UK Singles Chart:
1. Owl City – Fireflies (last week – 1)
A fifth week on the UK singles charts and still at number one for American synth poppers Owl City, who blend the most cutting edge of sounds with an accessible edge, and seem to draw in the fans. Just don’t mention the similarities to Postal Service…
2. Jedward (featuring Ice T) – Under Pressure (new entry)
X Factor’s most controversial stars launch their debut single, a cover of Queen that they’ve even persuaded pop rapper Ice T to appear on. Any followers of the cult TV show will know exactly what to expect: dodgy vocals and a lot of fun.
3. Timbaland (featuring Katy Perry) – If We Ever Meet Again (last week – 17)
Add ‘featuring Katy Perry’ to your track and you’re almost guaranteed a hit, as newcomers 3OH!3 were delighted to discover over the last few weeks. Timbaland is his typically overproduced, focused self, and it works a charm. After all, like Katy, the man is a byword for hit.
4. Glee Cast – Don’t Stop Believing (last week – 2)
The Glee Cast’s cover of Don’t Stop Believing still has some way to go to match the colossal sales of Journey’s original (to date the biggest selling iTunes track of all time), but it’s not doing too badly in its own right. This is its 8th week on the chart.
5. Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind Part II (last week – 7)
Alicia Keys charming follow up to the Jay-Z collaboration is unusual: not too many singles spawn a sequel. This one hasn’t reached quite the heights of the opener just yet, but this is its 8th week on the charts.
UK Albums Chart:
1. Alicia Keys – The Element Of Freedom (last week – 2)
It was inevitable, wasn’t it? The thought of an Alicia Keys album not making number one is almost unthinkable. This one took a full eight weeks to do it, but it’s finally arrived, and Alicia can breath easy, having kept her 100% record in tact.
2. Andre Rieu – Forever Vienna (last week – 4)
Andre Rieu’s recent success marks the rise of classical acts in the mainstream charts, something that’s not new but is certainly on the rise, with the help of a certain Susan Boyle, who’s crossover style helped path the way.
3. Paolo Nutini – Sunny Side Up (last week – 1)
Paolo Nutini’s phenomenally successful album is forced off the number one spot once again, though frankly after 36 weeks on the chart, its something that it made the top spot in the first place. Sunny Side Up wasn’t a breakthrough for Paolo, but it certainly upped the stakes.
4. Florence And The Machine – Lungs (last week – 3)
Florence’s sensational debut album has been around 31 weeks now, and its one of those efforts that everyone knows about, and half the world seems to be listening to. You’ve probably heard most of it walking around town at this stage. Nevertheless, it’s quite sensationally good.
5. Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea (new entry)
Corinne’s been off the scene for a while, but the soulful singer’s back with her new album ‘The Sea’, an effort long anticipated by her abundant fanbase. Making the connection between pop and soul, Corinne’s carved her own impressive niche.
US Singles Chart:
1. Ke$ha – Tik Tok (last week – 1)
The indomitable Ke$ha must have dollar signs in front of her eyes as well as padding her name at this stage. Zero to hero in record time, and still more time at the height of the US Billboard charts. The album ‘Animal’s not doing too badly, either.
2. Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (last week – 3)
Lady Gaga’s 14th week on the charts and she’s back to her previous peak with this effort, number two. Bad Romance strikes a chord with many of us, though perhaps not the ‘on tour’ experience…
3. Young Money Featuring Lloyd – BedRock (last week – 4)
Up again for Young Money, who have reached yet another chart peak after ten weeks on the chart. The signs are ominous: this is one of those slow building super tracks destined to peak fifteen weeks in and hang around for donkey’s…
4. The Black Eyed Peas – Imma Be (last week – 11)
Another single from Black Eyed Peas amazingsly successful album ‘The E.N.D, this is typically sleezy, sexy and catchy. Amazingly it’s taken eleven weeks to reach this top five peak.
5. David Guetta featuring Akon – Sexy Chick (last week – 7)
Sexy Chick, David Guetta’s calling card track, notches up its half year on the singles chart by returning to the top five. An end of last summer hit that’s still going strong.
US Albums Chart:
1. Lady Antebellum – Need You Now (new entry)
Not one lady, but a full on, raucous country group form Nashville that’s stormed onto the scene with Grammy and Country Music Award Nominations. This is their second album.
2. Hope For Haiti Now (last week – 1)
Let’s face it, any album aimed at helping out the Haiti earthquake victims is worthy of our cash. Throw in an all-star line up, and why wouldn’t you buy it?
3. Lady Gaga – The Fame (last week – 3)
The irrepressible Lady Gaga notches up a comfortable 66th week right at the peak of the album charts with ‘The Fame’, an album we’re still humming along to a year later.
4. Susan Boyle – I Dreamed A Dream (last week – 2)
Susan Boyle couldn’t be much bigger in terms of international acclaim than she already is, especially given her modest start. This album still sells like its just come out.
5. Barry Mannilow – The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time (new entry)
Yes, okay, it’s a more than slightly obnoxious title from our Barry, though you’d have a job arguing with him. Besides, it’s nearly Valentines day, and if you’re the type who’d buy it, you probably agree…
