2012 really has been appalling on the album front - as people have said it seems Lana Del Rey and Emeli Sande have been the only big debuts, with the likes of Adele, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Ben Howard all have continued success with their albums. Maroon 5 and Paloma Faith have actually both done alright with their latest albums given the sales climate, even selling ~5-10k a week is bound to total to something semi-decent by the year end; though with the album-selling period nearing I reckon both could be able to reach 300k at some point.

 

I'd hoped Plan B could return to #1, just so 'Ill Manors' isn't merely just another album in the long list of one-weekers we've had this year that'll be remembered as much. Amusing as it is to see Conor Maynard fall 01-07, having Rihanna's 2011 return to number-one on account of the £3.99 iTunes discount would just be embarrassing - though as many have said in the past the economy has also meant people don't want to splash out £7.99 every week.

 

Single-wise, it's odd to see Blur still occupying a top 40 spot, and Cheryl cracking the top 40 at last will have plenty of forumers cheering come Sunday - I'm certainly pleased to see her second single from 'A Million Lights' not doing as bad as I thought it would.

I wonder are sales still as close in the top 5 as they were in the wednesday update. I really dont want to see Rihanna return to number 1, i would be so happy if Maroon 5 end up number 1 on Sunday, Emeli Sande will also suffice.

Well, things should at least improve from mid September when we have the XX, Mumford & Sons, Pink & Muse on the way, until then, I guess Rita Ora & Of Monsters & Men will have to do for decent-ish opening weeks. That top 3 albums is just...unbelievable, it won't be long before Adele's back up there soon...

If Adele is even at least mentioned on X Factor, it would probably be a boost enough to #1. Only one week to go and hopefully an XF boost will get her back there! ^_^

maybe some maroon 5 promo on a second or third single will keep this album where it belongs, in the top 3 for a good few weeks.

Glad to see 'Under The Sun' making an appearance in the Top 40... Don't know why they don't bring the release date forward :unsure: