Guessing you are non-UK based because he's already had several number 1 albums over here. At least two with the Smiths (a studio one and a best-of) and three as solo (Viva, Vauxhall, Ringleader) so a #1 is really more of an expectation than a fantasy. His stock remains pretty high in the media and, if reviews are good and a single gets decent airplay (Radio 2 often puts them on their a-list) he will feel he's got a good chance. The UK sales he's likely to get (30,000-50,000) would mean #1 much of the year but no chance the second week after a T Swift album is released.
Sorry Maurice, I wasn't clear.
I know he had number 1 hit albums with The Smiths and as a solo-artist in the UK.
Never with a single though.
But not in the States which still is a big market although even there sales have dropped enormously due to internet, digital downloads, Spotify, etcetera.
You are right, I am not UK based but live in The Netherlands.
So therefore I could miss certain information.
I agree with you there is still a chance he breaks through and becomes a big name, saleswise.
He has access to media and it is certainly not a fantasy. But he is different compared to your average popstar, isn't he? And I just like that.
I don't care myself how his music is appreciated or not, many songs that were criticised I really like. I secretly hope he stays the ultimate cult-icon popstar he is. No compromising to become some sort of Bono style figure.
I can't imagine that would happen.
Of course I hope he gets what he wants, if he is still as obsessed with a number 1 in the charts as every body assumes.
Cheerio