MUMBAI: British pop singer Robbie Williams has made chart history with his latest album 'Swings Both Ways' which has become the 1000th album to claim the top spot on the UK charts. The milestone comes 57 years after Rat Pack member - Frank Sinatra scored his first number one album 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers' in 1956.
Williams' new chart topper also means he equals Elvis Presley's record of 11 number one albums in the UK charts as a solo artist. Add the four number ones he had with former boy band Take That, and it gives him a total of 15 chart toppers- the same as the Beatles.
Talking about his latest number one album, the 'Candy' singer said, “I am over the moon. [And it's] such an honour to be the 1000th album in that spot, following Frank Sinatra – who was the first person to top the Official Album Chart, and my hero." He added that he was happy that the first and 1000th albums on the charts came from the swing genre.
In his solo career, the 39 year old has sold 18.6 million albums in the UK and a total of 55 million albums globally. 'Swings Both Ways' is his second No 1 swing album, after his 2001 release 'Swing When You're Winning'. He added, "I think in these days with people taking their clothes off and doing drugs and being cynical in whatever way possible to get attention - and good luck to them - I think there is a market for middle-of-the-road entertainment. It harks back to a simpler time."