Westlife aiming for ninth No.1 album on UK charts

Westlife could be heading for their ninth No.1 album with 25 - The Ultimate Collection.

Released last Friday, the album has reached No.1 on the UK's midweek official Top 100.

Serving as a celebration of the group's 25-year career, it includes hits such as 'You Raise Me Up' and 'Uptown Girl'. The LP also features new material, like lead single 'Chariot', written by Ed Sheeran and produced by Steve Mac.

If they stay where they are, Westlife will join the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bob Dylan, Take That, and Stereophonics on nine chart-topping records.

Competition for the No.1 remains close. Following the release of the biopic Michael, renewed interest in Michael Jackson drove his 2005 compilation The Essential Michael Jackson to the top of the chart last week. Currently its sitting at No.2 in the mid-week chart.

While Sheffield-based Reverend and the Makers are on course to earn their highest-charting project to date with Is This How Happiness Feels? at No.3 this week. This release could surpass their 2007 debut The State of Things, which peaked at No.5.

After a close race last week, KNEECAP secured their first UK No.2 with their second studio album FENIAN. The Belfast-based trio look set to remain in the Top 20 in the UK this week, with FENIAN currently sitting at No.18.