Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft triumphantly ascends back to the top of the ARIA Albums Chart this week, reclaiming the coveted No. 1 position for the first time since mid-July. This remarkable comeback underscores her resilience and the unwavering support of her fanbase, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences with her unique sound and artistic vision.

The album, which previously enjoyed five non-consecutive weeks at the top in 2024, surged back into the spotlight following her highly successful sold-out Australian tour dates. This resurgence reflects not only the album’s popularity but also Eilish’s powerful live performances, which have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

The record concluded 2024 as the No. 2 album of the year in Australia and continues to excel across various platforms, showcasing its strong performance in both streaming and physical formats. With an impressive total of six non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 since its release, the album has solidified its place as a fan favorite and a staple in the music industry, demonstrating Billie Eilish’s enduring appeal and artistry.

Blackpink’s Lisa makes a remarkable debut at No. 5 with her highly anticipated first solo album, Alter Ego. This exciting project features collaborations with renowned artists such as Raye, Doja Cat, Future, Rosalia, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion, showcasing her versatility and star power. Lisa is now the second member of Blackpink to achieve a solo album placement in the ARIA Top 10 within the last four months, following Rosé’s Rosie, which peaked at No. 2 in December and is currently sitting at No. 45. Meanwhile, fellow bandmate Jennie has just released her debut album, Ruby, which is poised to make its chart debut next week, further fueling the group’s impressive momentum.

The top five albums on this week’s ARIA Albums Chart are all by female artists, exemplifying the current landscape of the music industry. Following Eilish at No. 1, Tate McRae’s So Close To What holds steady at No. 2, while Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet occupies the No. 3 spot. SZA’s SOS climbs to No. 4, and Lisa’s Alter Ego debuts at No. 5. This trend highlights the significant impact and influence that female artists have in reshaping the music scene today.

Architects also make a noteworthy impact this week with their latest album, The Sky, The Earth & All Between, debuting at No. 8. The British metalcore band boasts a robust Australian following, particularly after their previous album, For Those That Wish to Exist, reached the pinnacle at No. 1 in 2021. Their consistent ability to create compelling music resonates strongly with fans, ensuring their continued success in the competitive music industry.

Meanwhile, on the ARIA Singles Chart, Rosé and Bruno Mars’ collaboration “APT” extends its reign at No. 1 for an impressive 13 non-consecutive weeks. This remarkable achievement ties the track with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” (2019) as the longest-running duet at No. 1 in the past five years. The all-time record for the longest-running duet on the ARIA Singles Chart remains with The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s “Stay,” which dominated the charts for an astounding 17 weeks between 2021 and 2022, showcasing the challenging nature of maintaining such high rankings in the industry.

With Eilish reclaiming the top spot and Lisa making a significant solo debut, female artists continue to be at the forefront of the ARIA charts this year. This ongoing trend highlights the growing presence and influence of women in the music industry, as they consistently push boundaries and redefine what it means to be successful in today’s competitive landscape.