March 12, 2013 18:29

David Bowie on course for first Number One album in 20 years

'The Next Day' is set to be his ninth chart-topping LP

Photo: Press

David Bowie is on course to score his first Number One Album in 20 years, according to the Official Charts Company.

The singer's 27th studio album 'The Next Day' was released on Monday (March 11) and could be his first chart-topping album since 1993's 'Black Tie White Noise'. After just one day on release, it has already achieved the biggest first day sale of any album this year – shifting 56,000 copies – and is currently outselling its closest competitor, Bon Jovi’s 'What About Now' by nearly three to one.

"Bowie is officially back!" Official Charts Company Managing Director, Martin Talbot said in a statement. "'The Next Day' is a true gift for all Bowie aficionados. It already sounds like a classic Bowie album – and its popularity this week is already showing that the great British public have taken it to their hearts."

Last week, a T-shirt to mark the release of the album designed with Paul Smith was unveiled. The shirt features the Jonathan Barnbrook-designed artwork for 'The Next Day' - inspired by Bowie's 1977 album 'Heroes' – andis one of many collaborations between Bowie and Smith planned this year.

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