UK Singles Chart Analysis, 7/15/2006

My blog’s been neglected lately, and probably will be for the next couple of weeks until my life is more settled.

1. Smile – Lily Allen

Last week she topped the airplay chart and this week newcomer Lily Allen is riding high with first single, “Smile,” climbing all the way up to #1. The track’s timeless sound could have come from any year from now back to the ‘20s, and the breezy track is a perfect summer hit. The British singer has been compared to everyone from Sugababes to Norah Jones, embodying a sound both modern and old school. If that’s not enough to love her, she’s also the daughter of actor Keith Allen (Shallow Grave). Her hotly anticipated debut album, Alright, Still, is out July 17.

3. In the Morning – Razorlight

I’m a big fan of this song, and pleased to see it’s become Razorlight’s second-biggest hit, bested only by last year’s #2 “Somewhere Else.” Razorlight’s second album, Razorlight, is out July 17.

5. Last Request – Paolo Nutini

Here’s this summer’s first contender to be the next James Blunt. Paolo Nutini is not Italian, but rather Scottish (Italian father, Scottish mother). His debut album is also out July 17th (big week for new releases!). A quick listen to preview tracks on his Web site confirms the Blunt comparison. The 18 year-old singer has been getting lots of British press and was recently asked to join the Rolling Stones on tour. “Last Request” is no “You’re Beautiful,” but it’s a decent track. Hopefully he’ll follow it up with something more upbeat.

9. World Hold On (Children of the Sky) – Bob Sinclar Featuring Steve Edwards

The highest debut of the week come from Bob Sinclar, who just missed the top 10 earlier this year with “Love Generation” (#12). “World Hold On” is a rather uninspiring house track, but that didn’t stop it from topping the US dance chart this week, for a second week no less.

13. An Easier Affair – George Michael

The first release from the forthcoming George Michael retrospective, George Michael 25, fails to reach the top 10, landing at a rather unimpressive #13, the lowest a first single for him has ever charted. To be honest, it’s not that great, not nearly the quality of Patience’s first single “Amazing” or even the new cut from his last greatest hits collection, 1998’s “Outside.” It’s also questionable my Michael even needs a greatest hits package (other than to pay his mounting legal bills), since he’s had only a handful of them since 1998’s Ladies and Gentlemen collection.

18. Voodoo Child – Rogue Traders

The highest downloads-only debut of the week comes from Australian electro group Rogue Traders. Surely a top 10 next week. I know a lot of people like this, but I find it a bit grating, if only because the lead “singer” sounds awful. Good beat though.

20. We Are Your Friends – Justice vs. Simian

This is supposed to be really good, but I haven’t heard it yet, so no comment.

23. I Love My Chick – Busta Rhymes (Featuring Kelis)

Unfortunately, this dreck is expected to climb into the top 10 next week. The real version of this substitute’s “chick” with another term.

29. Hand on Your Heart – Jose Gonzalez

Gonzalez had his first hit earlier this year with the top 10 “Heartbeats,” a tender, acoustic guitar and vocal track. So what possessed him to follow that up with a similarly composed remake of Kylie’s #1 ‘80s hit “Hand on Your Heart?” The result is that a fun, upbeat pop gem gets turned into mush. Perhaps he’s trying to pay tribute to the pop singer until she’s able to return to the spotlight.