Kings of Leon Set to be Crowned on U.K. Chart With ‘Can We Please Have Fun’
Kings of Leon are all set to claim the U.K. chart throne with Can We Please Have Fun, the U.S. rock band’s ninth studio album.
Based on midweek sales and streaming data captured by the Official Charts Company, Can We Please Have Fun (via Polydor) is in pole position.
Should it reign over the Official U.K. Chart, it would mark the seventh U.K. No. 1 for KoL, comprising brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill plus cousin Matthew Followill.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s former leader The Tortured Poets Department (EMI) holds at No. 2 on the Official Chart Update, while British pop-rock band Keane could complete the podium with Hopes and Fears (Island/UMR), their debut album which enjoys a resurgence following the release of a 20th anniversary deluxe reissue. The 2004 LP enjoyed five non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 following its release, and is predicted to return to the national chart at No. 3.
U.S. rapper Gunna is shooting for a fourth U.K. top 10 album One Of Wun (300 Entertainment), his fifth title. It’s new at No. 5 on the chart blast.
Legendary British pop-rock act Queen could see their 2007 live effort Rock Montreal (Virgin) enter the top 10 for the first time, following the release of its accompanying concert film on Disney+. It drops in at No. 6.
Finally, fresh releases from Gabrielle (A Place In Your Heart at No. 11 via BMG), Arab Strap (I’m Totally Fine With It Don’t Give A F*ck Anymore at No. 14 via Rock Action), Big Special (Postindustrial Hometown Blues at No. 15 via So Recordings), Bugzy Malone (The Great British Dream at No. 16 via BSomebody), Knocked Loose (You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To at No. 18 via Pure Noise), Jordan Rakei (The Loop at No. 20 via Decca) and Villagers (That Golden Time at No. 30 via Domino Recordings) are eyeing top 40 berths.
All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is published late Friday, May 17.
Lars Brandle
Billboard