Robbie Williams' 'Consciousness' hits top spot

Former Take That singer Robbie Williams has notched up his ninth UK number one album with a greatest hits collection, 'In and Out of Consciousness', the chart's compiler said on Sunday.

Covering his career from 1990 to 2010, the two-disc album features solo hits such as 'Angels' and 'Let Met Entertain You' as well as the Take That number one 'Everything Changes'.

It also includes duets with Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue and the Pet Shop Boys and two new songs co-written with Williams' old bandmate Gary Barlow.

The Official Charts Company said Williams' album outsold the rest of the top five combined in the days after its release on October 11.

The 36-year-old has sold 57 million albums worldwide and has won more Brit music awards than any other artist. However, his solo career has faltered in recent years, while his old band has enjoyed renewed popularity.

Last week's number one album, Disc-Overy by London rapper, fell to second place. In third was a new entry from veteran singer Cliff Richard, 'Bold as Brass'.

On the singles chart, US rapper Cee Lo Green held on to the top spot for a second week with 'Forget You'.