The UK Official Charts have reported a new chart record; Robbie Williams has been named the solo artist with the most UK number one albums. The singer’s recent compilation album, XXV, has reached the top of the UK album charts, marking Williams’ fourteenth solo number one album. To be crowned the record’s new holder, Williams has overtaken Elvis Presley; the late singer acquired thirteen UK number one albums.
Speaking on his win, Williams has stated, “Thank you to everyone who’s supported the album: everyone who’s bought it, streamed it, downloaded it and reviewed it. I’m so pleased that it’s gone to Number 1, and whilst it feels strange to be receiving an award during these sombre times, I wanted to thank you all for your support and dedicate this to the fans, who I never take for granted. I really appreciate it, thank you so much.”
OFFICIAL CHART RECORD BREAKER.@RobbieWilliams overtakes Elvis Presley as the solo act with most UK Number 1 albums in history with #XXV.
Congratulations, Robbie! https://t.co/43bmmaxUao
— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 16, 2022
Before One Direction took the world by storm, Take That captured the nation’s hearts, arguably laying the groundwork and formula for future boybands. Williams joined the boyband in 1990 at the young age of 16 and quickly became a favourite for many. In 1996, with boyband fever still in swing, Take That broke the hearts of many when they announced their split. Whilst a member of Take That, Williams scored four number one albums within the UK, including the greatest hits album Odyssey; the figure is five UK number one albums.
During the same year as Take That’s disbandment, Williams embarked on his hotly anticipated solo career. Throughout the Stoke-on-Trent native’s career as a solo artist, he released fourteen studio albums, all but one has placed at the top spot. The singer’s eighth solo studio album, Reality Killed the Video Star, was released in 2009 and placed at number two on the UK album charts. The singer’s recent release, XXV, is Williams’ third greatest hits collection to secure the number one position.
Although Williams is now the record holder, The Beatles still hold the first place as the act with the most UK number one albums. The fab four have accumulated fifteen UK number one albums throughout their career, first securing the top spot in 1963 with their debut album Please Please Me. The group have featured within the UK charts even after their split; in 2000, the group’s greatest hits album entitled 1 spent an impressive 174 weeks at the top of the charts.
Famed Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney is still untouched and remains the individual who has collected the most number one albums. The singer has accumulated twenty-three number-one albums throughout his long career; the figure includes his time spent in the Beatles, Wings and as a solo performer.
