Raye beats Olivia Dean, Kanye West in chart battle

Chart queen RAYE is finally having her crowning moment and she’s done it her way.

The 28-year-old powerhouse has stormed straight to number one on the UK Albums Chart with her bold new record This Music May Contain Hope, marking the first time she’s topped the albums tally. 

It’s a huge leap from her 2023 debut My 21st Century Blues, which peaked at number two.

And she’s not just dominating once, this is her second chart-topper of 2026, after her cheeky hit Where Is My Husband! earlier this year.

Hot on her heels is Olivia Dean with The Art of Loving at number two, while controversial rap titan Kanye West lands at number three with Bully.

But behind the success lies sheer grit. 

Speaking candidly on The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music, RAYE admitted the album nearly broke her.

“It’s taken every blood cell,” she confessed. 

“I’m honestly exhausted — mentally and physically — but in a good way.”

This wasn’t just another pop project. as the songstress took full creative control, writing every lyric and melody while executive producing the entire album. 

She even brought in orchestras and big bands, crafting a rich, unapologetically maximalist sound.

After years of writing hits for others, the Escapism. singer says this album became her quiet rebellion against an industry that tried to box her in.

“I’m not just one thing,” she declared. 

“So how can you ask me to choose one thing?”

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