UK Chart Analysis, 9/2/2006

1. Déjà vu – Beyonce (featuring Jay-Z)

It’s still the dog days of summer for the British singles chart. Sure, some hot fall releases are just around the corner (Justin Timberlake, Scissor Sisters, The Feeling, Lemar, and Robbie Williams all have singles coming out in the next 2 weeks). Meanwhile, the relative lack of hot new releases means Beyonce lands her second #1 UK hit with a rather lackluster track. Mildly better than winter’s “Check On It,” which hit #3, “Déjà vu” has been a real disappointment in the US, where it managed to peak at #4, but only because of a sales bubble. I expected something similar for the UK, so behold my surprise that it manages to actually unseat on of the year’s biggest hits, “Hips Don’t Lie,” from its 5-week perch at #1.

7. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

This is the only other news in the top 10—Snow Patrol’s amazing little single that just won’t go away. Like the little engine that could, this single has moved 25-15-13-10-12-7 over the last 6 weeks. It now ties previous single “You’re All I Have,” which peaked at #7. In the US it continues to rise too, up into the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 this week. Snow Patrol’s album, Eyes Open, reclaims the #1 spot on the UK albums chart this week.

13. Sexyback – Justin Timberlake

JT returns to the UK top 40 this week. Out next week, it’s a sure thing for #1.

20. Crystal Ball – Keane

This is very disappointing. Keane is a top British band, “Crystal Ball” is a great track, and they’ve even been in the tabloids recently because of singer Tom Chaplin’s rehab admission. Sadly, it becomes their smallest-charting hit to date, 2 spots lower than the 4th single from their last album, “This Is the Last Time.”

24. Never Be Lonely – The Feeling

If Keane’s having an off year, then new band The Feeling is really on a roll. “Never Be Lonely” is #2 on the airplay chart this week and should surely give the band their 3rd top 10 hit next week.