Adele leads female charge on charts

Adele has led the charge to propel women to a record share of album chart sales this year.

Female artists have accounted for one in three UK album sales in 2011 so far, the Official Charts Company and BPI said.

A new generation of female pop stars such as Rihanna and Katy Perry have helped break the previous 2009 record of 25.1% of album sales for the year.

The release of the data comes as Florence and The Machine scooped the number one slot in the official album chart with their second album 'Ceremonials'.

Lead singer Florence Welch is part of a new generation of women dominating the charts, including Jessie J and Rumer.

British women accounted for 58% of the female solo artist market this year.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said: “The success achieved by these young women demonstrates the positive opportunities music offers to young people from all backgrounds.

“It will inspire a future generation of female performers and shows that raw talent and hard work can take you to the very top.”

Adele’s albums '21' and '19' are the two best-selling albums by a woman this year.