Rock albums overtake pop as UK's bestselling music genre

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has released a report showing that rock is now the bestselling genre of albums.

14:00 12 February 2014

Unlike two years ago, pop is no longer the number one best selling music genre in the UK. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), figures show that there is now a swing back towards rock. 

 

In 2013, the best-selling albums included by rockers Bastille, Rod Stewart, Arctic Monkeys, and Jake Bugg. Also, it was revealed that 40per cent of the best-selling 10,000 albums were classified as rock. 

 

BPI’s Gennaro Castaldo said in a statement: “While the appeal of pop remains consistent, the popularity of rock music tends to ebb and flow a little more, reflecting as it does the excitement that can quickly build around new acts as they burst through. 

 

“With Arctic Monkeys now taking on near-iconic status, and the likes of Jake Bugg and Bastille to name a few connecting with a new generation of fans, rock music looks set to enjoy another wonderfully vibrant period.”

 

Figures show that dance albums were also successful last year, claiming the largest proportion of overall album sales since 2006. Calvin Harris’s 13 Months, Rudimental’s Home and Disclosure’s Settle were among those giving the genre a sales boost.

 

Here is the breakdown of album sales by genre:

 

Rock33.8%

Pop31%

Dance8.3%

MOR / Easy Listening8.1%

R&B5.7%

Hip-hop3.6%

Classical3.2%

Country1.7%

Jazz1.3%

Folk1.2%