A great track off Flo Rida's new EP
Spyke
After commenting for a while that one of my new favourite things to do is to make condensed 8 track EPs from some of the biggest album releases as of late - Flo Rida has saved me the hassle and done it for me! Despite having clocked up some massive sales from all his pre-album release singles; he hasn't really been able to convert that success in to album sales. Low, Club Can't Handle Me and Right Round have all been #1 smashes around the globe but they clearly haven't inspired you to go out and listen to the rest of his album tracks. Plus given that his singles perform pre-album launch it would appear that it was time for a change of tact....
So far this year in the UK, Flo Rida has hit #1 with Good Feeling, #2 with Whistle and #4 with Wild Ones. This 8 track EP is already sounding rather appealing, so what do the remaining 5 tracks have to offer then? Well there's a Jennifer Lopez feature (Sweet Spot) and Let It Roll which are fighting it out to be the fourth single. However this track is the real gem you should be checking out; Georgi Kay is the guest vocalist but you'd be forgiven for thinking she sounds like Ellie Goulding.
If this was released pre-album then I fully believe it could be a potential #1 but given that it probably won't be now, with the album out in 2 weeks, I do hope that it can still turn out to be a monster hit!
Edit: I've just looked at the official track listing and discovered that the album is 9 tracks in length! The article still stands as Run isn't particularly anything to shout about so you may as well just trim it off - 8 track EP sorted.
Monday, 25 June 2012
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Will.i.am Feat. Eva Simons - This Is Love
Could this challenge Payphone for the #1 spot next week?
Spyke
Following his recent success on The Voice Will.i.am is releasing his fourth solo studio album this year. The lead single took quite a while to grow on me and I still find the inclusion of Mick Jagger on 'T.H.E.' rather unnecessary: this track however is so much more instant and infectious. After his performances at the Radio 1 Big weekend, and a highly entertaining appearance on this week's Graham Norton Show the track has received quite a bit of exposure so should perform well on the charts next week (especially as it is already up to #2 on itunes).
The production, energy and video for this all remind me of that of 'I Gotta Feeling' and so you've got to wonder whether this was yet another track meant for a potential Black Eyed Peas album before they split. So in the absence of Fergie this track features vocals from Eva Simons. A Dutch artist who has been around for a while but never seemed to be able to quite catch a break. I first heard about her on her 'Silly Boy' (see below) release in 2009 which seemed to have all the potential to be quite the smash hit - though it only just managed to creep to #149 in the UK. She might have her signature haircut but it seemed everything else about that release was lending itself from Lady Gaga's Poker Face and Rihanna's Disturbia.
Will's album entitled #Willpower is out later this year.
Spyke
Following his recent success on The Voice Will.i.am is releasing his fourth solo studio album this year. The lead single took quite a while to grow on me and I still find the inclusion of Mick Jagger on 'T.H.E.' rather unnecessary: this track however is so much more instant and infectious. After his performances at the Radio 1 Big weekend, and a highly entertaining appearance on this week's Graham Norton Show the track has received quite a bit of exposure so should perform well on the charts next week (especially as it is already up to #2 on itunes).
The production, energy and video for this all remind me of that of 'I Gotta Feeling' and so you've got to wonder whether this was yet another track meant for a potential Black Eyed Peas album before they split. So in the absence of Fergie this track features vocals from Eva Simons. A Dutch artist who has been around for a while but never seemed to be able to quite catch a break. I first heard about her on her 'Silly Boy' (see below) release in 2009 which seemed to have all the potential to be quite the smash hit - though it only just managed to creep to #149 in the UK. She might have her signature haircut but it seemed everything else about that release was lending itself from Lady Gaga's Poker Face and Rihanna's Disturbia.
Will's album entitled #Willpower is out later this year.
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen - Good Time
Well I wasn't expecting this collaboration . . .
Spyke
So here we have two artists who have both just had one hit single each; obviously not just any old hits though - they both had massive transatlantic #1 smashes. In fact Carly is still sitting pretty comfortably a top of the Hot 100 and on her way to selling her millionth copy in the UK. Owl City on the other hand haven't really being troubling our charts since Fireflies early 2010.
The song is exactly how you would have imagined it might sound. The subtle Owl City production has been beefed up and accompanies Carly's "Wooooaaaahhh-oh-oh"s very effortlessly. The song does sound very dreamy and fun - just the sort of thing that you need to be a great summer anthem. It is the sort out track that Glee could quite easily do a version of; so in that sense I don't think the song is going to be a massive hit with the more mature audience. That said with a good video this song could be everywhere in a few months.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 8
McLovin -
Actual -
Spyke
So here we have two artists who have both just had one hit single each; obviously not just any old hits though - they both had massive transatlantic #1 smashes. In fact Carly is still sitting pretty comfortably a top of the Hot 100 and on her way to selling her millionth copy in the UK. Owl City on the other hand haven't really being troubling our charts since Fireflies early 2010.
The song is exactly how you would have imagined it might sound. The subtle Owl City production has been beefed up and accompanies Carly's "Wooooaaaahhh-oh-oh"s very effortlessly. The song does sound very dreamy and fun - just the sort of thing that you need to be a great summer anthem. It is the sort out track that Glee could quite easily do a version of; so in that sense I don't think the song is going to be a massive hit with the more mature audience. That said with a good video this song could be everywhere in a few months.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 8
McLovin -
Actual -
Monday, 18 June 2012
Maroon 5 - Overexposed
I suppose it Makes You Wonder...
Spyke
With Payphone all set to race to #1 this next week in the UK I think it's about time to check out Maroon 5's fourth studio album - Overexposed. It had looked as though the band had passed their best with the diminishing returns they got with their last album 'Hands All Over' and lead single Misery. However thanks to Adam Levine's stint on The Voice US and them teaming up with some of the world's best song writers they are all over our charts once again. I'm a little surprised they haven't decided to add Moves Like Jagger as a bonus track to this album given that it would fit so well and is such a loved song.
One thing I like to do these days is to take an album and refine it on my itunes to make a succinct but brilliant 8 track EP. It's not as though there's anything wrong with the omitted tracks (as there isn't really any duds on this album) but given my short attention span when it comes to listening to albums; it helps establish the sound of the album without turning into too much of a chore - see Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'. So anyway here's my edit:
1. One More Night
Works really well as an album opener; I'm not fully convinced about it yet but it's very reminiscent of earlier Maroon 5 with an added Pop influence. It's all set to be the album's second single but I can't see it setting the charts alight too much.
2. Daylight
As I have the single edit of Payphone, this track automatically followed One More Night on my track listing and it blends in nicely. There's nothing like a double whammy of Max Martin to open any album in my opinion.
3. Moves Like Jagger [Feat. Christina Aguilera]
Time to kick things up a notch.
4. Payphone [Feat. Wiz Khalifa]
Time to kick things up an extra notch.
5. Lucky Strike
Love the intro to the track. Then it just so such energy about it with the fast paced thumping beat it almost makes you feel like you're in a hurry for something. Which makes the slowed down middle eight really stand out as something special.
6. The Man Who Never Lied
The racing drum beat continues into this track which really makes the most of the gap-less album feature. It is rather good but just feels like a slight continuation of Lucky Strike which isn't distinctive enough to get forgotten.
7. Doin' Dirt
Wasn't expecting to find a gem like this so late through the album but it is fantastic. It just sounds so familiar but I can't put my finger on what it is.
8. Sad/Beautiful Goodbye
The only downside to having made an eight track EP is that you don't quite get taken on the same journey that the artist intended for you to; so where do you fit the ballads in? Beautiful Goodbye does a good job at closing the album yet I personally believe Sad is far superior. Each Maroon 5 album has delivered me with a slow (marginally depressing) heartbreak track and this is it. Just as you have to omit You & I from a 'Born This Way' homemade EP, as it has no place there, Sad doesn't really fit with the feel of the album so ultimately is probably the one to get the chop.
With Payphone all set to race to #1 this next week in the UK I think it's about time to check out Maroon 5's fourth studio album - Overexposed. It had looked as though the band had passed their best with the diminishing returns they got with their last album 'Hands All Over' and lead single Misery. However thanks to Adam Levine's stint on The Voice US and them teaming up with some of the world's best song writers they are all over our charts once again. I'm a little surprised they haven't decided to add Moves Like Jagger as a bonus track to this album given that it would fit so well and is such a loved song.
One thing I like to do these days is to take an album and refine it on my itunes to make a succinct but brilliant 8 track EP. It's not as though there's anything wrong with the omitted tracks (as there isn't really any duds on this album) but given my short attention span when it comes to listening to albums; it helps establish the sound of the album without turning into too much of a chore - see Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'. So anyway here's my edit:
1. One More Night
Works really well as an album opener; I'm not fully convinced about it yet but it's very reminiscent of earlier Maroon 5 with an added Pop influence. It's all set to be the album's second single but I can't see it setting the charts alight too much.
2. Daylight
As I have the single edit of Payphone, this track automatically followed One More Night on my track listing and it blends in nicely. There's nothing like a double whammy of Max Martin to open any album in my opinion.
3. Moves Like Jagger [Feat. Christina Aguilera]
Time to kick things up a notch.
4. Payphone [Feat. Wiz Khalifa]
Time to kick things up an extra notch.
5. Lucky Strike
Love the intro to the track. Then it just so such energy about it with the fast paced thumping beat it almost makes you feel like you're in a hurry for something. Which makes the slowed down middle eight really stand out as something special.
6. The Man Who Never Lied
The racing drum beat continues into this track which really makes the most of the gap-less album feature. It is rather good but just feels like a slight continuation of Lucky Strike which isn't distinctive enough to get forgotten.
7. Doin' Dirt
Wasn't expecting to find a gem like this so late through the album but it is fantastic. It just sounds so familiar but I can't put my finger on what it is.
8. Sad/Beautiful Goodbye
The only downside to having made an eight track EP is that you don't quite get taken on the same journey that the artist intended for you to; so where do you fit the ballads in? Beautiful Goodbye does a good job at closing the album yet I personally believe Sad is far superior. Each Maroon 5 album has delivered me with a slow (marginally depressing) heartbreak track and this is it. Just as you have to omit You & I from a 'Born This Way' homemade EP, as it has no place there, Sad doesn't really fit with the feel of the album so ultimately is probably the one to get the chop.
Friday, 15 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [1-10]
1. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE/ EVERGREEN- Will Young (1) 1,799,000
It was one of the biggest TV Moments of the 21st Century - right back in 2002 Pop Idol had everyone talking. Whether you were team Will or team Gareth the show most certainly caused a stir - I remember there being quite a stir around school that final week as both finalists toured the country to gather up support - so whatever the result they were going to shift big numbers. This became the fastest selling debut single in history managing to shift over 400,000 copies on the first day of release alone. I remember being rather fascinated by how fast this climbed the All-Time biggest sellers list where it currently sits at #13.
It wasn't all bad news for Gareth; he managed to de-throne Will from the top of the charts after just 3 weeks with his debut single - Unchained Melody - which sits at #3 on this countdown.
2. SOMEONE LIKE YOU- Adele 1,348,000
3. UNCHAINED MELODY- Gareth Gates (2) 1,342,000
4. I GOTTA FEELING- Black Eyed Peas (17) 1,289,000
5. IT WASN'T ME- Shaggy Ft Rik Rock Ducent (4) 1,255,000
6. MOVES LIKE JAGGER- Maroon 5 Ft Christina Aguilera 1,239,000
This is undeniably infectious. After Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera experienced a surge in popularity following their appearance on The Voice US, they teamed up to produce this foot tapping, head bopping, body shuffling party tune! The first debut performance of the song on the show left me feeling a little underwhelmed but this is such a grower and is great for strutting down escalators on the tube to.
Having spent 7 consecutive weeks there without going any higher this is our biggest selling #2 single of the 21st Century. Bettering the success of Eminem and Rihanna from the year before this collab reminds us that it's not all about hitting that top spot. As digital sales continue to grow I get the impression that the UK's 8th 2 million seller might be just a few years away. . .
7. (IS THIS THE WAY TO) AMARILLO?- Tony Christie & Peter Kay (3) 1,204,000
8. HALLELUJAH- Alexandra Burke (5) 1,193,000
9. SEX ON FIRE- Kings Of Leon (14) 1,188,000
10. DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS?- Band Aid 20 (6) 1,174,000
It was one of the biggest TV Moments of the 21st Century - right back in 2002 Pop Idol had everyone talking. Whether you were team Will or team Gareth the show most certainly caused a stir - I remember there being quite a stir around school that final week as both finalists toured the country to gather up support - so whatever the result they were going to shift big numbers. This became the fastest selling debut single in history managing to shift over 400,000 copies on the first day of release alone. I remember being rather fascinated by how fast this climbed the All-Time biggest sellers list where it currently sits at #13.
It wasn't all bad news for Gareth; he managed to de-throne Will from the top of the charts after just 3 weeks with his debut single - Unchained Melody - which sits at #3 on this countdown.
2. SOMEONE LIKE YOU- Adele 1,348,000
3. UNCHAINED MELODY- Gareth Gates (2) 1,342,000
4. I GOTTA FEELING- Black Eyed Peas (17) 1,289,000
5. IT WASN'T ME- Shaggy Ft Rik Rock Ducent (4) 1,255,000
6. MOVES LIKE JAGGER- Maroon 5 Ft Christina Aguilera 1,239,000
This is undeniably infectious. After Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera experienced a surge in popularity following their appearance on The Voice US, they teamed up to produce this foot tapping, head bopping, body shuffling party tune! The first debut performance of the song on the show left me feeling a little underwhelmed but this is such a grower and is great for strutting down escalators on the tube to.
Having spent 7 consecutive weeks there without going any higher this is our biggest selling #2 single of the 21st Century. Bettering the success of Eminem and Rihanna from the year before this collab reminds us that it's not all about hitting that top spot. As digital sales continue to grow I get the impression that the UK's 8th 2 million seller might be just a few years away. . .
7. (IS THIS THE WAY TO) AMARILLO?- Tony Christie & Peter Kay (3) 1,204,000
8. HALLELUJAH- Alexandra Burke (5) 1,193,000
9. SEX ON FIRE- Kings Of Leon (14) 1,188,000
10. DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS?- Band Aid 20 (6) 1,174,000
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [11-20]
11. CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD- Kylie Minogue (7) 1,142,000
This iconic pop song cemented Kylie's status as Queen of Pop. This song was the start of a run of 12 consecutive top 10 hits in the UK; just as Spinning Around in those hot pants marked her return to prominence in 2000; this track secured her place in chart history and the nation's heart. Managing to keep Michael Jackon's You Rock My World from the #1 spot this had everyone singing 'La la la, La la la la la, La la la' - even my neighbour's 3 year old daughter. It is a once in a career song and I don't think without it Kylie would have had so much longevity on the charts; it may have suffered slightly from overplay but it is still one of my favourite singles of hers (a list which of course is topped by On A Night Like This).
12. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (AMAZING)- Bruno Mars 1,123,000
13. WE FOUND LOVE- Rihanna Ft Calvin Harris 1,109,000
14. POKER FACE- Lady Gaga (15) 1,104,000
This had us bluffin' for her muffin'; after Lady Gaga had just taken the globe by storm with Just Dance she was back with this slick slice of pop perfection. Back in a time when her quirkiness was intriguing rather than verging on try hard and her brilliant pop songs subtly made their points rather than screaming at us we were born that way. She may not have been the regular popstar but by gosh did she make the rest of them pick up their games. Lady Gaga set that bar just so high - she was writing and helping produce her tracks, she was singing live with ambitious dance routines and she was selling records by the bucket load as a result. You just need to look at the albums Katy Perry and Rihanna came out with to try and compete - judging by the success of Teenage Dream and Loud they fair tried and upped their games.
15. THAT'S MY GOAL- Shayne Ward (8) 1,103,000
16. PARTY ROCK ANTHEM- LMFAO Ft Goonrock & Lauren Bennett 1,097,000
17. PURE AND SIMPLE- Hear'Say (9) 1,083,000
18. PRICE TAG- Jessie J Ft B.o.B 1,038,000
19. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE- Eminem Ft Rihanna 1,035,000
20. ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD)- Rihanna 1,027,000
This iconic pop song cemented Kylie's status as Queen of Pop. This song was the start of a run of 12 consecutive top 10 hits in the UK; just as Spinning Around in those hot pants marked her return to prominence in 2000; this track secured her place in chart history and the nation's heart. Managing to keep Michael Jackon's You Rock My World from the #1 spot this had everyone singing 'La la la, La la la la la, La la la' - even my neighbour's 3 year old daughter. It is a once in a career song and I don't think without it Kylie would have had so much longevity on the charts; it may have suffered slightly from overplay but it is still one of my favourite singles of hers (a list which of course is topped by On A Night Like This).
12. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (AMAZING)- Bruno Mars 1,123,000
13. WE FOUND LOVE- Rihanna Ft Calvin Harris 1,109,000
14. POKER FACE- Lady Gaga (15) 1,104,000
This had us bluffin' for her muffin'; after Lady Gaga had just taken the globe by storm with Just Dance she was back with this slick slice of pop perfection. Back in a time when her quirkiness was intriguing rather than verging on try hard and her brilliant pop songs subtly made their points rather than screaming at us we were born that way. She may not have been the regular popstar but by gosh did she make the rest of them pick up their games. Lady Gaga set that bar just so high - she was writing and helping produce her tracks, she was singing live with ambitious dance routines and she was selling records by the bucket load as a result. You just need to look at the albums Katy Perry and Rihanna came out with to try and compete - judging by the success of Teenage Dream and Loud they fair tried and upped their games.
15. THAT'S MY GOAL- Shayne Ward (8) 1,103,000
16. PARTY ROCK ANTHEM- LMFAO Ft Goonrock & Lauren Bennett 1,097,000
17. PURE AND SIMPLE- Hear'Say (9) 1,083,000
18. PRICE TAG- Jessie J Ft B.o.B 1,038,000
19. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE- Eminem Ft Rihanna 1,035,000
20. ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD)- Rihanna 1,027,000
Monday, 11 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [21-29]
21. BLEEDING LOVE- Leona Lewis (11) 1,021,000
Showing that there really is life after the X Factor for exceptional talent; Leona took the world by storm. Simon Cowell's change of tact with the winners of the show saw him rope in Jesse McCartney and Ryan Tedder to write this masterpiece.
In my first term at Uni I spent many a Sunday night in Oli's room listening to Radio One announce the week's #1 single - and for 8 weeks it was this treat. At the time everyone associated me with my love for Leona and Rihanna and would all look to me to see an excited young teen when one of their tracks came on in the student union.
22. CRAZY- Gnarles Barkley (12) 1,016,000
23. CAN WE FIX IT?- Bob The Builder (10) 1,013,000
24. WHEN WE COLLIDE- Matt Cardle 999,000
25. FIGHT FOR THIS LOVE- Cheryl Cole (27) 992,000
So the nation's sweetheart took the country by storm during her first couple of series on the X Factor. After a performance slot had given Girls Aloud's The Promise a huge boost in the charts a year later Cheryl was out to prove she could do it alone. When I first heard the track I just thought it was ok; however the track continues to grow on me and it's the subtleties that really make this a glorious pop triumph - and the more you compare it to her later output the better it sounds!
I didn't understand at the time why she'd reportedly turned down the chance to record Taio's Break You're Heart but I think this song proves that the entire nation was behind her. As it edges towards its millionth sale in the UK its quite apparent that everyone admired her strength as she fought for her love with cheating (now ex) husband Ashley.
26. WHOLE AGAIN- Atomic Kitten (13) 983,000
27. BAD ROMANCE- Lady Gaga 962,000
28. HERO- Enrique Iglesias (19) 934,000
29. GIVE ME EVERYTHING- Pitbull Ft Ne-yo, Afrojack & Nayler 929,000
Saturday, 9 June 2012
Gotye Feat. Kimba - Somebody That I Used To Know
#30 Best Selling Single of the 21st Century
Spyke
Well that's a bit of a lie; as of four weeks ago it had sold 918,000 copies which put at #30 in our countdown. Since then the track has continued to sell incredibly well and has gone on to sell over 1 million copies. Last Sunday it fell out of the top 10 after a stint of 18 weeks up there. When I first saw the track mentioned in a forum with the label 'Future UK #1' I was awfully skeptical. I thought it had managed to fluke its success across Europe but the UK and US wouldn't take to it at all - I couldn't be more wrong! It is currently the biggest selling single of the year in the UK and is fighting with Fun.'s We Are Young for the same title across the Atlantic. I do think it is impressive that a song has managed to sell a million copies in the first half of a calendar year before leaving the top ten. Plus with Call Me Maybe and We Are Young also heading towards that coveted barrier this could be the first year since 2002 when we've had 3 million selling singles in a year (all of which are still to come).
I quite like what Oli said about the track:
"It's great when a song like We Found Love is written to be the biggest selling song in the world and it is; but it's also nice when a song that wasn't at all, like this, blows up in those proportions around the world"
Spyke
Well that's a bit of a lie; as of four weeks ago it had sold 918,000 copies which put at #30 in our countdown. Since then the track has continued to sell incredibly well and has gone on to sell over 1 million copies. Last Sunday it fell out of the top 10 after a stint of 18 weeks up there. When I first saw the track mentioned in a forum with the label 'Future UK #1' I was awfully skeptical. I thought it had managed to fluke its success across Europe but the UK and US wouldn't take to it at all - I couldn't be more wrong! It is currently the biggest selling single of the year in the UK and is fighting with Fun.'s We Are Young for the same title across the Atlantic. I do think it is impressive that a song has managed to sell a million copies in the first half of a calendar year before leaving the top ten. Plus with Call Me Maybe and We Are Young also heading towards that coveted barrier this could be the first year since 2002 when we've had 3 million selling singles in a year (all of which are still to come).
I quite like what Oli said about the track:
"It's great when a song like We Found Love is written to be the biggest selling song in the world and it is; but it's also nice when a song that wasn't at all, like this, blows up in those proportions around the world"
Thursday, 7 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [31-38]
31. JUST DANCE- Lady Gaga Featuring Colby O'Donis (22) 909,000
So this is where it all began for one of the world's biggest artists. It does amuse me how much I resisted this track to begin with; after my lack of love for Lady Sovereign, Lady Antebellum (Need You Now aside) and Ladyhawke I went to great lengths to listen to it. However upon first listen all that changed! I was hooked! Our first major introduction to RedOne had us all thinking "Oh Red Wine" and it is a brilliant slice of pop goodness.
32. USE SOMEBODY- Kings Of Leon (33) 905,000
33. FORGET YOU- Cee- Lo Green 898,000
34. THE A TEAM- Ed Sheeran 894,000
35. A MOMENT LIKE THIS- Leona Lewis (16) 884,000
36. ROLLING IN THE DEEP- Adele 883,000
37. GRENADE- Bruno Mars 873,000
38. CHASING CARS- Snow Patrol (47) 871,000
Easily one of the most loved tracks of the 21st Century; it regularly tops countdowns of people's favourite track of the Noughties and there is no surprise. This track has really been one of the biggest successes of digital downloads being included in the UK's Official Chart - after spending just 8 weeks on the chart during its original run the track has since notched up 154 weeks in the top 100.
The phrase "Chasing Cars" came from Lightbody's father, in reference to a girl Lightbody was infatuated with, "You're like a dog chasing a car. You'll never catch it and you just wouldn't know what to do with it if you did."
So this is where it all began for one of the world's biggest artists. It does amuse me how much I resisted this track to begin with; after my lack of love for Lady Sovereign, Lady Antebellum (Need You Now aside) and Ladyhawke I went to great lengths to listen to it. However upon first listen all that changed! I was hooked! Our first major introduction to RedOne had us all thinking "Oh Red Wine" and it is a brilliant slice of pop goodness.
32. USE SOMEBODY- Kings Of Leon (33) 905,000
33. FORGET YOU- Cee- Lo Green 898,000
34. THE A TEAM- Ed Sheeran 894,000
35. A MOMENT LIKE THIS- Leona Lewis (16) 884,000
36. ROLLING IN THE DEEP- Adele 883,000
37. GRENADE- Bruno Mars 873,000
38. CHASING CARS- Snow Patrol (47) 871,000
Easily one of the most loved tracks of the 21st Century; it regularly tops countdowns of people's favourite track of the Noughties and there is no surprise. This track has really been one of the biggest successes of digital downloads being included in the UK's Official Chart - after spending just 8 weeks on the chart during its original run the track has since notched up 154 weeks in the top 100.
The phrase "Chasing Cars" came from Lightbody's father, in reference to a girl Lightbody was infatuated with, "You're like a dog chasing a car. You'll never catch it and you just wouldn't know what to do with it if you did."
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [39-56]
39. RULE THE WORLD- Take That (31) 867,000
There was a time that Take That had no problem storming to #1; but since their comeback their singles haven't all had the same impact position wise - both this and the incredible The Flood had to settle for second place. I think there is something really magical about this track and seems to be the most loved track of their return to glory. Maybe one day it'll become the band's second million seller now they are Back For Good.
40. DON'T STOP BELIEVIN- Journey 853,000
41. FIREWORK- Katy Perry 847,000
42. STAN- Eminem (21) 832,000
43. HERO- X Factor Finalists 2008 (19) 824,000
44. ON THE FLOOR- Jennifer Lopez Ft Pitbull 820,000
45. MEET ME HALFWAY- Black Eyed Peas (62) 818,000
The Black Eyed Peas became the first act since the Spice Girls in 1996 to score three places in the top 10 best sellers of the year. The Spices did it with Wannabe, 2 Become 1 and Say You'll Be There, the BEPs made it with this track, Boom Boom Pow and I Gotta Feelin. They also became the first act since Will Young in 2002 to score 3 consecutive #1 singles within a calendar year! Aided by a performance on the X Factor I was pleasantly surprised to see this song enjoy such success as it is one of my favourite tracks off the E.N.D.
46. DILEMMA- Nelly Ft Kelly Rowland (23) 811,000
47. THE CLIMB- Joe McElderry (30) 805,000
48. JAR OF HEARTS- Christina Perri 804,000
49. MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE- Adele 802,000
50. IN FOR THE KILL- La Roux (35) 798,000
51. PASS OUT- Tinie Tempah Ft Labrinth 794,000
52. WHAT'S MY NAME?- Rihanna Ft Drake 791,000
53. UMBRELLA- Rihanna Ft Jay Z (34) 784,000
Many artists are very lucky if a track like this comes along once in a lifetime; but for Rihanna it was only just the start. Having won over a lot of fans with Pon De Replay, SOS and Unfaithful it was time for Rihanna to take the world by storm; literally! Her ten week reign atop the UK Singles Chart was accompanied by a summer of torrential downpours. Reportedly earning The Dream over $10,000,000 for writing it; with Jay-Z's help this track was going to people sit up and notice. As single sales were going through a bit of a lull at the time this track secured the #1 spot some weeks with sales as low as 30,000 hence why it mightn't be as high as you'd expect in this countdown. As you can see from the song above it that this is no longer Rihanna's biggest selling single (it's actually her 5th)!
54. HEY BABY (UUH AAH)- DJ Otzi (20)783,000
55. PARADISE- Coldplay 778,000
56. UPTOWN GIRL- Westlife (24) 770,000
There was a time that Take That had no problem storming to #1; but since their comeback their singles haven't all had the same impact position wise - both this and the incredible The Flood had to settle for second place. I think there is something really magical about this track and seems to be the most loved track of their return to glory. Maybe one day it'll become the band's second million seller now they are Back For Good.
40. DON'T STOP BELIEVIN- Journey 853,000
41. FIREWORK- Katy Perry 847,000
42. STAN- Eminem (21) 832,000
43. HERO- X Factor Finalists 2008 (19) 824,000
44. ON THE FLOOR- Jennifer Lopez Ft Pitbull 820,000
45. MEET ME HALFWAY- Black Eyed Peas (62) 818,000
The Black Eyed Peas became the first act since the Spice Girls in 1996 to score three places in the top 10 best sellers of the year. The Spices did it with Wannabe, 2 Become 1 and Say You'll Be There, the BEPs made it with this track, Boom Boom Pow and I Gotta Feelin. They also became the first act since Will Young in 2002 to score 3 consecutive #1 singles within a calendar year! Aided by a performance on the X Factor I was pleasantly surprised to see this song enjoy such success as it is one of my favourite tracks off the E.N.D.
46. DILEMMA- Nelly Ft Kelly Rowland (23) 811,000
47. THE CLIMB- Joe McElderry (30) 805,000
48. JAR OF HEARTS- Christina Perri 804,000
49. MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE- Adele 802,000
50. IN FOR THE KILL- La Roux (35) 798,000
51. PASS OUT- Tinie Tempah Ft Labrinth 794,000
52. WHAT'S MY NAME?- Rihanna Ft Drake 791,000
53. UMBRELLA- Rihanna Ft Jay Z (34) 784,000
Many artists are very lucky if a track like this comes along once in a lifetime; but for Rihanna it was only just the start. Having won over a lot of fans with Pon De Replay, SOS and Unfaithful it was time for Rihanna to take the world by storm; literally! Her ten week reign atop the UK Singles Chart was accompanied by a summer of torrential downpours. Reportedly earning The Dream over $10,000,000 for writing it; with Jay-Z's help this track was going to people sit up and notice. As single sales were going through a bit of a lull at the time this track secured the #1 spot some weeks with sales as low as 30,000 hence why it mightn't be as high as you'd expect in this countdown. As you can see from the song above it that this is no longer Rihanna's biggest selling single (it's actually her 5th)!
54. HEY BABY (UUH AAH)- DJ Otzi (20)783,000
55. PARADISE- Coldplay 778,000
56. UPTOWN GIRL- Westlife (24) 770,000
Sunday, 3 June 2012
150 Best Selling Singles of the 21st Century [57-73]
57. DON'T STOP MOVIN' - S Club 7 (26) 766,000
At the time this was only the 7th song in history to ever climb back to #1 in the UK. Since then quite a few songs have managed this accomplishment (including the song at the end of this post). Despite releasing some incredible pop songs I always begrudged S Club 7 their success; it was all about the mini rivalry my sister and I had going on - I supported Steps, she had S Club 7. We each collected the respective singles and my sister couldn't help but gloat as she racked up the #1s in her tape collection, and I must say now that they had a very impressive run. So much so that like Steps it would appear that a re-union may well be on the cards. Let's just hope that they get all 7 of them back rather than just the 3 that tried last time.
58. LOSE YOURSELF - Eminem (50) 765,000
59. PURE SHORES - All Saints (28) 762,000
60. WE NO SPEAK AMERICANO - Yolanda Be Cool vs. D Cup 757,000
61. TEENAGE DIRTBAG - Wheatus (42) 756,000
This was involved in one of the closest fights I've seen for the #1 spot. CD:UK couldn't call it on the Saturday morning and in the end Atomic Kitten prevailed on their way to selling a million copies of Whole Again. But this song has had quite the longevity and has resurfaced back into our top 40 this year! This has one of the best spoken middle eights I've ever heard - pure brilliance!
62. CALIFORNIA GURLS - Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg 748,000
63. TITANIUM - David Guetta ft. Sia 740,000
64. RUN - Leona Lewis (45) 740,000
65. O.M.G. - Usher ft. Will.i.am 739,000
66. BAD BOYS - Alexandra Burke ft. Flo Rida (61) 739,000
67. WHO LET DOGS OUT - Baha Men (29) 738,000
68. EARTHQUAKE - Labrinth ft Tinie Tempah 737,000
69. FIREFLIES - Owl City 731,000
70. KILLING IN THE NAME - Rage Against The Machine (37) 725,000
71. AIRPLANES - B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams 724,000
72. SEXY AND I KNOW IT- LMFAO 719,000
It took quite a while to get Oli and I shuffling along to LMFAO and their Party Rock Anthem. This has not yet won me over - neither do I see it ever doing so. I obviously see its appeal; it's energetic, fun and just that bit cringe-worthy - but it's not for me.
73. BOOM BOOM POW - Black Eyed Peas (46) 713,000
Friday, 1 June 2012
Military Wives with Gareth Malone - Wherever You Are
#74 Best Selling Single of the 21st Century
Spyke
So once again we had another campaign to provide some competition to the X Factor winner for the coveted Christmas #1. Given my waning interest in the X Factor and the laziness of the winner's single I was pleased to see something trump Little Mix's Cannon Ball. This track has sold 708,000 copies to date, but unlike most of the songs in this countdown I don't see that number increasing too much more. Mainly because the vast majority of its sales were from physical CD sales and are probably no longer in production. To put physical sales into perspective, Madonna recently hit #1 on the physical sales chart selling about 2,000 copies; which combined with her digital sales for Girl Gone Wild managed her to peak at a mighty #73 on the combined chart.
Anyway to capitalise on the success Gary Barlow has teamed up with the Military Wives this week to try and score them their second #1 single for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this next weekend. Though interestingly there seems to be some slight confusion as to where it should chart; as the main physical format is over 4 tracks long it counts as an EP towards the album chart (where it is #2 in the midweeks) but the digital single sales are charting on the singles chart separately. Just in case you wanted to check it out:
Spyke
So once again we had another campaign to provide some competition to the X Factor winner for the coveted Christmas #1. Given my waning interest in the X Factor and the laziness of the winner's single I was pleased to see something trump Little Mix's Cannon Ball. This track has sold 708,000 copies to date, but unlike most of the songs in this countdown I don't see that number increasing too much more. Mainly because the vast majority of its sales were from physical CD sales and are probably no longer in production. To put physical sales into perspective, Madonna recently hit #1 on the physical sales chart selling about 2,000 copies; which combined with her digital sales for Girl Gone Wild managed her to peak at a mighty #73 on the combined chart.
Anyway to capitalise on the success Gary Barlow has teamed up with the Military Wives this week to try and score them their second #1 single for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this next weekend. Though interestingly there seems to be some slight confusion as to where it should chart; as the main physical format is over 4 tracks long it counts as an EP towards the album chart (where it is #2 in the midweeks) but the digital single sales are charting on the singles chart separately. Just in case you wanted to check it out:
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