UK Chart Analysis, 3/24/2007

1. Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud

Comic Relief, the bi-annual British charity event, once again dominates the singles chart with its official release tie-in, a remake of the 1980s Aerosmith/Run-DMC classic "Walk This Way" (itself a remake of Aerosmith's sole verison from the '70s), this time performed by two of the UK's hottest girl groups, Sugababes and Girls Aloud, who re-enact the '80s video in their new version, which find the bands recording in adjacent studios unable to hear themselves sing because the other is too loud. This time, instead of Steven Tyler, it's Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding who breaks through the wall.

Every official Comic Relief single released since 1995 has hit #1, are generally remakes by then-hot artists, and many went on to be among the best-selling singles of the year; those singles include "Love Can Build a Bridge" by Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry, and Eric Clapton (1995); "Mama"/"Who Do You Think You Are" by Spice Girls (1997), "When The Going Gets Tough" by Boyzone (1999), "Uptown Girl" by Westlife (2001), "Spirit in the Sky" by Gareth Gates and the Kumars (2003), and "All About You"/"You've Got a Friend" by McFly (2005).

"Walk This Way" is the fifth #1 hit from the Sugababes and their first since 2005's "Push the Button," which spent 3 weeks at the top. The single expands their collection of top 10 hits to 13. It's the third #1 and 15th top 10 hit for Girls Aloud.

The single has fallen under significant criticism for not being that great. Sure it's not very original, but as others point out "it's for charity." Even Girls Aloud when interviewed on the radio remarked they preferred the 1986 version to their own, but acknowledged doing it for a good cause.

2. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon

If it weren't for charity, Gwen Stefani would be enjoying her first UK #1 hit. Since climbing up to #3 the week of its physical release, the single has moved up to #2 where it spends a second week this week. It's now clearly her biggest UK solo hit, surpassed only by the #1 with her group No Doubt, "Don't Speak."

3. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers featuring Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin

With the official Comic Relief single sitting at #1 the "unofficial" release sneaks in at #3 on downloads alone. This is the second year where such an unofficial release accompanies the official one, and just like last time--when Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo" far outpaced the popularly of McFly's "All About You" in 2005--this track looks likely to do the same. Expect an easy #1 next week.

4. Shine - Take That

After 2 weeks at the top, Take That's "Shine" falls to #4, but manages to top this week's airplay chart.

10. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris rises 8 spots with his aptly '80s-influenced "Acceptable in the '80s," a great dance/pop track. The Scottish singer/producer is supposedly working with Kylie Minogue on a track for her forthcoming album.

18. Destination Calabria - Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters

Debuting at #18 is a new version of the 2004 dance single "Destination Unknown," now retitled "Destination Calabria," presumably "calabria" refers to whatever new elements have been mixed in. Crystal Waters was originally from New Jersey but was based in Washington DC when she had her big break in 1991, landing a top 10 and #1 dance hit with "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)," which also hit #2 in the UK. Her last appearance in the top 40 was as the featured vocalist on Dutch's "My Time," which hit #22 in 2003.

19. Glamorous - Fergie

Fergie moves up another 3 spots with "Glamorous," which should jump into the top 10 next week on physical sales. The single has been climbing slow and steady within the top 40 over the last month. It's her second UK solo single following "London Bridge," which hit #3 in September. "Fergalicious" was not released in the UK.

21. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini

Despite getting top 10 airplay Paolo Nutini once again misses out on having a top 10 hit, jumping up 14 spots to #21 on physical sales with "New Shoes." This his fourth top 40 single, but his third to miss the top 10. Only his first, "Last Request," was so lucky, hitting #5.

22. Candyman - Christina Aguilera

"Candyman" rises another two spots to #22. The fate of its physical release appears to be up in the air. The single had been slated for release next week, however, it's disappeared from the new releases list. If so, it could peak here, making it Christina Aguilera's lowest-charting UK chart single.

24. Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis

Scottish rock band the Fratellis scores their fourth top 40 with "Baby Fratelli," which misses out on the top 10, which they achieved with their last two singles, "Chelsea Dagger" (#5) and "Whistle for the Choir" (#9).

32. Wide Awake - The Twang

The Twang debut on downloads at #32 and should rise on their physical release next week. "Wide Awake" is very U2-sounding. Good song.

37. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

Fueled by the sales for the Comic Relief version, the Proclaimers original version of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" also re-enters the top 40. The single hit #11 in 1988 and became a top 10 hit in the US in the '90s after being featured in the film "Benny and Joon."