The Kaiser Chiefs have successfully bounced back after the departure of drummer and primary songwriter Nick Hodgson, by taking the No.1 album spot with their latest effort Education, Education, Education & War. 

Kaiser ChiefsKaiser Chiefs are No.1 in the album chart

Buoyed by the popularity of Ricky Wilson on The Voice, the Leeds rockers narrowly outsold X Factor winner Sam Bailey.

"Congratulations everyone... I'm exhausted and happy. Thank you," Wilson tweeted last night.

The band's last album The Future Is Medieval reached No.10 on the chart and as of Friday, their latest effort had only sold 44 more copies than Bailey's The Power of Love. The Chiefs finally pushed ahead "at the 11th hour" according to the Official Charts Company, outselling Bailey by 2,000 copies. George Michael's Symphonica finished third. 

Elsewhere, Johnny Cash scored his highest-charting studio album in the UK, with Out Among the Stars taking fourth spot. 

"To achieve this incredible chart position is a real tribute to my dad and I know he would be honoured and excited with this result," John Carter Cash said in a statement.

Over on the singles chart, Aloe Blacc landed his first UK solo No.1 with The Man, though he was an uncredited vocalist on Avicii's 2013 smash hit Wake Me Up. It was also a good week for John Martin, the singer who has worked with Swedish House Mafia, Tinie Tempah, Sebastian Ingrosso and Tommy Trash. His track Anywhere For You debuted at No.7

Ricky Wilson is tipped to renew his contract with the BBC to appear on the next season of The Voice, with Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue also likely to return. The third season finale - won by Jermaine Jackman - scored record breaking viewing figures. 

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Watch the Kaiser Chief' YNot interview: