
Taylor Swift breaks the UK chart record
The live album, which features performances from her 2019 studio album Lover, originally had a limited release on Valentine's Day in 2023. It initially peaked at No 90, but a new heart-shaped double vinyl edition propelled it to the top, selling 47,000 copies - the biggest first-week sales of any album this year.
Notably, Lover (Live From Paris) achieved this feat with minimal streaming, a rarity in today's digital landscape. The last album to reach No 1 in the UK without major streaming numbers was another Swift record - 2017's Reputation, which initially debuted on sales alone before later arriving on streaming services.
Swift's UK chart dominance has grown significantly since her first No 1 album, Red, in 2012. Her ongoing project of re-recording her past albums has contributed to her tally, with new versions of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989 all claiming the top spot. Fans are now eagerly awaiting her re-recording of Reputation, though Swift may be taking a well-earned break after wrapping up her historic Eras tour - the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.
Elsewhere in the UK charts, Irish rock band Inhaler, led by Bono's son Elijah Hewson, debuted at No 2 with their third album Open Wide. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar surged back into the Top 3 following the physical release of GNX and his widely discussed Super Bowl halftime show. Lamar's diss track Not Like Us also climbed to No 2 on the singles chart, though Lola Young's Messy held onto the top spot for a fourth consecutive week.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Overwatch 2 launches new Loverwatch dating sim with more characters but only in select regions
Blizzard has launched a new version of its Loverwatch dating sim in Overwatch 2, allowing players to interact with additional characters, but the event is currently exclusive to Chinese servers. Loverwatch first appeared in 2023, letting players date characters such as Genji and Mercy in a browser-based mini-game, including a secret Cupid Hanzo ending. The spinoff mode received positive reception, with many players requesting its return in the main game. The newly announced Loverwatch update expands the playable roster, adding characters including Lifeweaver, Mauga, Juno, Junker Queen, Cassidy, and Genji, all featured in new artwork and a trailer. Characters appear in themed attire, giving them a different look outside of their standard in-game skins. However, the update is currently only accessible within China. Users on social media noted that to play the dating sim, players must register for the Chinese Overwatch 2 server, providing national ID and phone verification. Content on these accounts does not transfer to international servers, limiting access for players outside China. Overwatch 2 returned to China in February 2025 after a two-year absence due to a licensing issue, offering various in-game events and rewards upon its re-entry. It remains unclear whether this Loverwatch update is exclusive to the Chinese community or if Blizzard plans to release the mode globally in future updates. Players outside China have expressed hope that the expanded Loverwatch event may arrive on international servers for future seasonal events, potentially by Valentine's Day next year.


Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Taylor Swift sends homemade sourdough bread with handwritten note to Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco
Taylor Swift marked Selena Gomez's 33rd birthday with a personal gift — a basket featuring homemade sourdough bread and a scented candle. The thoughtful gesture was shared by Benny Blanco on Instagram, capturing attention for its warm and playful details. Photo: Instagarm The basket included a sticker that read 'Homemade sourdough' and a handwritten note addressed 'For Selena + Benny,' signed 'Love, Taylor.' Another note added a clever touch: 'It's a loaf story,' a nod to Swift's well-known 2008 hit 'Love Story.' Swift, 35, has been friends with Gomez for years. The two were recently seen together in an Instagram photo Gomez posted on July 20, reflecting on what she called 'the most beautiful year' of her life. The image showed them sitting together in a room filled with balloons, celebrating the milestone. Known for her love of baking, Swift has previously shared treats with those around her. In May, she made Pop-Tarts for Travis Kelce's photo shoot team. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid also revealed in 2024 that Swift once baked for the team's offensive linemen, making pastries to help her bond with the group. Blanco, Gomez's fiancé since December 2024, is also known for food-themed gestures. Earlier this year, he surprised Gomez with a Valentine's Day gift involving a bathtub filled with queso and a chip trail leading to a message that read 'I heart you.' Swift's bread and message offer a quieter moment of affection and creativity, fitting for a birthday celebration rooted in genuine friendship.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Is Taylor Swift about to drop TS12? Mysterious countdown stirs fan theories
Taylor Swift has ignited a frenzy of speculation among fans, as her team, Taylor Nation, posts what many believe is a cryptic countdown hinting at a major announcement. Beginning on July 18, Taylor Nation began spotlighting Swift's previous albums in order, starting with her 2006 self-titled debut, followed by Fearless, Speak Now, and Red, each accompanied by coordinated listening parties. Swifties, known for decoding the singer's famous 'Easter eggs,' are confident this marks a countdown to her highly anticipated 12th studio album—tentatively dubbed TS12—or possibly an Eras Tour documentary. Taylor Nation's use of a mysterious new crest in promotional graphics and unreleased merchandise has only fueled rumors of a new era. Some believe Swift may be preparing to release Reputation (Taylor's Version) or drop unreleased 'vault tracks' tied to the original album. Subtle color edits to tribute images and the timing of upcoming listening parties also align with the theory that a Reputation-centric announcement is imminent. Others are more skeptical, suspecting a merch drop rather than a music release. Given past experiences of fan disappointment, some are bracing for a simpler reveal, like a new cardigan or collector's item. Still, with the countdown steadily progressing and Swift's history of strategic rollouts, many are convinced something major is brewing. Whether it's a new album, a re-release, or a behind-the-scenes film, fans are watching closely—refreshing feeds, decoding clues, and preparing for Swift's next move.