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Robbie Williams has admitted he delayed the release of his new album Britpop to avoid competing with Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl – leaving him on track to set a record in the UK charts. “Britpop” was originally scheduled to be released on October 10th. But in September, about a month after Swift announced her new album, vWilliams postponed his 13th studio album to February 6, 2026 – officially due to “date changes”.
Even back then there was speculation that the reason was Swift. Because Williams is on the verge of catching up with the Beatles. And to secure the sole record in the British album charts with a possible 16th number one album. The two currently share 15 top positions each. At an intimate concert in London on October 9th – originally planned as a release show for “Britpop” – Williams finally confirmed the suspicion: “We all pretend that the change of dates has nothing to do with Taylor Swift, but that’s what it’s about,” he said with a wink, according to “Billboard”.
“You just can’t compete with her.” At the same time, Williams admitted that he was initially worried about making his fans wait several months for the new album. However, in typical self-deprecating fashion, he added: “But then I thought, screw it. I’m sorry, but I’m just selfish. How often in life do you get the chance to have the most number one albums Britain has ever seen?”
Chart record in sight – but Swift remains close on his heels
While Williams is expected to break the record early next year, Swift could soon follow suit. She currently has 13 number one albums in the UK and The Life of a Showgirl is expected to be her 14th. The UK album charts are updated today, October 10, with last week’s releases.
First pop album since 2016
“Britpop” wouldn’t just be Williams’ potentially 16th number one album. But also his first pure pop album since “The Heavy Entertainment Show” from 2016. In 2019 he released the Christmas album T “he Christmas Present”, which, in addition to some classics, mainly consisted of new, Christmas-inspired songs.