By Lina Hope 
Olivia Rodrigo has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the ARIA Albums Chart, with her latest offering, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, securing a fourth non-consecutive week at the coveted No. 1 position. The Geffen/Universal release has demonstrated remarkable staying power, fending off a formidable challenge from musical titans, The Rolling Stones.
The legendary British rock band made a significant impact on the chart, debuting at No. 2 with their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, released by Polydor/Universal. This placement marks a notable achievement for the Stones, solidifying their enduring appeal in the Australian music landscape. Foreign Tongues represents their sixth album to break into the top five since the ARIA Charts’ inception in 1983, underscoring a consistent presence at the forefront of the industry. The album follows their highly acclaimed 2023 release, Hackney Diamonds, which peaked at No. 3 on the same chart.
A Legacy of Chart Dominance
The Rolling Stones’ enduring success on the ARIA Charts is a testament to their six-decade career. Prior to the establishment of the official ARIA Charts in 1983, the band achieved numerous No. 1 albums in Australia, including Out Of Our Heads (1965), Sticky Fingers (1971), Exile On Main Street (1972), Goats Head Soup (1973), It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (1974), Black and Blue (1976), Some Girls (1978), Emotional Rescue (1980), and Tattoo You (1981). The arrival of Foreign Tongues at No. 2 in the current chart cycle signifies a continuation of this impressive legacy, demonstrating their ability to resonate with contemporary audiences while building upon a rich historical catalogue. The band’s ability to consistently chart in the top tiers of the ARIA Albums Chart, even after decades of releasing music, is a rare feat that highlights their significant cultural impact and dedicated fanbase in Australia. This longevity is often attributed to their consistent touring, their ability to evolve their sound while retaining their signature rock and roll spirit, and the continued relevance of their vast discography.
New Entries and Notable Debuts
The ARIA Albums Chart for the week ending Friday, July 17, 2026, features several other significant entries. Rounding out the top three is the soundtrack to the Canadian drama Heated Rivalry, released by Milan Records/Sony, which debuts at No. 3. While the soundtrack was initially released in January of this year, its strong performance is reportedly bolstered by recent physical format releases, indicating a growing consumer preference for tangible music products, especially for critically acclaimed or culturally relevant soundtracks. The collection features a diverse array of artists, including Canadian musician Peter Peter, alongside contributions from Wolf Parade, Wet Leg, and t.A.T.u., showcasing a broad appeal across different musical genres.
Further down the chart, Bring Me The Horizon’s Count Your Blessings Repented makes a notable entrance at No. 5. This release is a re-recorded version of their debut album, issued to commemorate its 20th anniversary. While the original Count Your Blessings did not chart on the national Australian albums list, the Sheffield-based alternative rock band has since achieved considerable success in Australia, with four previous No. 1 albums. This re-recorded version highlights the band’s enduring popularity and their significant influence on the rock music scene. The decision to re-record a debut album for an anniversary often signifies a band’s retrospective appreciation for their origins and an opportunity to present their foundational work with modern production values, potentially appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners.
The Temper Trap, the Melbourne-based indie-rock outfit, marks a triumphant return with their fourth studio album, Sungazer, which debuts at No. 9. This is their first studio album in a decade, signaling a significant comeback for the ARIA Award-winning band. Sungazer extends their impressive streak of top 10 album appearances, with their self-titled album in 2012 reaching the No. 1 position. Their continued presence in the top 10 underscores their sustained relevance and the loyalty of their fanbase. The success of Sungazer after a ten-year hiatus is a compelling narrative in the music industry, often reflecting a blend of nostalgic appeal and artistic evolution. Bands that manage such comebacks often find a renewed appreciation from both existing fans eager for new material and a new generation discovering their music.
Jack White and Emerging Artists
Jack White’s seventh solo studio album, Frozen Charlotte, released by Third Man Records, has also charted, securing a position at No. 17. This marks his best chart performance since 2018’s Boarding House Reach, which reached No. 11. White’s solo career best on the ARIA Albums Chart was No. 2 with his 2012 debut, Blunderbuss, showcasing a consistent ability to connect with Australian music consumers.
Several other artists have also made their mark on the latest ARIA Albums Chart:
- Future’s The Real Me (Epic/Sony) enters at No. 23.
- The Plot In You’s self-titled release (Concord/Universal) lands at No. 27.
- Australian rock band The Velvet Club’s Are You Falling In Love? (CMI) debuts at No. 29.
- Australian Idol‘s 2024 champion Dylan Wright sees his fourth EP, Crossroads (Sony), start at No. 33.
- Adam Lambert’s album Adam (Orchard) is at No. 36.
- Bella Kay’s My Reckless Abandon (Atlantic/Warner) enters the chart at No. 38.
These diverse entries reflect the broad spectrum of music currently resonating with Australian music buyers, from established international artists to emerging local talent.
ARIA Singles Chart Update
Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Ella Langley’s track "“Choosin’ Texasâ€" (Sony Music) continues its reign at No. 1 for a sixth non-consecutive week. Langley’s sustained success is part of a broader trend on the singles chart, with female artists demonstrating a significant dominance. The last male artist to top the ARIA Singles Chart was Justin Bieber, whose song "“Daisiesâ€" reached the summit on the chart published July 25, 2025. This means it has been nearly a full year since a male artist held the No. 1 spot, highlighting a notable shift in chart performance dynamics. The current week’s singles chart sees no new entries, indicating the strong hold of established hits.
The performance of these albums and singles on the ARIA Charts provides a snapshot of the current musical tastes and trends in Australia. Olivia Rodrigo’s continued success highlights the power of contemporary pop artists to capture and maintain audience attention, while the presence of The Rolling Stones underscores the enduring legacy of classic rock acts. The diverse range of new entries, from soundtracks to anniversary re-recordings and independent artists, demonstrates the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the Australian music market. The ongoing success of female artists on the singles chart also points to a significant cultural moment, reflecting evolving listening habits and the increasing visibility of women in popular music. The ARIA Charts, compiled weekly, serve as a crucial barometer for the nation’s musical landscape, reflecting both global trends and uniquely Australian artistic contributions. The data consistently shows a strong engagement with both established international acts and a vibrant local music scene, making the Australian market a significant one for artists and record labels alike.
