Drumroll...The UK Christmas #1 for 2006 is:
1. A Moment Like This - Leona Lewis
Sadly, the Christmas #1 is no surprise at all. As early as 9 days ago when Leona Lewis was crowned the winner of this year's musical reality show, The X-Factor, really a slight reformulation of precursor Pop Idol (which spawned the wildlly successful US version, American Idol), the fate of this year's Christmas #1 had been sealed. Weeks ago it was announced that the winner of X-Factor, whoever that would be, would release their debut single the week before Christmas. Shortly thereafter it was announced what song it would be, a remake of American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's US debut, #1 hit "A Moment Like This."
So how about the song? Leona Lewis sounds like she's a good enough singer, but "A Moment Like This" is a rather foolish choice. First off, as a song, it is merely mediocre to begin with. Second, in the hands of the very accomplished Kelly Clarkson, it managed to rise slightly above mediocre because Kelly sings it so earnestly, but Lewis, while good, is no Kelly Clarkson. So the song pales by comparison, making it a poor launch for a new artist whose cards are already stacked against her.
Stacked against her? Quite so. Sure she's Christmas #1 this week, but a quick glance at the fortunes of prior X Factor contestants shows that she'd better enjoy her 15 minutes before they're up. First season winner Steve Brookstein hit #1 with a remake of "Against All Odds," never to be heard from again. Second season winner hit #1 last Christmas with "That's My Goal," then #2 with "No Promises" before getting a disappointing #14 with "Stand By Me." Unless he puts out a real winner of a second album, his hour is probably up too. It seems for every Will Young, there's a Gareth Gates, for every Liberty X, a Hear'Say, and for every Girls Aloud, a One True Voice. So while some reality TV-generated acts have gone on to surpass their origins to actually become stars, winning a reality show is a guarantee of only a good launch, not lasting success.
3. Sorry's Not Good Enough - McFly
McFly's 11th single keeps up their perfect record of top 10s. Were it not for the #9 placing this week last year of "Ultraviolet/The Ballad of Paul K," the band would have a perfect record of top 5 hits. At #3, this second attempt at getting a Christmas #1 fares significantly better than last year's release, and manages to be one of the better songs the band's released.
4. I Think We're Alone Now - Girls Aloud
Also keeping up their perfect record of top 10s is Girls Aloud, who scores their 14th top 10 hit with "I Think We're Alone Now." Originally a #4 hit in the US by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1967, it was '80s pop artist Tiffany who made the song a massive #1 hit in 1987. Girls Aloud do a pretty good job of it too, translating it into their hyperactive electro-pop style that has suited them so well on songs like "Biology," "No Good Advice," and "The Show."
6. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
Is someone not paying attention? Don't the chart rules specific that after 52 weeks without a re-release songs are not eligible to chart? Apparently The Pogues have been granted a reprieve, rising four spots to #6 with "Fairytale of New York," a #3 hit a year ago this week that recently charted again on downloads sales. It's even getting a good dose of airplay, all the way up #3 this week.
17. Before I Fall to Pieces - Razorlight
#2 on the airplay chart isn't enough to give another top 10 hit to Razorlight, who have to settle at #17 with "Before I Fall to Pieces." Some may bemoan this, but not me, as I find this song merely so-so, certainly not as good as their current album's first single, "In the Morning."
30. The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore - James Morrison
Also charting surprisingly low is James Morrison's third single, "The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore." Now this is a disappointment, as I really like this song, and it deserved to join his other two singles as a top 10 hit.
33. MJB Da MVP - Mary J Blige
And another disappointment. This is a fun single that namechecks Blige's biggest hits and albums to tell the story of her career, all set to the tune of the Game's "Hate It Or Love It." I shouldn't be too surprised though, as Blige is not a major chart force in the UK. "One" hit #2 earlier this year, but that might have more to do with Bono's presence on the single than her star power. Even "Be Without You," a massive American hit, peaked at only #32 in the UK.
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