UK Chart Analysis, 5/27/2006

1. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

Crack open the record books. Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" tops the British singles chart this week for the 8th straight week, making it the longest-running #1 single in the UK in over 12 years. Last time there was a longer-running #1 hit was in 1994 when Wet Wet Wet's "Love Is All Around" spent an amazing 15 weeks at the top. In crossing the 7-week threshhold, it spends longer at #1 than recent pop "classics," by the Spice Girls ("Wannabe"), Cher ("Believe"), and Tony Christie ["Is This the Way to (Amarillo)"].

2. From Paris to Berlin - Infernal

In its 6th week in the top 40, Infernal reaches a new peak of #2, up from #3. The track has become the surprise dance hit of the year.

4. Say I - Christina Milian Featuring Young Jeezy

American Pop/R&B Singer Christina Milian is back, scoring her 5th top 10 hit with "Say I," (her 6th if you count vocals on Romeo's "It's All Gravy"). Not quite as good as her 2004 smash, "Dip It Low," but it's still pretty decent R&B Dance Pop.

6. Touch It - Busta Rhymes

After hitting #1 as guest rapper on last year's Pussycat Dolls' hit, "Don't Cha," Busta Rhymes is back on his own, scoring his 5th top 10 hit. His most notable UK hit remains "Turn It Up/Fire It Up" which hit #2 while I was living in London in 1998.

9. First Time - Sunblock Featuring Robin Beck

Thought Sunblock would be a one-hit wonder with their Baywatch retread "I'll Be Ready?" Think again. The dance act is back with "First Time," now with vocals from Robin Beck. Whoever that is.

11. Bright Idea - Orson

I thought for sure this would go top 10, following in the footsteps of their great first single, "No Tomorrow." Their debut album, Bright Idea, is out today.

15. I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker - Sandi Thom
37. Everybody's Gone to War - Nerina Pallot

Here's a treat. With summer coming, and public opinion in the UK (as well as the US) is turning against foreign war efforts, the '60s are making a comeback. Sandi Thom's fun pop/folk song reminisces--lightly--about '69 and '77 when "revolution" was in the air. Along with Nerina Pallot's "Everybody's Gone to War," another great pop track (very KT Tunstall-ish), these singles are in stores today. Expect both in the top 10 next week--perhaps finally topping Gnarls Barkley for #1.

22. Jam - Michael Jackson

It's a shame he never recorded a "Peanut Butter" or "Toast" to go with it.

23. Country Girl - Primal Scream

Haven't heard it --but interested!

28. Fill My Little World - The Feeling

Second single from The Feeling is just is satisfying as the first. This could go top 10 next week, although the competition is fierce. Great song though--as samples from their forthcoming debut album are great too.