Robbie Williams Breaks The Beatles’ UK Number One Albums Record with ‘BRITPOP’

Robbie Williams makes history with his new album ‘BRITPOP,’ surpassing The Beatles for the most UK Number One albums.

Robbie Williams, the British pop icon we've all cheered for over the decades, has just achieved a milestone that even the most optimistic fans might have thought was out of reach. With the release of his 13th solo album, BRITPOP, Robbie has officially surpassed The Beatles’ record for the most UK Number One albums. Can you believe it? Sixteen chart-topping albums, edging past the legendary Fab Four’s 15—isn’t that something to celebrate?

Robbie Williams in full swing, capturing the magic that helped him top the UK charts.

The Surprise Drop and Instant Triumph

Just last Friday, January 16, Robbie dropped BRITPOP unexpectedly—much to the delight of his fans. Originally set for a February release, and previously delayed from October 2025, the album hit the shelves early, and boy, did it make waves! By January 23, BRITPOP climbed straight to Number One on the UK Albums Chart, cementing Robbie’s 16th solo chart-topper.

“It’s unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable,” Robbie exclaimed in an interview with BBC News. His playful metaphor about stretching an elastic band from Stoke-on-Trent to the Moon, now orbiting Venus, perfectly captures his awe at this achievement. Robbie’s always had that cheeky humility mixed with an enviable confidence—calling himself the "Forrest Gump of pop" feels just right.

Interestingly, every studio album Robbie released has hit Number One—except for 2009’s Reality Killed The Video Star. That consistency over decades is nothing short of remarkable.

Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, had this to say about Robbie’s incredible journey: “Not even the confident young 26-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent would have believed this were possible when he joined Take That back in 1990, but here he is, on top of the world, the UK’s number 1 album artist – of all time! Just let that sink in, Robbie!”

Holding the Crown: Competition on the Charts

BRITPOP didn’t just reach the top; it held firm against some fierce competition. Madison Beer’s third album Locket debuted at Number Three, while Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which had dominated for three weeks prior, slipped to Number Two. Even Sleaford Mods made an impressive showing, landing at Number Six with The Demise Of Planet X.

Here’s the Official Albums Chart Top 5 for January 23:

1. Robbie Williams – ‘BRITPOP’
2. Olivia Dean – ‘The Art Of Loving’
3. Madison Beer – ‘Locket’
4. Nathan Evans & Saint Phnx – ‘Angels’ Share’
5. Fleetwood Mac – ‘50 Years – Don’t Stop’

Robbie’s Dream to Surpass The Beatles

Earlier this month, Robbie confessed that breaking The Beatles’ record was a goal that meant more to him than almost anything else in his career.

“When that sort of record is mentioned and it’s me, I don’t know how that’s happened, I just know that it has. It massively makes my imposter syndrome come out to play and the first thing I feel is embarrassed about it.” — Robbie Williams

He went on to reveal the tug-of-war within himself—the humble discomfort battling with the thrill of such a historic feat. “Outside of my family, my kids and my wife, [this] is the most important thing to me in the world,” he admitted. Robbie is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, and the vulnerability in his words makes this achievement even sweeter.

Not far behind Robbie and The Beatles in the all-time UK Number One album rankings are The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift, each boasting 14 chart-toppers, followed by Elvis Presley with 13, and icons Madonna and Bruce Springsteen with 12 apiece.

Inside ‘BRITPOP’: Nostalgia and Bold Moves

During an intimate London gig last autumn, Robbie shared his reasons for delaying BRITPOP’s release—to avoid competing with Taylor Swift’s The Life Of A Showgirl. “Here’s the truth: I want 16 Number One albums. Taylor then decided to put her album out the same weekend as me. I was like, ‘For fuck’s sake!’” he joked, reminding us that even legends have to deal with the chaotic business side of the music world.

The album itself is packed with memorable singles like “Pretty Face,” “Rocket,” “Spies,” and “Human.” One standout track even explores the weirdly fascinating theme of being Morrissey’s stalker, co-written with Williams’ old Take That bandmate Gary Barlow. That mix of cheekiness and depth is Robbie’s trademark.

Robbie’s ‘Long ’90s’ Tour: A Nostalgic Celebration

Next month, Robbie embarks on a string of small, intimate UK shows dubbed the ‘Long ’90s’ tour, including a stop at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on February 8. It promises to be a warm, nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans longing for that decade’s iconic sounds, with Robbie leading the charge.

How Critics See ‘BRITPOP’

While the album’s commercial success is clear, the critical reception has been a blend of admiration and measured praise. One three-star review described BRITPOP as “a love letter to the ’90s and a bid to live forever.” Robbie might not have aimed to make a revolutionary masterpiece, but his authenticity shines through.

“He’s standing firm. Rather than neck a BuzzBall on a Lime Bike and do his take on ‘Brat,’ Robbie knows his game and has done a record for himself,” the review notes. It might not be an album destined to change music history, but it’s bold, fun, and—most importantly—it’s Robbie, done his way.

FAQ

• How many UK Number One albums has Robbie Williams achieved?
  Robbie Williams has secured 16 UK Number One albums, surpassing The Beatles' record of 15.
• When was ‘BRITPOP’ released?
  BRITPOP was surprise-released on January 16, 2026, ahead of its originally planned February release.
• What are some singles from the ‘BRITPOP’ album?
  Singles include “Pretty Face,” “Rocket,” “Spies,” and “Human,” the latter co-written with Gary Barlow.
• Has Robbie Williams toured to support ‘BRITPOP’?
  Yes, he is undertaking the ‘Long ’90s’ tour across the UK, including a show at London’s O2 Brixton Academy.
• Who are the artists close to Robbie’s UK Number One albums record?
  The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift each have 14 Number One albums, just behind Robbie's 16.

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