1. Sexyback – Justin Timberlake
There’s an amazing amount of symmetry between the UK and US singles charts this week. Three singles occupy spots in the top 10 in both countries—two of which at the same position, Snow Patrol at #7 with “Chasing Cars,” and at #1, Justin Timberlake’s ”Sexyback” (Cassie’s “Me & U” is also in both top 10s, at #9 in the UK and #10 in the US). This is the third single this year to hit #1 in both countries, followed by Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” and Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” It’s been an interesting year to see the US and UK singles chart become more in sync, after a period where the UK chart turned over very quickly, while singles on the US chart were quite static.
“Sexyback” is Justin Timberlake’s 5th solo top 40 hit, his 4th top 10 hit, and first #1. Three of his previous singles peaked at #2—“Like I Love You,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Rock Your Body,” while his first album’s last single, “Senorita,” settled just a little ways outside the top 10 at #13. It’s been almost 3 three years since that last solo single, although Timberlake did make a guest appearance on Snoop Dogg’s 2005 #2 hit “Signs.” “Sexyback,” with its computerized vocals and heavy electro beats, marks a change of direction for Timberlake, who’s first album was filled with hip-hop/R&B sounds and hooks courtesy of hot-as-ever producer Timbaland, who is also responsible for much of Timberlake’s new album, including this single.
4. I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ – Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters storm the top 10 on downloads-only sales for “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’,” first single from forthcoming sophomore album Ta-Dah. By debuting at #4, this is already the highest-charting Scissor Sisters single ever, their previous best being the #5 peak of “Filthy/Gorgeous” in the post-Christmas slump of January 2005. The track is easily on course then to become their biggest hit, as it will surely top the chart next week, despite some serious competition with new singles from Nelly Furtado, Robbie Williams, and Lemar. Despite having the UK’s best-selling album of 2004, the group’s singles fared surprisingly poorly: “Comfortably Numb,” hit #10, but “Take Your Mama” only managed #17, followed by “Laura” at #12 and “Mary” at #14, although “Mary” did manage to top the airplay chart, as did “Filthy/Gorgeous.”
7. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” manages to hold on to its peak position of #7 this week, despite this being now the single’s 7th week on the chart. In a nice bit of symmetry, as stated above, it’s also #7 in the US, where it’s climbing fast both in sales and airplay. I think it’s now official to say this is their biggest hit.
11. U + Ur Hand - Pink
12. Never Be Lonely – The Feeling
Just outside the top 10 are the third singles for two acts that have performed well on the chart this year, and, in my opinion, should have returned to the top 10 with these worthy singles. Pink, who’s career looked all but over after the disappointing performance of singles from her third album, rebounded spectacularly this year with two top 5 singles, “Stupid Girls” and “Who Knew,” both of which had long runs on the chart, scored well on the airplay chart, and were her biggest hits in 3 years. “U + Ur Hand,” a snide slap at a guy who dared to hit on pink when she wasn’t in the mood, is another great slice of power pop from Pink, who’s proven herself to be even more interesting than we thought this year with an album that dogs celebrities, explores sexuality, and even swipes at the president.
Even more devastating is that The Feeling’s “Never Be Lonely” didn’t reach the top 10. This is the third and best single from the group this year, which hit #7 in March with “Sewn” and #10 in June with “Fill My Little World.” “Never Be Lonely” is a pure joy of a pop/rock record, and it’s spent the last couple of weeks at #2 on the UK airplay chart. It should have been top 10—top 5 even this week.
15. Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland
Nelly Furtado is working her massive US #1 hit “Promiscuous” in the UK now, having selected “Maneater” as Britain’s first Loose single, which was #1 only a couple of months ago. “Promiscuous” will probably miss out on #1 next week when its physical single is released, but only because it is a very competitive week. If it had been released 2 weeks ago, it easily would have been at #1.
30. Rudebox – Robbie Williams
Also looking to score big next week is Robbie Williams, returning with the debut track to his 7th album. The outlook for “Rudebox” is actually not so good, as it has been panned by critics as a “career suicide” release. I actually don’t mind the track, but it is very odd, and not a good direction for Robbie. Too bad, since his last album launched with the brilliant release “Tripping,” probably his best single beside “Angels” and “Millennium.”
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