The UK album charts are heating up as Sheffield’s Britpop legends Pulp and North London’s rap powerhouse Little Simz go head-to-head for the top spots. Pulp’s latest album, More, their first studio release since 2001’s We Love Life, dropped on June 6 and is on track to claim their first number one in 27 years. Meanwhile, Little Simz’s sixth album, Lotus, released the same day, is poised for a personal best at number two. With both artists commanding massive fanbases and critical acclaim, this chart race is a thrilling clash of musical titans.
Pulp, fronted by the ever-charismatic Jarvis Cocker, last topped the charts in 1998 with This Is Hardcore, following their iconic Different Class. More marks a triumphant return, blending their signature witty lyricism with fresh sounds, as teased during their 2023 Finsbury Park reunion show where 45,000 fans sang along to classics like “Disco 2000.” The band’s summer schedule, including gigs at Montreux Jazz Festival and Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, fuels speculation of a Glastonbury 2025 secret set, given a gap in their tour from June 21 to July 10.
Little Simz, born Simbiatu Ajikawo, continues her meteoric rise with Lotus, featuring singles “Free” and “Flood” with Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly. After her Mercury Prize-winning Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and 2022’s No Thank You, Simz’s commanding Glastonbury 2024 Pyramid Stage performance cemented her as a global star. Her upcoming arena shows at Manchester’s Co-op Live and London’s The O2 in October, plus curating Southbank Centre’s Meltdown festival from June 12–22, highlight her unstoppable momentum.
This chart battle underscores the diversity of British music, with Pulp’s nostalgic yet innovative rock facing off against Simz’s genre-blending lyricism. Fans can stream More and Lotus on all major platforms, and with both artists shaping 2025’s music scene, this is a moment to celebrate. Who’ll claim the crown? Stay tuned for the official chart reveal!
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