Elvis Presley breaks album record with new number one If I Can Dream

The album sold 79,000 copies in its first week

Elvis Presley poses for a studio portrait (Getty Images)

Almost 40 years after his death, Elvis Presley is still breaking chart records.

On Friday, his latest album, If I Can Dream, became his twelfth UK number one album, making him the most successful male solo artist in the UK ever, having attained more number one albums than anyone else.

The album contains 14 classic Elvis tracks reworked by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“This is an album that Elvis always really wanted to do and he would have been so pleased to know his fans are still there and they continue to love his music,” his former wife Priscilla Presley told OfficialCharts.com.

“The most talented team put this album together and helped us all realise an unfulfilled dream.”

The King still has a way to go to become the artist with the most UK number ones every, as The Beatles currently hold the record with 15 chart topping albums.

If I Can Dream sold 79,000 copies in its first week, becoming the second fastest selling record of the year, behind Noel Gallagher’s Chasing Yesterday.

The album features a new version of Fever featuring soul singer Michael Buble.