Gracie Abrams has achieved significant milestone with her breakout single, "That’s So True," by clinching the top spot on the U.K. Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks. This chart-topping success not only marks her first number-one hit but also showcases her growing influence in the pop music scene amid the competitive environment of the holiday season.
Despite facing tough competition from classic holiday favorites, Abrams's emotional anthem continues to resonate with listeners. This week, Wham!'s iconic holiday hit, "Last Christmas," experienced its own rise, landing at number two after climbing six spots. Initially released back in 1984, "Last Christmas" managed to snag the number one spot for the first time only recently, finally achieving what many believed was long overdue.
With Christmas just around the corner, many festive classics are making waves on the charts. Band Aid's freshly remixed version of "Do They Know It’s Christmas?"—in celebration of its 40th anniversary—arrived on the chart's Top 10, taking the eighth position. Originally, the song had struggled to gain traction but has since benefited from physical releases like vinyl and CD, which under chart rules are significantly bolstered by their impact on streaming data.
Other Christmas hits rounding out the top ten this week include Mariah Carey’s perennial favorite "All I Want For Christmas Is You" at number five, followed closely by Brenda Lee’s nostalgic tune "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" at number six. Ed Sheeran and Elton John's collaborative piece, "Merry Christmas," sits at number nine, with Bobby Helms’ "Jingle Bell Rock" rounding out the top ten.
The lively atmosphere around holiday music is palpable as listeners look for festive material to usher in the season. Indeed, out of the top 40 singles this week, over half are Christmas-themed, emphasizing the traditional spike in seasonal tracks during December. Such songs often enjoy renewed popularity, showcasing the nostalgic connection they have with audiences.
Meanwhile, the influence of musical theater is palpable as the film adaptation of Wicked continues to captivate audiences, propelling tracks from its soundtrack up the charts. The song "Defying Gravity," featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is currently holding steady at number seven, showcasing the soundtrack's broad appeal.
Adding to the excitement, rising star Lola Young has made her mark by achieving her first top 40 placement this week with her single "Messy," which has reached number 35. Young's message of self-acceptance and authenticity has struck a chord with many, showcasing the relevance of personal narratives in music today.
It’s fascinating to see this convergence of new and old music battling for chart supremacy as the holiday season approaches. With several notable charity singles expected to gain traction due to public support, such songs can often result in surprising performances on the charts.
Not far from the top, the success of Aaron Paley, also known as Yorkshire Pudding Boy, exemplifies this sentiment. The young artist’s debut single, inspired by his viral Halloween costume made from Yorkshire puddings, aims to benefit the National Autism Society and NSPCC. Enthusiasm for quirky, heartfelt projects like this may lead to respectable chart performances, fostering the community spirit associated with music.
On the other hand, Sheffield indie band Reverend and the Makers has released the track "Late Night Phone Call" as part of their fundraising efforts for Samaritans. Having previously enjoyed chart success, their new offering is anticipated to garner attention, reflecting the band's loyal fanbase and the cause's importance.
Overall, as the holiday season heats up, the U.K. charts will undoubtedly continue to see shifts. With Gracie Abrams poised to maintain her reign at the top, and the classic songs of years past making each week feel like a holiday celebration, the music scene is alive with nostalgia and anticipation. The blend of new releases and treasured classics promises to keep fans entertained throughout December.