Michael Jackson Leads the UK Official Albums Chart for 2026 (Year-to-Date)

October 14, 2026

As the third quarter closes, Michael Jackson has surged to the forefront of the race for the UK’s Official Biggest Album of 2026.

Following the cinematic biopic Michael debuted in April, public fascination with the King of Pop’s legendary catalog has reached fever pitch. The 2005 compilation release, The Essential Michael Jackson, has now amassed over 508,000 UK chart units this year alone. That impressive tally sees the late icon overtake Olivia Dean’s acclaimed record The Art of Loving at Number 2, as well as Harry Styles’ Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. in third place.

Jackson’s dominance on the charts doesn’t stop with the top spot. His timeless masterpieces Thriller at Number 16 and Bad at Number 20 are also enjoying an incredible resurgence, giving the global superstar an extraordinary three entries inside the year-to-date Top 20.

Meanwhile, American pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is making huge strides on the leaderboards. Her latest album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, has climbed eight places since the previous official update to reach Number 5. The record has already accumulated more than 305,000 UK chart units in 2026. Rodrigo’s previous blockbuster releases SOUR at Number 26 and GUTS at Number 29 also remain comfortably embedded in the Top 40.

British rock legends Oasis are experiencing sustained demand for their classic back catalogue as well. Driven by the announcement of their sold-out Live ’27 reunion tour, the Manchester group’s retrospective Time Flies… (1994-2009) sits comfortably at Number 10, while (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? takes Number 19 and Definitely Maybe holds Number 40.

Rounding out the year-to-date Top 40, rising British talent SIENNA SPIRO makes a fresh entry with her debut release Visitor at Number 39. The project includes her smash hit Great Expectation, which earned the breakout star her very first Official Singles Chart Number 1 earlier this autumn.

Clara Weiss

I write about music as a cultural signal, following the artists, scenes, releases, and movements that shape how people listen today. My work focuses on discovery, context, and the stories behind the sounds that travel beyond borders.