UK's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Launched As Hillsong United Get First No.1
For the first time ever, the UK now has an Official Christian and Gospel Albums Chart. In an encouraging move for Christian music in the UK, the Official Charts Company, who run the official mainstream album and singles chart, will compile a weekly sales chart of Christian albums.
In recognition of growing interest in Christian and Gospel music, the Official Charts Company unveiled the UK's first Official Christian And Gospel Albums Chart tonight, 11th March 2013, at a special launch event in London. The first ever Number 1 album was named as Hillsong United with their latest release, 'Zion'.
"We are honoured that our album, Zion, has reached Number 1 on the UK's first Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart," Hillsong United told OfficialCharts.com. "We would like to thank all those who have supported Hillsong United. It's humbling and exciting to know that this album is inspiring people not just in Australia, but across the globe to live with purpose and to put their trust in God. In a world where negativity is so dominant, we hope Zion can be a sound of joy and hope."
The chart launch event at St James Theatre, Victoria, was hosted by TV vocal coach David Grant and attended by industry leaders, and also included former Delirious? frontman Martin Smith and the London Community Gospel Choir.
The new weekly sales-based Top 20, launched in partnership with Christian charity Compassion, will officially rank the success of Christian and Gospel recording artists for the first time in the UK.
Official Charts Company Charts Director Omar Maskatiya comments: "The Official Charts Company is committed to profiling and celebrating all sectors of the UK musical landscape. The popularity of Christian and Gospel music to date has largely been demonstrated through its vibrant live sector, however with the launch of the Official Christian & Gospel Chart we can now, for the first time, shine the spotlight on those artists who are enjoying significant success through recorded music too. We look forward to working with Christian labels and supporting partner Compassion to bring the new chart and its featured talent to music fans of the UK."
