| This |
Tot
wks |
| Peak |
| Number One |
| 1
| 12
|
| TRAGEDY / HEARTBEAT
| Step One / A Message To You (va)
|
| Steps
|
|
1
|
|
A curious double A-sided single. On one, an uptempo ballad from the band's debut album, not a cover of the Buddy Holly number popularised by the piss-poor British drama, but a new ballad that reminds one of Abba's "SOS". On the other, a cover of the Bee Gees number, from the recent tribute album, done in the style of a popular 70s Scandanavian foursome. Both attract airplay, both feature for two months, and start 1999 within spitting distance of the weekly #1 slot. The band, often seen as a new Abba, will perform a medly of the super Swedes' hits at the 99 Brit awards.
|
| 2
| 12
|
| WHEN YOU'RE GONE
| On a Day Like Today
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| Bryan Adams & Mel C
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|
2
|
|
Two of the acts who have the longest runs at #1 during the 90s combine to make a bog-standard rockout track. Vocals are provided by Spice Girl Chisholm (Sporty).
|
| December's Single Of The Month |
| 3
| 9
| |
1
|
|
The (count 'em!) 9th release from the Spices, and the first to be created without Geri Halliwell in the band. There was a massive promo push behind this single, with the four girls appearing across the day on the largest radio station in the land, and another great video. Yet the single didn't need it; hitting the fab 40 before release is a rare event, and it rocketed to the top of the weekly survey when it did come out. A Sure Fire Massive Hit. They became the top singles sellers of the 90s in the week before Christmas, surpassing Elton John's total of 6.2 million.
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| 4
| 15
| |
1
|
|
Well, she's back. Her fourth number one hit in a 33 year career is one of the strangest tracks I've ever heard a 50-year-old make. With almost all the vocals filtered through a Vocoder, this could be a Dalek singing. It was interesting for a few weeks, but then turned into a totally unbearable track. But it becomes the first single to win two consecutive months since Puff Daddy's "I'll be Missing You" in July and August 1997.
|
| 5
| 8
|
| END OF THE LINE
| Wonder #8
|
| Honeyz
|
|
3
|
|
The second wonderful slice of R&B from this foursome. The words "gorgeous", "sweet" and "fab" spring to mind.
|
| 6
| 10
|
| MIAMI
| Big Willie Style
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| Will Smith
|
|
5
|
|
The third release of the year is about his home city. Gosh, no-one's ever recorded anything on that topic before, have they?
|
| 7
| 4
|
| PRAISE YOU
| You've Come A Long Way Baby
|
| Fatboy Slim
|
|
6
|
|
The biggest hit under this name for Norman Cook, who has previously tasted the top slot with a remix of Cornershop (last February), Beats International (1990) and the Housemartins (1986). This is a piano-based house track, with authentic scratches at the start and it is something of a grower.
|
| Sureshot |
| 8
| 2
|
| PRETTY FLY (FOR A WHITE GUY)
| Americana
|
| Offspring
|
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1
|
|
This has to rank as one of the most surprising massive hit singles of the decade. An American punk band whose previous chart experience is confined to two hits, three weeks on chart, and nothing above #30, suddenly find themselves at the front of a punk/rock explosion. It's simple, dumb rock, made with such panache that the group know it's dumb. Which (er) makes it a rather wonderful, refreshing blast.
|
| 9
| 9
|
| BIG BIG WORLD
| Big Big World
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| Emelia
|
|
5
|
|
A simple, nursery-rhyme tale of a spurning lover and a girl being thrust into independence. Sickly, but irresistable.
|
| 10
| 4
|
| YOU SHOULD BE...
|
|
| Blockster
|
|
9
|
|
Cover That! The first big hit for Brandon Block first came to notice late last summer in the Med clubs. It grew in the UK over the autumn, and finally released in the new year. It's a dance re-make of the Bee Gees' hit "You Should Be Dancing" that makes up in hooks what it lacks in imagination.
|
| 11
| 3
|
| I WANT YOU FOR MYSELF
| Another Level
|
| Another Level
|
|
7
|
|
Another slab of poor R&B from one of the most clichéd acts around.
|
| 12
| 7
|
| CHOCOLATE SALTED BALLS
| Chef Aid
|
| Chef
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2
|
|
If it's from the "South Park" album, it must be incredibly toffee-nosed, completely correct down to the last P and Q. Well, maybe. This is a song that eschews the double entendres traditional in Christmas entertainments, and substitutes single entendres. But it is rather a good tune that bears plenty of listens, which distinguishes it from many comedy tracks. Chef is, of course, soul singer Issac Hayes, whose biggest hit before now was the "Theme from Shaft", a Number 4 hit in 1972.
|
| 13
| 3
|
| A LITTLE BIT MORE
| There It Is
|
| 911
|
|
6
|
|
Cover That! One of the biggest boy bands of the moment does a faithful re-make of a Dr Hook #2 hit from 1976. It's soft, sultry, and the third cover in a row from a band who really should be show-casing their considerable song-writing skills.
|
| 14
| 12
|
| NO REGRETS
| I've Been Expecting You
|
| Robbie Williams
|
|
4
|
|
Hit song number two from this album features uncredited appearances from Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys - having his biggest hit since 1993's "Go West", and Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy with his highest score ever. It's the obvious Second Single, a swooping, soaring ballad that apologises for nothing. Maybe not as anthemic as "Angels", his Christmas release of last year that stretched well into the summer, but a sizy tune nevertheless.
|
| Sureshot |
| 15
| 3
| |
5
|
|
Cover That! A slightly bizarre techno-dance cover of the last Roxy Music hit becomes a surprise success story of the new year. Emmy's eighteen, from Manchester, and may well be a one-hit wonder.
|
| 16
| 10
|
| I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE ME
| Where We Belong
|
| Boyzone
|
|
2
|
|
Back to their own work after the monster hit that was "No Matter What". You don't enter at #2 from nothing, but this isn't in the decade's premier league.
|
| 17
| 17
|
| THE SWEETEST THING
| Greatest Hits 1980-89
|
| U2
|
|
4
|
|
Originally the B-side to 1988's "Where the Streets Have No Name", this is re-recorded, re-made and released as an A-side. And it's really rather good, a complete contrast to their recent experimental work.
|
| 18
| 2
|
| TEQUILA
| Shaving Peaches
|
| Terrorvision
|
|
4
|
|
We have Snowy Bald to blame for this one. The solo host of Radio 1's breakfast show played this one to death just before Christmas, forcing the record company to release it as a single. The album version is dull, shorn of a children's choir and anthemic chorus; the single really hits the spot.
|
| 19
| 11
|
| SO YOUNG
| Talk on Corners |
| Coors
|
|
5
|
|
The third hit single from the Irish group's second album. This one has another slight dance remix: K-Klass are responsible for this one. While an attractive song, with soaring vocals, it would be nice if it were left to stand on its own merits.
|
| 20
| 3
| |
14
|
|
A faithful cover of the 1979 Donna Summer hit resurrects Juliet's career. The disco diva has never been a grade-A hitmaker, churning out about one hit a year.
|
| 21
| 19
|
| OUTSIDE
| Ladies And Gentlemen the best of
|
| George Michael
|
|
2
|
|
The first of three threatened tracks of his singles collection released as part of his agreement to leave Sony records. It's based around his experiences in a park last April, and features a TFM (Middlesborough) newsreader buried deep in the mix. It's a lot like "Fastlove", only without the "Forget-Me-Nots" sample on the end. Or the darned quality.
|
| 22
| 21
|
| I DON'T WANNA MISS A THING
| Armageddon OST |
| Aerosmith
|
|
1
|
| Finally bringing Aerosmith's wait for a British number one to an end, beating their #12 team best from "Love in an Elevator". It's the standout track from a hit-packed soundtrack, and further proof that Tyler and co can really make the great ballads. Written, of course, from the golden pen of Diane Warren.
|
| 23
| 17
|
| MY FAVOURITE GAME
| Gran Tourismo
|
| Cardigans
|
|
16
|
|
More Super Swedes, this time with their biggest hit since "Lovefool". It's a strange, esoteric mix of sounds that doesn't quite hit any single base, but must hit somewhere to have lasted three months.
|
| 24
| 6
|
| ALWAYS HAVE, ALWAYS WILL
| Flowers
|
| Ace of Base
|
|
14
|
|
The third single from the album is one of the best; a funky, Motown-lite singalong that recalls their greatest moment, "The Sign".
|
| 25
| 2
| |
12
|
|
A melancholy gangsta-rap track is appropriately dedicated to 2Pac, Notorious BIG and other ex-rappers. It vaguely reminds me of a second-rate "Tha Crossroads", Bone Thuggs & Harmony's big hit from 1996.
|
| 26
| 7
|
| WHEN YOU BELIEVE
| Prince of Egypt OST
|
| Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey
|
|
13
|
|
The combination of two of the greatest balladeers in the past 15 years is a real disappointment. It's overblown, oversung, and has the pair singing around each others weak spots, rather than concentrating on their strengths. It's also underperforming across the board, as is the movie, described as "Indiana Moses". Now, where'd I leave my Summer/Streisand duets..?
|
| Sureshot |
| 27
| 3
|
| WALK LIKE A PANTHER
|
|
| All Seeing I
|
|
18
|
|
With the vocals of 60s crooner Tony Christie, and the writing talent of Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, the Sheffield odd-bods couldn't really miss. Especially given that this is a quality song.
|
| Sureshot |
| 28
| 18
(3)
| |
2
(14)
|
|
In a 1988 survey of Most Obvious Cash-In Single Re-Release, the winner was Warner Brothers, for their anticipated reworking of a track that would then be 17 years old. And, true to form, they've obliged. Originally a minor hit in 1983, and re-released at the start of 1985 as a double A-side with the fabulous "Little Red Corvette", "1999" has been re-activated for 1999. Look out for a new recording of this track from Squiggle before the end of the year, and possibly a version from Michael Bonkers.
|
| 29
| 11
|
| I'M YOUR ANGEL
| R
|
| R Kelly and Celine Dion
|
|
4
|
|
From R Kelly's album of duets (well, that's what it feels like) comes a song that's passable, but nothing to really write home about. A platform for the two vocalists to play off each other, but they seem to play against each other. Shame.
|
| 30
| 6
|
| TO YOU I BELONG
| B*Witched
|
| B*Witched
|
|
2
|
|
The third hit in six months for the Irish four-piece just misses out on the top of the chart. Only six acts have gone to #1 with their first three releases, most recently the Spice Girls at Christmas 96. Given the shoo-in for the original Fab Four in the Christmas chart, B*Witched missed their best chance for the top with this sultry ballad, which sounds a lot like the "Titanic" soundtrack, after it debuted at 2.
|
| Sureshot |
| 31
| 2
| |
19
|
|
This is just about the biggest hit of their short career, in which they've given some of the greatest four-part harmonies I've heard in a long time. This is a little slower than their regular fare, and the change is refreshing.
|
| 32
| 10
| |
8
|
|
Rhythm track plus female vocal and a huge dollop of luck turns into a top 10 hit, for a reason that will never be adequately explored.
|
| December's Single Of The Month |
| 33
| 3
|
| BEAUTIFUL DAY
|
|
| Three Colours Red
|
|
20
|
|
From inkie-press darlings of 97 to quality musicians within two years isn't a step many groups make. This is a wonderful, soaring ballad, reminiscent of the Smashing Pumpkins circa "Mellon Collie..."
|
| 34
| 9
|
| THE POWER OF GOODBYE
| Frozen
|
| Madonna
|
|
7
|
|
One knows where one is with Ms Ciccone. Talking about a 40-year old lass who has pulled off her best album in a Yonk with this one. Single 4 is the emotional ballad that she's pulled off previously. This track reminds me a little of her crowning achievement, "Live to Tell". It's also her sixth top 10 single in seven releases, and 43rd from 45 singles stretching back to 1984's "Like a Virgin".
|
| 35
| 7
|
| DUMB
| Quench
|
| Beautiful South
|
|
8
|
|
Second single from the album, a weaker track than "Perfect Ten". It seems that the South produce just one outstanding track per album. This may not be it, but it does have the sort of groove that grows over a period of weeks, rather than takes a single play.
|
| 36
| 15
|
| THANK YOU
| Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
|
| Alanis Morissette
|
|
5
|
|
She's back, she's wearing no clothes, and nothing much has changed in the three years since her last official release. This is the first list song from the new album; of the 17 tracks, around a dozen are little more than noun strings. This could be the best album George Bush never recorded...
|
| 37
| 3
|
| CASSIUS 99
| Cassius 99
|
| Cassius
|
|
19
|
|
More French techno-sounds that leave me totally cold.
|
| 38
| 1
|
| YOU DON'T KNOW ME
|
|
| Armand van Helden
|
|
5
|
|
The man made his name after sampling Tori Amos' "Professional Widow" and turning it into a thumping dance hit during the second half of 96. Although the credit went solely to Miss Amos, van Helden has made his career on the back. This is his first significant solo hit since, sampling McFadden and Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", recently subjected to a Clock cover. van Helden has a chance of joining the list of Dutch #1 hitmakers: Pussycat, 2 Unlimited, Doop, and (er) that's it.
|
| Sureshot |
| 39
| 2
|
| ...BABY ONE MORE TIME
| Britany Spears
|
| Britany Spears
|
|
32
|
|
Already top of the charts in her native USA, Spears looks set to have a massive hit on her hands when this is released on Feb 8.
|
| 40
| 7
|
| HARD KNOCK LIFE (GHETTO ANTHEM)
| Volume 2: Hard Knock Life
|
| Jay-Z
|
|
2
|
|
After collaberating on more rap projects than anyone else - seven UK hits in the past two years alone - Jay-Z gets the breakthrough here. The hook is a snatch from the stage musical "Annie", all about how hard life is when you're an annoying whiney little brat with a mangey flea-bitten mutt (or something). The rest of the track is the vitriolic rap one can almost expect from this genre. However, it is pulled off with a lot more style and verve than other exponents, and looks set to annoy music teachers for the next few months. For that alone, we commend it.
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