Frank Ocean Lands First U.K. No. 1 with 'Blonde'

As Frank Ocean prepares for what looks set to be his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200, he has his first U.K. Album chart-topper. Blonde entered the Official Charts Company's weekly survey at the summit on Friday (Aug. 26) with combined sales of 32,000, of which fully 26,000 were streams, via its current Apple Music exclusive. “Cold Water” (Because Music), by Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and MØ, topped the singles chart for a fifth straight week.

Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' Coasting to No. 1 in U.K.
 

Drake has had four consecutive top ten albums in the U.K., dating back to 2011's Take Care. His previous best was the No. 2 peak of 2013's Nothing Was The Same. The new album enjoyed more than double the sales of Dolly Parton's new entry at No. 2, Pure & Simple (RCA Nashville/Sony). The all-new top three was completed by Life On The Road (LOTR Films) by David Brent, aka actor Ricky Gervais, with his band Foregone Conclusion.

Drake's Views (Cash Money/Republic/Universal) fell 2-4 on the new chart, while Bob Marley and the Wailers' discounted Legend compilation (Universal Island) held at No. 5. The next highest arrival was The Last Stand (Nuclear Blast) by Swedish metal band Sabaton, at No. 17. 

Major Lazer's single narrowly outran “Let Me Love You” (Interscope/Universal) by DJ Snake featuring Justin Bieber, which held at No. 2. Chainsmokers' “Closer” (Disruptor) moved up 4-3 to trade places with Calum Scott's “Dancing On My Own” (Instrumental); “Heathens” (Atlantic/Warner Music) by Twenty One Pilots improved 7-5.