Robbie Williams has achieved his 16th UK number one album, surpassing the Beatles' record of 15 chart-toppers set in 2000. His latest studio album, Britpop, debuted at number one in its first week of release.
The album, a homage to the mid-1990s guitar music scene, was moved forward from its original October release date to avoid competing with Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl. Williams rescheduled it to 16 January, a less competitive week.
Williams has described Britpop as the album he wanted to make after leaving Take That in 1995. The Guardian's chief pop critic Alexis Petridis praised the album, noting its 'swagger and sparkle' and calling it 'hugely enjoyable'.
All but one of Williams' studio albums have reached number one, along with three greatest hits compilations and the soundtrack to his biopic Better Man. His record tally came in 29 years, compared to the Beatles' 37 years for 15 number ones.
The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift each have 14 number one albums, while Elvis Presley has 13, and Bruce Springsteen and Madonna have 12 each. Presley still holds the record for most UK number one singles with 21.
In the singles chart, British rapper Dave secured his fourth number one with Raindance, featuring Tems.
