They also beat same-week 2007 sales of 1,979,725 by 3.7%. It is a welcome improvement, and one that is driven by higher sales in every segment of the chart, with end of month salary payments, half-term holidays and benign weather conditions doubtless all helping.

It's certainly not due to a massive number one - the ninth different album to top the chart in as many weeks, Usher's Here I Stand earns its place in the penthouse suite thanks to first ...