Michael Jackson has returned to No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart with The Essential Michael Jackson.
The career-spanning compilation has reached the top position for the first time in seventeen years.
The renewed chart momentum comes after the release of the highly anticipated biopic Michael.
The film has driven a major rise in streaming and sales across Jackson’s catalogue.
Thriller, Jackson’s landmark 1982 album, has climbed to No. 6.
Bad, released in 1987, has re-entered the Top 10 for the first time in more than a decade and now sits at No. 8.
Jackson leads the chart, but several newer releases also made strong gains this week.
KNEECAP, the Belfast trio, achieved a career-best result with their second studio album, FENIAN.
The album debuted at No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart.
FENIAN also reached No. 1 on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart.
That vinyl success underlines the group’s strong physical sales appeal among fans.
Melanie C also had a landmark week with her ninth studio album, Sweat.
The album entered the chart at No. 3.
Sweat is now the highest-charting solo album of Melanie C’s career.
It has overtaken the peak reached by her 1999 debut album, Northern Star.
The result also creates a new solo chart record among the Spice Girls.
Melanie C’s No. 3 placing beats the previous solo highs achieved by Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton.
Speaking to the Official Charts, Melanie C thanked her fans for their consistent support throughout her career.
Further down the Top 40, Kacey Musgraves added another Top 10 success with Middle Of Nowhere.
The Texan country artist has now earned four Top 10 albums.
Tori Amos achieved her best chart position in twelve years with In Times Of Dragons.
Nigerian artist Asake also landed a new Top 40 entry.
Billie Eilish, described as a global superstar, secured a fresh Top 40 placing as well.
Zara Larsson’s Midnight Sun returned to the chart after the release of a new remix collection.
This week’s chart combines renewed interest in Michael Jackson’s catalogue with major achievements for current pop and contemporary artists.
