It’s becoming increasingly hard to keep track of which big name albums are coming out when this winter, given that from late October onwards we’re facing major chart warfare week in, week out. Popstars will need to go hard or go home if they want their albums purchased.
Use the handy guide below to identify who’s going up against who, and feel free to leave a comment at the bottom if I’ve missed any out or you have any predictions…
This week (w/c 10th Oct)
Steps – The Ultimate Collection
Evanescence – Evanescence
Jason Derulo – Future History
Bjork – Biophillia
Notes: Evanescence are leading the current race, with Steps a couple of thousand units behind. The other two will both make the Top 10 if they keep up their current sales.
October 17th
Matt Cardle – Letters
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Notes: I don’t know if either can get No1, but Noel will probably beat Matt. Still, both should get good Top 5 rankings.
October 24th
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
Joe Jonas – Fast Life
Kelly Clarkson – Stronger
Ronan Parke – Ronan Parke
Notes: Coldplay, Coldplay, Coldplay
October 31st
Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials
Professor Green – At Your Inconvenience
Rizzle Kicks – Stereo Typical
Manic Street Preachers – National Treasures: The Complete Singles
Notes: Florence, Florence, Florence
November 7th
Cher Lloyd – Sticks & Stones
Kelly Rowland – Here I Am
The Wanted – Battleground
Pixie Lott – Young Foolish Happy
Susan Boyle – Someone To Watch Over Me
Notes: This is the most hotly-contested week. Pixie may not chart that highly but her sales will have staying power over a longer period of time. The Wanted should go Top 5, but don’t rule out another SuBo victory.
November 14th
JLS – Jukebox
Gym Class Heroes – The Papercut Chronicles II
Katie Melua – Secret Symphony
Notes: JLS should walk this unless an album from the previous week continues strong sales.
November 21st
Kate Bush – 50 Words For Snow
Westlife – Greatest Hits
One Direction – TBC
The Saturdays – On Your Radar
Rihanna – Talk That Talk
Notes: Ahh, more clever scheduling from The Sats. Or not. One Direction should storm this, but if their fans are waiting on Father Christmas to deliver it then its first week sales may be lower than expected. Keep an eye on Rihanna.
November 28th
Olly Murs – In Case You Didn’t Know
Joe McElderry – Classic Christmas
Notes: Former X Factor competitors do war again. Joe’s not to be underestimated after the pleasantly surprising performance of Classic, but first-week sales of Olly Murs’ new LP will probably win out.
