UK Chart Analysis, 10/28/2006

1. Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance holds at #1 for a second week with "Welcome to the Black Parade," but it is likely to be their last, as they will face stiff competition for #1 next week (and their album came out Monday anyway). More on that later. Also holding near the top at #2 is the former #1 "America" by Razorlight, who also tops the airplay chart for a second week.

3. Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) - Bob Sinclar & Cutee B

Fourth week on the chart and its third week of growth, now up another place to #3, clearly Bob Sinclar's biggest hit. I'm still made "Changes" didn't become a big dance hit, as I like it far better.

5. Something Kinda Ooooh - Girls Aloud

The Girls have to be pleased by this. After a string of eight consecutive top 5 hits from their first two albums, Girls Aloud stalled a bit with the singles from their last album, despite Chemistry being arguably their best long player. Only "Biology" made the top 5, hitting #4. So this is something of a reversal for them on the singles chart then, as "Something Kinda Ooooh" charts all the way up at #5 on downloads alone, meaning it has a good shot at #1 next week. If it goes all the way, it will become their third #1, which is bittersweet in some ways. Sure they're a great group, this is a good song, but it's not their best, not nearly the caliber of say "Love Machine" or "The Show," both of which had to settle for #2.

6. It's All Coming Back to Me Now - Meat Loaf Featuring Marion Raven

Huh? That was my reaction too when I saw this in the top 10. I didn't even know it was coming out, but Meat Loaf has returned with number three in the Bat Out of Hell Series, and this remake of "It's All Coming Back to Me Now." Originally a non-hit in 1989 by Pandora's Box, Jim Steinman took it to Celine Dion for her 1996 album, the Grammy-winning Falling Into You where it became an international hit as the album's second single. It seemed very Meat Loaf at the time--the over-the-top Jim Steinman sound, the gothic bombastic video--and now it becomes Meat Loaf. Surprisingly more restrained than Miss Dion's version too, but completely unnecessary.

8. Wonderful World - James Morrison

The heir apparent to James Blunt's status moves in inch closer to claiming that throne with "Wonderful World," an upbeat, soulful piece of British pop even more enjoyable than his first single, top 5 hit "You Give Me Something." It makes a strong move up from #20 to #8, thanks to its first week of physical release.

10. Lonely at the Top - The Ordinary Boys

Claiming their third top 10 single this week are the Ordinary Boys, ordinary no more it seems since they achieved top 10 status with "Boys Will Be Boys" thanks to their member's appearance on reality TV. It's a decent song too.

14. Irreplaceable - Beyonce

The second-highest debut on downloads only is Beyonce's second B'Day single, "Irreplaceable," an enjoyable piece of mid-tempo R&B pop. A top 5 contender for next week, but not for #1 I think.

19. Rehab - Amy Winehouse

Also a downloads-only debut. Should go top 10 next week.

23. Numb - Pet Shop Boys

I've long been a Pet Shop Boys fan, but I really can't get behind this dull Diane Warren-penned ballad. It's the weakest link from their latest album, which is full of much stronger possibilities for a single. "Integral," "The Sodom and Gomorrah Show," and "Psychological" all want some air time. It deserves this: their second-lowest charting single ever.

38. Long Way 2 Go - Cassie

Another downloads debut that will vy for the top 10 next week.

On that subject, next week promises to be a really hot week. The above 4 singles that debuted this week hope to become (or remain) top 10 hits next week and Girls Aoud have a good shot at #1. There's another single though that wasn't available as an advance download, and it's a real juggernaut of a release--the new McFly single "Star Girl." McFly's had five #1s so far, and they're hoping this will be the sixth.

And then in two weeks we have what is shaping up to be the most vicious week of single releases I can remember. November 6th brings new releases from All Saints, Christina Aguilera, George Michael & Mutya Buena, Gnarls Barkley, Infernal, Madonna, Sugababes, U2 & Green Day, and Westlife. What an exciting chart week that will be!