Plan B leads UK album chart

Plan B has stormed to the top of the UK charts with his new album, film soundtrack Ill Manors.

The release, which features in the film of the same name, is the second number one album for the rapper, real name Ben Drew.

The east London-born artist said the collection of songs were inspired by the issues surrounding the riots which broke out in the capital almost a year ago.

He told NME: “It’s a mirror, a reflection of today. And of the problems that have been swept under the carpet since the London riots put them on the front pages.

“That’s why I made it so visceral, to get under people’s skin. I wanted people to misunderstand it and to start debating it again.”

The number two spot was also taken by a new release – Handwritten by American rockers The Gaslight Anthem – while last week’s number one, Good Morning To The Night, a collaboration between Elton John and Australian duo Pnau, dropped back to 10th place.

Girl group Stooshe were up two places at number three while other new entries to the top 10 album chart included female divas Jennifer Lopez with her greatest hits album Dance Again – The Hits and Joss Stone with The Soul Sessions – Vol 2.

Emeli Sande, who performed during the Olympics opening ceremony, also features in the top 10 album chart.

Her debut album Our Version of Events, one of the biggest-selling albums of the year so far, jumped up two places to number eight, according to the Official UK Charts Company.