Hozier is on the verge of claiming his first-ever U.K. chart-topping position with his latest album “Unreal Unearth” (via Island), which is currently leading the pack. This new release by the Irish singer-songwriter has quickly ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Official Chart Update. It has the potential to outshine his previous self-titled debut album from 2014, which peaked at No. 3 and included his breakthrough hit “Take Me to Church.” Hozier’s subsequent album, “Wasteland, Baby,” reached a respectable No. 6 on the charts in 2019.
Based on midweek sales and streaming data provided by the Official Charts Company, Scottish indie rock band The View is poised to secure the No. 2 position with their sixth studio album, “Exorcism Of Youth” (Cooking Vinyl). This achievement could mark The View’s fourth top 10 album in the U.K. charts. Their previous peak was with their 2007 debut album “Hats Off to the Buskers,” which led the charts. The debut album also featured their only top 10 single, “Same Jeans,” which reached No. 3 in the year of its release.
British pop singer and songwriter Birdy has the opportunity to achieve her personal best on the Official Albums Chart with “Portraits” (Warner Music U.K.), her fifth album. The album makes an impressive entry at No. 3 on the chart blast. Completing the top four in the midweek rankings is U.S. artist Renee Rapp, who is poised to make her U.K. chart debut with “Snow Angel” (Interscope), her first full-length album. The album holds the No. 4 position on the chart blast.
Moving further down the list, iconic post-punk band Talking Heads are anticipating a resurgence in popularity for their live album “Stop Making Sense” (Parlophone), which is being reissued in an expanded edition to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This reissue could potentially enter the charts at No. 13, surpassing its previous peak of No. 24 in 2000. As previously announced, members of Talking Heads – David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison – will be making a joint public appearance next month. This reunion marks their first time appearing together since their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. The event will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the live concert film from which the album originated.
Lastly, the English boyband Here At Last is making their presence felt with their EP “1” (Halo Army), which is set to make a notable debut at No. 22 on the charts. Additionally, BTS member J-Hope has the potential to reenter the top 40 with “Jack In The Box” (Polydor), following the release of an expanded physical version. This reentry is projected to be at No. 28 in the midweek survey.
All the final rankings will be unveiled when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is officially published on August 25th.