In April 2013, Emeli Sande’s Our Version Of Events broke a longstanding, historic record in the UK.
It surpassed the 62 consecutive weeks spent in the Official UK Albums Top 10 by The Beatles’ Please Please Me – previously the longest unbroken chart performance by an artist’s debut LP.
The Fab Four’s record, achieved in 1963-1964, had stood for 49 years. Sande’s album eventually spent 66 weeks in the Top 10, before dropping down the sales rankings.
But now, just over two years later, her record has been broken anew.
Sam Smith’s Grammy-winning debut LP In The Lonely Hour, originally released in May 2014, has held a Top 10 spot on the Official UK chart for 67 consecutive weeks – having landed at No.5 on Friday (September 4).
The album, which hit No.1 in its opening week and hasn’t budged from the upper echelons since, is the first release to claim the record thanks to streaming data in addition to sales alone.
“I am forever thankful to my team but most importantly to the british public for making this happen.”
Sam Smith
Capitol-signed Sam Smith responded to news of his record-breaking feat by commenting: “What can I even say to this? I am completely and utterly moved and overwhelmed at this achievement.
“I am forever thankful to my team but most importantly to the British public for making this happen and buying my album.
“This moment is one to tell the grandkids and maybe their grandkids.”
Martin Talbot, chief executive, Official Charts Company said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Sam, adding to the string of records he has already broken in his short career so far.
“It is hard to believe that it is just 18 months since he first arrived as a solo artist in his own right.”
The UK’s Official Charts company added streaming to its Albums Chart compilation formula in February this year.
Can you guess what the first album was to hit No.1 in the UK the week after these changes were made?
Of course you can: Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour.Music Business Worldwide
