DUBLIN, IRELAND – JUNE 15: Taylor Swift performs on stage during her reputation Stadium Tour at … [+]
Taylor Swift debuts her new album The Tortured Poets Department at No. 1 in the U.K. this week. The title was always a lock for the highest rung on the ranking of the most-consumed full-lengths in the country, so it’s not shocking to see it open in first place. The history Swift makes as the collection arrives is impressive, as this new win helps her break out of a tie with some of the most successful musical acts in the country’s history.
The Tortured Poets Department marks Swift’s twelfth No. 1 in the U.K. That’s one of the most impressive accumulations of winners of all time, and with one more champion, the pop/country/alternative powerhouse matches with several stars.
Swift is now tied with both Bruce Springsteen and Madonna with 12 No. 1 albums in that country. The three all jointly claim the fifth-most rulers of all time in the U.K.
Before The Tortured Poets Department hit the charts, Swift was already on the same level as three other beloved musical powerhouses: U2, Rod Stewart, and David Bowie all count 11 No. 1 albums to their credit in the U.K. Swift has passed them all, but this ranking could change again.
The Beatles continue to lead all acts with the most chart-topping albums in U.K. history. The Fab Four sent 16 different projects to the summit in their home country.
The Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams are tied for second place on this all-time ranking. So far, they have both earned 14 No. 1 albums in the U.K., and, again, that figure could increase again in the coming years.
Elvis Presley is just one win ahead of Swift, Madonna, and Springsteen. Throughout his lifetime–and afterward–13 of his releases have hit No. 1 in the U.K. That number includes several posthumous successes, so there’s no telling how many more he may snag.
The Tortured Poets Department launches at No. 1 in the U.K. with 270,000 equivalent units, which is a massive sum in the nation. It helps Swift land a chart double, as the set’s lead single “Fortnight” with Post Malone also opens at No. 1 on its respective roster.
