Beabadoobee Leads the Charge for Her First U.K. No. 1 Album

Beabadoobee is on track to secure her first-ever U.K. Official Chart No. 1 album with This Is How Tomorrow Moves.

The Filipino-English artist, whose real name is Bea Kristi, has already made an impact with her previous releases—Fake It Flowers (No. 8 in 2020) and Beatopia (No. 4 in 2022). Now, her third album, crafted with legendary producer Rick Rubin, is leading the midweek chart.

Rubin, known for his work with artists like Lady Gaga, Adele, Travis Scott, and The Strokes, brings his signature touch to Beabadoobee’s latest effort.

Hot on her heels at No. 2 is Will Young, the original Pop Idol, with his ninth studio album, Light It Up. Should the album maintain its position, it would mark Young’s 11th Top 10 album in the U.K. Young has previously topped the Official Albums Chart four times, with records like From Now On (2002) and 85% Proof (2015).

Blues singer-songwriter Elles Bailey is also making waves, with her latest album Beneath The Neon Glow projected to debut at No. 5. This would be Bailey’s first U.K. Top 10 album. She told Official Charts, “Thank for you so much for all the love for this record. The response to the new tracks in the build-up has been unbelievable and I just want to thank my incredible fans for joining me on my journey in the most meaningful of ways.”

Afrobeats star Asake is aiming for his first Top 10 album with Longu Boy, currently sitting at No. 8. The album’s lead single, “Wave,” featuring Central Cee, is also dominating the Official Afrobeats Chart at No. 1.

Outside the Top 10, Calvin Harris is set to debut at No. 11 with his new compilation album, 96 Hours. The album features a string of hits from the past eight years, including the U.K. No. 1 singles “One Kiss” with Dua Lipa and “Promises” with Sam Smith.

Billy Joel could see his Piano Man – The Very Best of Billy Joel re-enter the U.K. Top 40 for the first time in 14 years, landing at No. 28 after his recent Cardiff performance. Meanwhile, Paul Weller’s Fly On The Wall – B-Sides & Rarities is projected to debut at No. 34, marking the former The Jam frontman’s 29th Top 40 album.

This week’s chart race is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Beabadoobee’s potential chart-topping achievement leading the way. Stay tuned for the final results when the Official Albums Chart is announced on Friday (Aug. 16).