Richard Ashcroft battling Taylor Swift for UK Number 1 album

Verve legend Richard Ashcroft is going head-to-head with Taylor Swift in the race for this week’s Number 1 album.

Richard Ashcroft’s seventh solo album ‘Lovin’ You’ is currently the highest new entry at the midweek stage on the Official Albums Chart at No.2.

The record, which features the Absolute Radio playlisted singles ‘Lover’ and ‘Lovin’ You’, is riding just behind reigning chart-topper Taylor Swift with ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.

If ‘Lovin’ You’ somehow manages to topple Taylor Swift, it will be Richard Ashcroft’s first solo Number 1 since his debut ‘Alone With Everybody’ 25 years ago.

Richard’s other five studio albums – ‘Human Conditions’ (2002), ‘Keys to the World’ (2006), ‘These People’ (2016), ‘Natural Rebel’ (2018) and ‘Acoustic Hymns Vol 1’ (2021) – have all dented the Top 5.

The release of ‘Lovin’ You’ follows a triumphant summer for Richard Ashcroft, performing as special guest on the UK & Ireland leg of Oasis’ reunion tour.

He’s also poised to have a bumper 2026 with a UK arena tour in the spring and two huge outdoor concerts in London and Reading confirmed for the summer.

Richard Ashcroft’s UK tour dates:

NOVEMBER 2025

Manchester Co-Op Live – Sat 8th (SOLD OUT)

MARCH 2026

Cardiff Utilita Arena – Tue 24th (SOLD OUT)

Liverpool M&S Bank Arena – Thu 26th (SOLD OUT)

London The O2 – Sat 28th (SOLD OUT)

Glasgow OVO Hydro – Tue 31st

APRIL 2026

Leeds First Direct Arena – Thu 2nd

Birmingham Utilita Arena – Sat 4th

Newcastle Utilita Arena – Mon 6th

JULY 2026

London Alexandra Palace Park – Fri 17th

Reading Englefield Estate – Fri 24th

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