James Bay on course for Number 1 with debut album Chaos And The Calm

2015 continues to be a pretty amazing year for Hertfordshire lad James Bay. Fresh from being named Critics’ Choice at this year’s BRIT Awards, the singer-songwriter is now set to land his first ever chart-topper with his debut album.

Chaos And The Calm leads this week’s sales, over 10,000 copies ahead of the rest of the Top 5 combined.

Previous BRITs Critics’ Choice winner Sam Smith, who kicks off three dates at London’s Brixton Academy later this evening, is holding firm at Number 2 with his million-selling debut In The Lonely Hour.

Folk singer Laura Marling is on track to land her fourth Top 10 album, with Short Movie new at Number 3 on today’s Update.

Ed Sheeran’s x, which recently passed the two-million sales mark, is at Number 4, spending its 40th consecutive week in the Top 10. It’s left the Top 5 only once.

Veteran Blues singer Seasick Steve is also set to score a fourth Top 10 album – Sonic Soul Surfer is  new at Number 5.

New entries

Wakefield trio The Cribs are in with a shot at a third Top 10 album as For All My Sisters goes in at Number 7.

Sister act The Staves are on course for their first ever Top 40 album on Sunday – the three siblings’ new album If I Was is at Number 8.

Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett’s debut could give her a Top 10 – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit is currently at Number 10, while pop princess Kylie Minogue looks set to score a 23rd Top 40 entry on the Official Albums Chart. Kiss Me Once –Live At The SSE Hydro is new at Number 14.

US rocker Joe Bonamassa is on course for a ninth Top 40 album. Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks is in at Number 18, while new at Number 21, Sheffield metal outfit While She Sleeps are likely to be celebrating a second Top 40 album on Sunday with Brainwashed.

Rock legends Toto release their first album in 10 years, which is set to become their first Top 40 entry in over 30 years – XIV is new at Number 25.

Rising New York hiphop artist Action Bronson is on track to score his first ever Official Albums Chart Top 40, with Mr Wonderful currently at Number 27 at this midweek point.

It’s also a very first Top 40 for The Voice UK 2014 winner Jermain Jackman – his self-titled debut occupies Number 29 today, while new at Number 30, Frantic is on track to give Glaswegian rockers Gun their fourth Top 40 album.

LA rapper Earl Sweatshirt is our final new midweek entry – I Don’t Like Sh*t I Don’t Go Outside goes in at Number 36.

Click here to view this week's Official Albums Chart Update Top 100 (from 4pm)