The British music scene in 2026 is firmly in the hands of RAYE. The independent South London star has officially claimed her first-ever Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart with THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. It’s her second major triumph of the year, following the runaway success of WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!, which became the first Official Singles Chart Number 1 of 2026. The new album surpasses the peak of her 2023 debut My 21st Century Blues, which reached Number 2, and also tops the Official Vinyl Albums Chart—proof of her devoted fanbase.
This week was packed with high-profile debuts. Ye (formerly Kanye West) scored his tenth Top 10 album—and his first under his new name—with BULLY, entering at Number 3. The release comes just ahead of his three-night headline run at London’s Wireless Festival this July. Meanwhile, New York’s Melanie Martinez celebrated her third Top 10 album as HADES landed at Number 5.
Rock fans had plenty to cheer about too. Bedford’s Don Broco continued their streak with Nightmare Tripping at Number 7, marking their fourth consecutive Top 10 album. Colchester band PET NEEDS hit a career-best with ELBOWS OUT! THIS IS CAPITALISM, reaching Number 16 and topping the Official Record Store Chart as the week’s best-seller in indie shops.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, London singer-songwriter Tom Misch returned with Full Circle at Number 9, while Swedish pop icon Robyn achieved a milestone three decades into her career—her first-ever UK Top 10 album—with Sexistential at Number 10.
Nostalgia also made waves. Queen’s 1974 classic Queen II re-entered the Top 40 at Number 14 thanks to a Collector’s Edition, its first appearance there in 50 years.
From independent pioneers like RAYE to rock veterans and alt-pop risers such as Slayyyter—who earned her first chart entry at Number 36—the UK charts this week showcase a diverse, thriving musical landscape.
