Sam Smith Makes US Chart History With Debut Album In The Lonely Hour

He has only just released his debut album but already Sam Smith is breaking records.

The Brit Award-winning singer's LP, In The Lonely Hour, has made US chart history after selling 166,000 copies in its first week. It is the fastest selling debut album for a British male.

The album, which has spurned hits such as Money on My Mind and Stay With Me entered the US Billboard Charts at No.2. Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence album has taken the top spot in both the US and the UK.

"We are thrilled that American audiences are embracing Sam Smith and In the Lonely Hour so strongly," says Steve Barnett, CEO of Smith's record label, Capitol Music Group.

"Sam's stirring and revealing songs, as well as his one-of-a-kind voice and soulful delivery, is a combination that's compelling and imbued with artistry. We are still at the early stages of presenting Sam Smith and his music to US audiences, but this record-setting first week is certainly a strong sign of music fans' recognition that a great new artist has arrived."

Smith has been conquering America following performances on Saturday Night Live and his recent live cover of Whitney Houston's How Will I Know.

Meanwhile the 22-year-old rising star, who has collaborated with stars such as Nasty Boy and Disclosure, is preparing to go on his first UK headline tour.

His string of concerts kick off at Glasgow's O2 ABC Academy in October, with stops at Manchester's Albert Hall and London's Eventim Apollo.