Elton John’s New No. 1 Album Is Different From His Past Chart-Toppers

Elton John is back at No. 1 in the United States, as the legendary performer claims another chart-topping title this week thanks to Who Believes in Angels?, a collaborative effort with fellow Grammy winner Brandi Carlile. The brand new full-length arrives as a success across a number of rankings, launching atop several Billboard tallies – and this latest champion is different from his previous rulers.

Who Believes in Angels? Opens at No. 1 on Two Billboard Charts

Who Believes in Angels? launches at No. 1 on both the Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. In both cases, the set gives John his second leader on each ranking.

The only other time the hitmaker has managed to conquer these rock-based tallies was with Diamonds, a compilation of some of the pianist’s biggest and best-known singles. That’s certainly a worthy achievement, but seeing a studio album comprised entirely of new material rise to the top — especially one released this late into a career that spans more than half a century — is something else entirely.

Diamonds Has Already Ruled, But This Win Feels Different

John’s Diamonds previously hit No. 1 on both the Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts, underlining the continued appeal of his classic catalog. But while a hits collection has a built-in advantage thanks to both name recognition and all-but-guaranteed streaming numbers, it’s far more impressive to see an artist climb to the top with brand new music.

Who Believes in Angels? is John’s first proper album to lead these two rosters – a stat that might come as a surprise to those who have been following the star’s career for years.

Elton John’s Multiple Top 10 Albums

Over the years, John has come close to the top of both the Top Rock Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums charts with several other releases, but he’s often just missed the mark. He’s now scored six top 10 placements on each list, and in a few instances, he’s been edged out by just a spot or two.

His collaboration with Leon Russell, The Union, stalled at No. 2. Nearly two decades ago, Rocket Man: Number Ones, another hits-packed compilation, peaked at No. 3.

Who Believes in Angels? Earns Huge Starts on Several Charts

Beyond the rock-centric tallies, Who Believes in Angels? also enjoys a lofty start on several additional Billboard albums charts. It opens at No. 2 on the Top Album Sales list, narrowly missing the peak position. On the Vinyl Albums ranking, the full-length opens at No. 3.

Perhaps most notably, the project breaks into the top 10 on the Billboard 200, settling in at No. 9. That gives both John and Carlile yet another top-tier placement on the all-genre ranking of the most-consumed albums and EPs in the U.S.—and for John, it adds one more impressive feat to an already legendary resume.