Sir Elton John’s career-spanning greatest hits collection, Diamonds, has achieved a monumental feat, reaching number one on the UK album charts after an astonishing 374 weeks. The 51-track compilation, featuring iconic hits like Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing, and Rocket Man, has now given the 77-year-old music legend his ninth number one album.
“I’m so excited and thrilled that Diamonds is the number one album in the UK this week,” Elton John exclaimed. “What a great start to the new year. I could not be happier.”
Originally released in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, Diamonds has remained a fixture on the charts ever since. The collection has earned a loyal following, selling over 1.5 million copies in the UK alone. However, despite its enduring popularity, it had never reached the coveted number one spot until now.
Boosted by a Re-Release and Streaming Success
The album’s surge to the top spot can be attributed to a number of factors, including a recent re-release as a super deluxe edition. This expanded version, which includes Blu-ray, cassette, and diamond-effect vinyl formats, provided a fresh boost in sales.
In addition to the physical re-release, Diamonds has benefited from a surge in streaming numbers, fueled by the recent release of the Disney+ documentary Never Too Late. The documentary, co-directed by Elton’s husband David Furnish, delves into the artist’s remarkable journey, from a struggling session musician to a global superstar. It also highlights personal moments of triumph and struggle, including Elton’s battles with addiction, his experience becoming a father, and the conclusion of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2023. The documentary has received widespread acclaim and was even included on the BAFTA longlist for Best Documentary.
A Historic Achievement for Elton John
Elton John’s Diamonds album joins an exclusive club of long-running hits compilations that have found lasting success on the charts. The album has now spent more consecutive weeks inside the UK Top 40 than any other album in chart history. Despite being released nearly eight years ago, Diamonds has continued to resonate with music lovers and is a testament to the enduring popularity of Elton’s music.
The album’s climb to number one was aided by a quiet week for new releases, with no new albums entering the Top 10. However, Diamonds’ chart success is a reflection of Elton’s lasting impact on music and his global fanbase, bolstered by the ongoing role of streaming in chart calculations. Plays of individual tracks now contribute to an album’s overall sales total, further fueling the success of classic collections like Diamonds, Abba Gold, and Queen’s Greatest Hits, which have also spent hundreds of weeks on the charts.
Looking Ahead
As Diamonds continues to top the charts, it adds another milestone to Elton John’s illustrious career, spanning over six decades. His previous number one albums have included Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player (1973) and his first greatest hits album (1974).
Meanwhile, in the current chart, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet takes the number two spot, while SZA’s SOS holds steady at number three. On the singles chart, Gracie Abrams’ That’s So True remains at number one for a seventh non-consecutive week, followed by Rosé and Bruno Mars with APT at number two, and Lola Young’s Messy at number three.
As for Elton John, Diamonds‘ journey to number one proves that his legacy is far from fading—his music continues to inspire and connect with new generations of fans, solidifying his place as one of music’s greatest icons.
