, peaking instead at Number 2.
A Legacy of Dominance
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive of the Official Charts Company, described the feat as "simply extraordinary," noting that not even a young Robbie joining Take That in 1990 could have predicted such longevity. This record-breaking moment arrives just as the Official Albums Chart prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary this July.
Robbie Williams’ Solo Number 1 Journey:
The Early Hits: Life Thru A Lens (1997), I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
The Imperial Phase: Sing When You’re Winning (2000), Escapology (2002), Intensive Care (2005)
The Modern Era: The Christmas Present (2019), XXV (2022), Better Man (2025), and now BRITPOP (2026).
Elsewhere in the Charts
While Robbie takes the headlines, the Top 10 saw several other major movements. Madison Beer secured a career-best at Number 3 with locket, her first UK Top 10 appearance. Scottish singer Nathan Evans also hit a new peak at Number 4 with his collaborative record Angels’ Share, which simultaneously topped the Official Scottish Albums Chart.
Independent music saw a victory too, as Bristol blues singer Elles Bailey reached Number 14 with her fan-funded release Can’t Take My Story Away, also claiming the top spot on the Official Record Store Chart. Finally, the "Harry Styles effect" remains potent; following the release of his new single Aperture, his 2022 masterpiece Harry’s House rocketed 103 places back into the Top 40.
