The last time the difference between the top 2 tracks was over 100,000 was way back on 14th August 1982 when "Come On Eileen" triumphed over "Fame" by a margin of 126,000, this week the gap isn't quite that big but UB40 hold the No 1 spot on an enhanced sale of 156,000 whilst Madness sold a "mere" 53,000 as they moved 4-2 but in reality they're a million miles from unseating UB40.
Songs about prostitution tend to be few and far between but Genesis seem to have struck gold with their most instant and highest peaking single "Mama" which jets in 20-5 (46,000). It's the lead single from their 12th album which is titled eponymously and will be released next month, and as noted is top 5 after just a fortnight on sale, their previous best was 1981's "Abacab" which stood at No 12 in its second week, along with the Police's "Every Breath You Take" it seems the theme of obsessive love/lust is a reoccurring theme for the year.
Roberta Flack is of course famous for her 70s singles "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" but she achieved her biggest hit in tandem with Donny Hathaway on 1980's "Back Together Again". Well she's learnt her lesson and duets again, this time with US R n B Singer Peabo Bryson on "Tonight I Celebrate My love" which soars 16- 7 (39,000), it's co-written by legendary songwriter Gerry Goffin who last penned a top 10 hit back in 1976 with Diana Ross on the vocals for "Theme From "Mahogany"".
With 8 hit singles under their belt already Level 42 have never before gone higher than No 24 ("The Chinese Way" in January this year) but were tipped for big things after a growing live reputation over the years since forming in 1980. Their fourth album "Standing In The Light" became their biggest yet when it debuted at No 9 last week and now they have more reasons to celebrate as "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)" slowly moves 11-10 (31,000) to finally break them big in this country,
Rod Stewart also scuttles 8-3 (51,000) and may sneak a week at No 2 next week, whilst KC & The Sunshine Band slide 2-4 (51,000) and Spandau Ballet dip 3-6 (39,000) whilst Elton hurtles 5-8 (38,000). Modern Romance hold at No 9 on a sale of 35,000.