Paul Heaton tops UK album chart as Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 finally reaches top 40

Paul Heaton, the lead singer of the Housemartins, has achieved his first solo UK number one album with 'Jenius', which is also his sixth album overall. This project, produced by Ian Broudie, follows his earlier work with The Beautiful South and his collaborations with Jacqui Abbott. A major contributor to Heaton's success was the rise in vinyl sales last week. In other news, Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away at 80 earlier this week, has three singles in the UK top 40, with '9 to 5' jumping to number 12. Her classic 'Jolene' returned at number nine, and 'Islands in the Stream' with Kenny Rogers hit number 13. Additionally, her 2022 album 'Diamonds & Rhinestones' entered the top 10. The Official Charts Company noted how Parton's music continues to resonate with fans. Heaton plans to celebrate his 65th birthday next year by treating patrons at various pubs, having done so at 60 venues when he turned 60. Meanwhile, Brandon Flowers’ 'Thrasher' debuted at number three, and Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's 'Rein Me In' remains the longest-running number one single in UK chart history.