Bruce Springsteen Takes On Passenger For #1 Aus Debut

US rock legend Bruce Springsteen and Australia’s adopted son, English singer-songwriter Passenger, are vying for a #1 debut on this week’s ARIA Albums Chart.

With The Boss unveiling a massive Aus tour the same time his autobiography, Born To Run, and accompanying audio companion/best of Chapter And Verse dropped, his latest effort was always going to have a strong debut; likewise, Passenger will tour his seventh album, Young As The Morning Old As The Sea, early next year.

The only threat comes from Canadian artist Shawn Mendes, with the 17-year-old songwriter in the running with Illuminate.

The three international stars eyeing off first place puts a hold on the record-breaking number of Aus artists hitting #1 this year, with last week’s top debut, Anthony Callea, bringing the total to 16.

Warrnambool hard-rock icons Airbourne are set for a top 10 debut with their fourth LP, Breakin' Outta Hell, while rising Aus superstar Tash Sultana will make the top 20 with Notion.

The Australian cast recording for Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical and the brutal new record from Every Time I Die, Low Teens, are also set for top 20 placings.

Over on the Singles Chart, you can expect to see The Weeknd’s Daft Punk collab, Starboy, make a solid first impact and Mendes’ Mercy getting a boost, alongside James Arthur.