So with 1985 now done and dusted here are the top 10 singles acts of the year. Please note that I calculate these Y/E in the same way to give consistency and that means that if an act is credited on a record then they receive the full sales of that track so duets and features are included in the totals which is contrary to how the original Gallup tallies were drawn up.
10. DAVID BOWIE (804,000)
A third year in the top 10 best selling acts is quite an achievement in pop and that's what Bowie does in the main thanks to the success of "Dancing In The Street" with Mick Jagger though he did chart separately with singles taken from the "Tonight" album, all in all business as usual for Bowie.
BEST SELLER: DANCING IN THE STREET (626,000)
09. PAUL HARDCASTLE (837,000)
Making one of the most original tracks of the year into one of the biggest selling, "19" topped the charts for 5 weeks making it the joint longest runner of 1985 whilst also propelling a new form of dance music into the mainstream. Whilst he hasn't reached those heights since he now has 7 hits to his credit.
BEST SELLER: 19 (724,000)
08. UB40 (843,000)
Last on this list back in 1983 UB40 found their mojo again this year topping the charts in tandem with Chrissie Hynde on a cover of "I Got You Babe" before striking it big with the B-side to that song "Don't Break My Heart".
BEST SELLER: I GOT YOU BABE (499,000)
07. WHAM! (882,000)
Spending the vast bulk of 1985 away from the UK charts and conquering firstly the UK then China the duo saw strong sales of "Last Chirstmas" in both its original release held over from December 1984 and again on re-issue this month. In addition to that "I'm Your Man" became their third chart topper last month. Not bad considering, plus they are the only repeaters from the 1984 list.
BEST SELLER: I'M YOUR MAN (477,000)
06. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (918,000)
Finally seeing his US success rub off on the UK Springsteen mania really exploded in the country with 4 top 20 singles and a chart topping album helping to generate sales of almost 1.4 million in that format. Not quite so impressive on the singles front but his star is still very bright here
BEST SELLER: DANCING IN THE DARK (398,000)
10. DAVID BOWIE (804,000)
A third year in the top 10 best selling acts is quite an achievement in pop and that's what Bowie does in the main thanks to the success of "Dancing In The Street" with Mick Jagger though he did chart separately with singles taken from the "Tonight" album, all in all business as usual for Bowie.
BEST SELLER: DANCING IN THE STREET (626,000)
09. PAUL HARDCASTLE (837,000)

Making one of the most original tracks of the year into one of the biggest selling, "19" topped the charts for 5 weeks making it the joint longest runner of 1985 whilst also propelling a new form of dance music into the mainstream. Whilst he hasn't reached those heights since he now has 7 hits to his credit.
BEST SELLER: 19 (724,000)
08. UB40 (843,000)

Last on this list back in 1983 UB40 found their mojo again this year topping the charts in tandem with Chrissie Hynde on a cover of "I Got You Babe" before striking it big with the B-side to that song "Don't Break My Heart".
BEST SELLER: I GOT YOU BABE (499,000)
07. WHAM! (882,000)

Spending the vast bulk of 1985 away from the UK charts and conquering firstly the UK then China the duo saw strong sales of "Last Chirstmas" in both its original release held over from December 1984 and again on re-issue this month. In addition to that "I'm Your Man" became their third chart topper last month. Not bad considering, plus they are the only repeaters from the 1984 list.
BEST SELLER: I'M YOUR MAN (477,000)
06. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (918,000)

Finally seeing his US success rub off on the UK Springsteen mania really exploded in the country with 4 top 20 singles and a chart topping album helping to generate sales of almost 1.4 million in that format. Not quite so impressive on the singles front but his star is still very bright here
BEST SELLER: DANCING IN THE DARK (398,000)
Last edited: