Olivia Dean continues her impressive dominance as The Art of Loving secures a fifth non-consecutive week atop the Official U.K. Albums Chart for the period ending January 16. Since its debut in September, the London-born artist’s sophomore project has demonstrated remarkable longevity, reclaiming the peak position on January 2 to become the first U.K. Number 1 of 2026.
The chart success arrives just ahead of a major career milestone. This February, Dean will attend her debut Grammy Awards, where she is a contender for the prestigious Best New Artist title. She faces a competitive field that includes Lola Young, Leon Thomas, Sombr, Alex Warren, and KATSEYE.
Veteran Comebacks and New Milestones
Propelled by a rigorous week of promotional appearances and in-store signings across the U.K., British pop veterans Blue have achieved their most significant chart success in over two decades. Their latest project, Reflections, serves as the highest new entry of the week. In a collective statement, the band members expressed their surprise and gratitude: “We never imagined reaching such a high position after 23 years. As brothers who have navigated various highs and lows, this is a milestone we will cherish for a long time.”
Country music sensation Zach Bryan also reached a new personal peak on the British charts. His expansive 25-track collection, With Heaven on Top, debuted at No. 3, further solidifying his international appeal.
Streaming Surges and Indie Breakthroughs
Legacy acts continue to find new audiences through modern media. Fleetwood Mac’s compilation 50 Years – Don’t Stop ascended to No. 4 this week. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to the inclusion of their 1975 classic “Landslide” in the final season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things.
Indie rock stalwarts The Cribs celebrated a career-first this frame as Selling a Vibe landed at No. 5, marking their inaugural appearance in the top five. Further down the rankings, Dry Cleaning secured their third U.K. top 20 entry with Secret Love (No. 12), while The Kid Laroi’s sophomore effort, Before I Forget, concluded its first week at No. 22.
