Brit Of Alright: UK Acts Dominate Album Sales

UK acts account for one in seven of all albums sold around the world, according to new figures.

The success of the likes of Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran saw British albums and singles generate around $2.75bn (£1.8bn) in sales last year.

UK music accounted for 12% of album sales in the US, 15% in Canada and around 20% in Australia and Italy, according to the British Phonographic Industry's (BPI) Music Market 2015 Yearbook.

The trade body, which represents UK record labels, said UK acts made up 13.7% of global sales and just over one in seven albums sold last year.

The BPI said five of the top 10 global recording artists of the year were British - One Direction, Sheeran, Coldplay, Smith and Pink Floyd.

Scottish-born Australian rockers AC/DC were also in the top 10.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor called the figures "truly outstanding".

He said: "Music is a tremendous exports success story for the UK - all around the world, fans are listening to the records we produce, supporting not only our balance of trade but a positive image for Britain overseas.

"It's encouraging to have a government that backs British music exports and understands the key role music plays in projecting Britain's identity as a creative powerhouse."

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid, said: "The popularity of British music at home and abroad is, appropriately, only going in 'One Direction'.

"These record figures are fantastic news and show the enormous demand for UK music all around the world."

:: Top 10 Global Recording Artists in 2014

1. Taylor Swift - 1989

2. One Direction - Four

3. Ed Sheeran - X

4. Coldplay - Ghost Stories

5. AC/DC - Rock Or Bust

6. Michael Jackson - Xscape

7. Pink Floyd - The Endless River

8. Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour

9. Katy Perry - Prism

10. Beyonce - Beyonce