17TH NOVEMBER
Chaka Khan remains at No 1 though the chart has a lacklustre feel about it as most of the big guns are holding back for the Christmas No 1 slot but more on that later! She sold 89,000 copies last week to easily romp home to victory, and on paper Duran Duran’s move from 3-2 should be a warning, but “Wild Boys” is struggling after moving just 64,000 in a tightly packed top 5 where Limahl’s rise 10-5 is accompanied by 55,000 sales! Between those two Wham! Dip 2-4 (60,000) but have at least three reasons to be cheerful- firstly the track has now sold 517,000 copies making it the second Wham! Track on the trot to pass the magic half million mark. Secondly their second album “Make It Big” debuts at No 1 this week on a very healthy sale to dethrone FGTH with unexpected ease, and thirdly “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” tops the US Chart, marking their own arrival on the international stage, all in all a remarkable achievement for the group.
[video=youtube;FR7EUTC_UwE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR7EUTC_UwE[/video]
At No 3 is the first of our new tracks, you’ll remember the band Ph.D who hit No 3 back in 1982 with “I Won’t Let You Down”, shortly after that lead singer Jim Diamond contracted hepatitis which resulted in an inability to tour and ultimately in the group disbanding. That proved to be a blessing in disguise as Diamond releases his first solo record on a major label “I Should Have Known Better” which this week powers 13-3 (63,000) to equal his previous best with the former band. An album is promised sometime next year.
Founded in 1969 and producing albums since 1971 ZZ Top were a regular chart act throughout much of the 70s in the US without ever troubling the UK Charts until the release of their recent album “Eliminator” which has taken off in 1984 spending the last 10 weeks in the top 10 peaking at No 4 and now can boast a top 10 single as “Gimme All Your Lovin’” ascends 11-10 (37,000). The track was originally released back in 1983 and made No 61 but has gone on to become a reasonably big hit in several European countries and a top 40 hit in the US this year before finally make it over here thanks in part to a memorable video.
Also climbing this week is Billy Ocean 9-6 (54,000) whilst both Status Quo and Alison Moyet hold at No’s 7 & 8 and both record sales increases thanks to TOTP of 46,000 and 43,000 respectively. Julian Lennon collapses 6-9 (40,000)
Time now to have a quick review of the runners and riders for the festive top spot just a month away.
THE POWER OF LOVE- Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Currently the bookies favourite for the Christmas No 1 and already being marketed as “their third No 1” in typically boastful ZTT advertising it seems as though nothing can stop these lads in 1984.
LAST CHRISTMAS- Wham! On the other hand these lads have also been unstoppable! George Michael has penned three chart toppers this year and recently announced their intention to go for the big one. The song hasn’t been premiered yet but those who have heard it promise it will be worth the wait, and to be honest they’re probably the only thing that can stop FGTH.
THE MEDAL SONG- Culture Club. With 7 straight top 4 hits to their name Culture Club’s new song should be there or thereabouts come the big day, it’s the second single from “Waking Up With The House On Fire” which has disappointed sales wise since its release. Despite that the group have still had a fantastic 1984 with a US No 1 single and enough inches in the tabloids to still make them headliners. The group have also been in the top 5 the last two Christmas’s!
ANOTHER ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS- Gary Glitter. One of the oldies to return this Christmas, Gary Glitter and Slade are both offering new tracks, Slade’s “All Join Hands” enters at No 38 this week and might be a shade early, but Gary Glitter is more festively attuned and could see his first top 20 hit in 9 years with this little number- could it repeat 1973?
WE ALL STAND TOGETHER- Paul McCartney & Frog Chorus. Another man who has had a great 1984 with a chart topper and a No 2 hit, Fancy some animated fun about frogs? This is your song guaranteed to be massive with the kids at Christmas!
NELLIE THE ELEPHANT- Toy Dolls. An alternative punk take on the children’s classic, this might be unusual enough to be worth a wager and is creeping up on the bookies lists!
DO THE CONGA- Black Lace. Yes they’re back- the office party is one to be avoided this year if this is playing!
EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE- Paul Young- His last single disappointed but Young is back on ballad territory and we all know what happened the last time he did that.
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN- Frank Kelly. As an outside bet try this one. A well known Irish actor who appears in the TV show “Wanderly Wagon” is the voice here, it’s a take on “12 Days Of Christmas” and was a top 10 hit in Ireland two Christmas’s ago.
Take your pick folks!
