The Official Albums Chart turns 70 this summer, and the milestone is being marked with major celebrations across online platforms, social media, and BBC Radio throughout July 2026. It all began on July 22, 1956, when Frank Sinatra’s Songs For Swingin’ Lovers was crowned the UK’s first-ever Number 1 album, topping the inaugural chart published in Record Mirror. Now, more than 1,400 Number 1 albums later, the Official Charts Company and BBC Radio are joining forces to celebrate the enduring format.
Throughout the month, Official Charts will team up with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1 Anthems to exclusively unveil the official most-streamed albums of each decade for the first time. Beginning 13 July 2026, BBC Radio 2 will reveal the Top 20 most-streamed albums of each decade from the 1960s to the 1990s, highlighting which historic records have found new relevance in today’s streaming era. From Wednesday 15 July, Jack Saunders, host of The Official Chart on Radio 1, will reveal the most-streamed albums of the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s on BBC Radio 1 Anthems across three special programming specials.
Meanwhile, the official charts website will host a dedicated season of special features and interviews. Music fans, artists, and media are invited to join the celebration by sharing their all-time favorite long-player using the hashtag #MyFavouriteAlbum.
Becca Monahan and Chris Austin, Interim Co-Managing Directors of the Official Charts Company, noted that the milestone reflects the enduring power of the album as music’s most complete artistic statement, serving as the ultimate showcase of an artist’s creativity and vision. The anniversary programming will arrive just ahead of National Album Day on Saturday, October 17, which will honor music’s biggest icons. Listeners can find all the commemorative decade countdowns by searching for the "Albums Chart" on BBC Sounds starting Monday, 13 July.
