Culture
10 Sep 21

Drake sees off Kanye West, Iron Maiden to score third Irish No. 1 album

Hot Press' September cover star James Vincent McMorrow collects the highest new entry on the Irish homegrown chart, with his single 'Tru Love' debuting at number nine.

The Certified Lover Boy himself Drake has fended off competition from Kanye West and Iron Maiden to claim his third number one on the Irish albums chart.

The Canadian rapper's sixth studio album has joined the ranks of Scorpion (2018) and Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020) as chart-topping albums in Ireland.

Last week’s No.1, Kanye West's 10th studio offering DONDA, has dropped one slot to second position, ahead of British rockers Iron Maiden at No.3 with Senjutsu. The band's 17th album, however, scored the most physical sales of the week.

SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo and Abba's Gold The Greatest Hits round off the top five in the fourth and fifth position respectively.

In at number eight and into the Top 10 for the first time, 26 years since its release, is Heartworm by Dublin alt-rock group Whipping Boy. The album has returned to reach new heights thanks to a new CD and vinyl reissue featuring 10 B-sides and demos.

On the singles chart, Sussex musician Ed Sheeran holds strong for an eleventh straight week with 'Bad Habits', making it one of the country's longest reigning No.1 of all time.

The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber narrowly miss out on claiming the top spot with 'Stay', positioning at No.2 for the eighth week in a row.

Drake scores three new Top 10 hits from his No.1 album Certified Lover Boy: 'Girls Want Girls' ft. Lil Baby at No.3, Travis Scott collaboration 'Fair Trade' at No. 4 and solo cut 'Champagne Poetry' at No. 6.

Becky Hill and David Guetta's 'Remember' is in the fifth spot on the singles chart.

On the Irish Homegrown chart, Dermot Kennedy stays at No. 1 for a sixth week with 'Better Days'. Rain Radio and DJ Craig Gorman retain the second spot with 'Talk About', and Picture This keep the third position with 'Addict of Magic'. Shane Codd and Charlotte Haining are still in fourth place with 'Always on my Mind' while The Script's 'I Want It All' is in fifth.

Grab a copy of the latest Hot Press issue, starring James Vincent McMorrow, here.