The reunion, organised by the Official Charts Company, saw the original Stockland Green School choir awarded a Top 10 accolade, recognising the song’s long-lasting success. The event also gave them the chance to reconnect with Wizzard keyboardist Bill Hunt, the man who first brought them together for the recording in 1973.

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Stockland Green School, ironically located on Birmingham’s Slade Road, had a unique connection to the band through Hunt, whose relative was a teacher at the school. The choir, aged 11 and 12 at the time, recorded their parts during the October half-term break, travelling to London in Wizzard’s tour bus and Hunt’s car.

Though unpaid, the children were treated to Wizzard merchandise, records, and a story to last a lifetime. Hilary Gunton, one of the original singers, recalled the excitement of their journey: “We got to go on their bus, and there was Coca-Cola, lots of sweets, and Mars bars… we were well sugared up.”

Nik, another member of the choir, reflected on the unique reach of the song: “I’ve heard it in America, Japan, even Indonesia”. But the effects remain just as strong closer to home. One of the choir members revealed that her co-workers always encourage her to sing along when it plays on the radio.

The reunion was not only a chance to reminisce but also to create new memories. The BBC captured Hunt playing the song with Stockland Green’s current pupils, drawing a direct parallel between the original recording and today’s generation.

For the original choir members, the nostalgia was bittersweet. Despite their voices being featured on the track, union rules at the time meant they couldn’t appear in the music video, where actors from a London stage school mimed to their singing. Hilary and her peers recalled the disappointment of seeing Top of the Pops and realising they’d been replaced on screen.

Adding to the festive rivalry, the song was famously held off the No. 1 spot in 1973 by Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’. Hunt later told The Guardian about Wizzard’s cheeky revenge, sneaking a custard pie onto set to hit Slade’s Noddy Holder mid-performance, hidden as the crowd participated in a “custard fight”.

 Today, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ remains a festive favourite, currently charting at number 28—two places above Slade’s hit. For the original choir members, the reunion was a celebration of their lasting contribution to a timeless Christmas tradition.

Ed Sheeran’s journey to stardom began with a viral performance on YouTube that facilitated his breakthrough, which consequently paved the way for his debut album ‘+’ (Plus) in 2011. With hits like ‘The A Team’ and ‘Lego House’ he earned several awards, including the BRIT Award for Best British Male Solo Artist. 

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Sheeran’s success continued to grow following the release of his second album ‘x’ (Multiply) in 2014. This record cemented his international reputation, featuring chart-topping tracks like ‘Sing’ and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ which won Song of the Year at the Grammys. The album’s success anchored the singer in the global music scene as Spotify named ‘x’ the most-streamed album in 2014. 

Three years later, and his third album ‘÷’ (Divide) granted Sheeran commercial domination as singles like ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Castle on the Hill’ shattered global streaming records. His accompanying ‘÷ Tour’ was a historic success and became the highest-grossing tour at that time generating $925m (£727m). 

 

 

 

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Over the decade, Sheeran amassed 79 cumulative weeks at No.1 on UK Charts and sold over 150 million records worldwide. His ability to craft across genres and relatable, emotive songwriting skills made the singer-songwriter a global, award-winning star. Therefore it is no surprise that he was named UK Artist of the Decade for the 2010s. 

As we reach the halfway mark of the 2020s, it’s worth considering who might achieve similar heights.

Taylor Swift is undoubtedly at the forefront of global music. With 11 studio albums and record-breaking Eras tour grossing at $2b (£1.6b), she has become a global phenomenon. Yet, with her tour concluded, there will be room for new voices to make their mark.

| Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ has officially come to an end pic.twitter.com/Uz2D30Lq2w

— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) December 9, 2024

In the UK, the BRIT Awards indicate that artists like Harry Styles and RAYE are making waves. 

In 2019, Styles’ second studio album ‘Fine Line’ became a massive commercial success and produced multiple hit singles like ‘Watermelon Sugar’. ‘Harry’s House’ in 2022 became his third album and was followed by a 22-month ‘Love On Tour’ World Tour and domination at the BRITs.

Not only a major force in modern pop, he has explored his passion for acting and fashion, making him a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry. Styles’ success story parallels Sheeran’s, as they’ve both diversified their musical styles and have expanded into other creative avenues, making Styles a sure contender for defining the 2020s. 

Love On Tour. London I. June, 2022. pic.twitter.com/zu9XEz3KzU

— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) June 19, 2022

RAYE has undergone a significant transformation in her music career during this decade as she made the decision to leave her major record label and established herself independently. Her breakthrough single ‘Escapism’ shot up the UK charts and preceded her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ in 2023. After sweeping six awards at the BRITs in 2024, RAYE’s career is clearly blooming and her unique sound paired with skilled songwriting reflects Sheeran’s iconic abilities. 

SIX @BRITs & ALBUM OF THE YEAR please just thank you https://t.co/c23XcFUtUl pic.twitter.com/4MAYkWiFgj

— RAYE (@raye) March 3, 2024

Ed Sheeran’s dominance was built on a combination of volume, quality, and consistency: three standout albums and a record-breaking tour. With five years left in this decade, established artists will need to continue innovating to maintain their influence but there’s still plenty of room for new voices to emerge.

The question remains: Will anyone else match Sheeran’s level of achievement by the time the 2020s draw to a close?

Another day, another Tay slay

Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) ends an incredible year by claiming 2022’s Official Christmas Number 1 album with #Midnights

Read the full story ➡ https://t.co/owb6I7lgxZ #XmasNo1 #TaylorSwift pic.twitter.com/cfF052r2fq

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) December 23, 2022

The 33-year-old singer’s festive victory marks the second instance in which Midnight has topped the charts. Released on 21st October 2022, the album debuted at the top spot in the UK album charts and found success in streams, particularly within the platform Spotify. The release marks the tenth studio album by Swift and followed the 2020 release Folklore and Evermore.

 With its win this week, Midnight has now accumulated three weeks at the number one position. Its first entered the charts upon its release and debuted at number one, Midnight then outsold the competition again the following week and has remained in the top three until its triumphant return this festive season. Swift’s recent chart success marks the second time she has spent three weeks at number one. Released on 24th July 2020, Folklore also spent three weeks as the UK’s number-one album.

The success found with Midnight’s charting propelled Swift into the chart of the most popular singers, the “Bad Blood” singer has accumulated the second most number one albums in UK chart history. Swift has entered the top billing with a high stat of nine albums, Madonna remains at the top with twelve UK number-one albums.

Placing at number three within the official 2022 UK album charts is Christmas by Michael Buble, the crooner’s seasonal staple was released on 24th October 2011 and has remained a favourite for shoppers and listeners. Upon its initial release, the album was given a Juno Award for Album of the Year, creating a landmark moment as it was the first holiday-themed release to be given the accolade.

Placing at number four within this year’s annual album race is SOS by SZA, the American singer’s second and most recent album was released on 9th December 2022 via Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records, peaking at number two within the UK album charts. Closing off the top five is A Family Christmas by Andrea/Matteo/Virginia Bocelli, a compilation album created by Andrea Bocelli with a heavy focus on family and the Christmas spirit.

Thank you to all my fans for supporting #PatientNumber9 which is now my highest charting album around the world! I love you all pic.twitter.com/xmPa860bsM

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 20, 2022

Along with the album’s high charting placement within the UK, Patient Number 9 has also broken several records for Osbourne with placements within multiple charts. Within the US, the former Black Sabbath frontman debuted at the top of various charts, including Top Album Sales and Top Current Album Sales, two charts on which Osbourne had not appeared on before. The singer has also placed within the American charts, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Vinyl Albums and Tastemaker Album Charts and placed at number three within the prestigious Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.

Osbourne’s Patient Number 9’s success has not been restricted to the US and UK; the album has sired success within charts worldwide. The heavy metal icon scored his first chart win in Canada; the album has reached the top position within the country’s album charts. Much like his placement within the UK album charts, Patient Number 9 has also placed at number two within the charts in Australia, Finland, Italy, Austria, Germany and Sweden. The album has placed at number three in Switzerland, number four in Norway, number six in New Zealand and the Netherlands, number eight in Belgium and number fourteen in France.

Osbourne’s newest release sees the singer work with producer Andrew Watt for the second time; the pair first began their creative partnership in 2020 on Osbourne’s twelve studio album Ordinary Man. The album not only marked Watt and Osbourne’s first release but also marked the longest time between albums released by Osbourne. Before the release of Ordinary Man, the singer dropped his eleventh studio album, Scream, in 2010. The pair’s newest release, Patient Number 9, has sired three singles thus far, its title track “Patient Number 9” was released on 24th June 2022.

Released via Epic Records, Patient Number 9 is a who’s who of heavy metal and rock music, the genre’s most prominent artists are included as special guests within the album. Those who appear within the star-studded tracklist are Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, legendary axe-man Zakk Wylde, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith, Metallica’s bassist Robert Trujillo, Guns N’ Roses bandmember Duff McKagan and Chris Chaney.

The album also features two more exceptional guests whose appearance holds great importance to music and culture. Fellow Black Sabbath band member and guitarist Tony Iommi is present on Patient Number 9; this is the first time the musician has appeared on a solo album by Osbourne. The album also includes the late Taylor Hawkins, the beloved drummer features on three of the album’s tracks, “Parasite featuring Zakk Wylde”, “Mr Darkness featuring Zakk Wylde”, and the album’s penultimate song , “God Only Knows”.

Speaking on his win, Williams has stated, “Thank you to everyone who’s supported the album: everyone who’s bought it, streamed it, downloaded it and reviewed it. I’m so pleased that it’s gone to Number 1, and whilst it feels strange to be receiving an award during these sombre times, I wanted to thank you all for your support and dedicate this to the fans, who I never take for granted. I really appreciate it, thank you so much.”

OFFICIAL CHART RECORD BREAKER.@RobbieWilliams overtakes Elvis Presley as the solo act with most UK Number 1 albums in history with #XXV.

Congratulations, Robbie! https://t.co/43bmmaxUao

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 16, 2022

Before One Direction took the world by storm, Take That captured the nation’s hearts, arguably laying the groundwork and formula for future boybands. Williams joined the boyband in 1990 at the young age of 16 and quickly became a favourite for many. In 1996, with boyband fever still in swing, Take That broke the hearts of many when they announced their split. Whilst a member of Take That, Williams scored four number one albums within the UK, including the greatest hits album Odyssey; the figure is five UK number one albums.

During the same year as Take That’s disbandment, Williams embarked on his hotly anticipated solo career. Throughout the Stoke-on-Trent native’s career as a solo artist, he released fourteen studio albums, all but one has placed at the top spot. The singer’s eighth solo studio album, Reality Killed the Video Star, was released in 2009 and placed at number two on the UK album charts. The singer’s recent release, XXV, is Williams’ third greatest hits collection to secure the number one position.

Although Williams is now the record holder, The Beatles still hold the first place as the act with the most UK number one albums. The fab four have accumulated fifteen UK number one albums throughout their career, first securing the top spot in 1963 with their debut album Please Please Me. The group have featured within the UK charts even after their split; in 2000, the group’s greatest hits album entitled 1 spent an impressive 174 weeks at the top of the charts.

Famed Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney is still untouched and remains the individual who has collected the most number one albums. The singer has accumulated twenty-three number-one albums throughout his long career; the figure includes his time spent in the Beatles, Wings and as a solo performer.

thankyou for everythin my family … i have plans https://t.co/kC5vEMEbee

— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) September 9, 2022

Yungblud, real name Dominic Harrison, took to Twitter when he heard the news to say, “thank you for everythin my family … I have plans.” Followed by a smiling devil emoji and a black heart. When the musician received the trophy from the Official Charts Company for Weird reaching Number One, he melted it down to make 150 safety pins for his diehard fans.

In light of current events, the Official Charts are published simply as a matter of record this evening.

The charts will be accessible at https://t.co/3g6cKUqJfE pic.twitter.com/NRPd6qjgp7

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 9, 2022

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary 70-year reign has so far spanned the entire existence of the Official Singles chart so far, which was created in November 1952, the same year she ascended to the throne. To mark respect for the Queen’s passing Official Charts Company did not share any stats around this week’s charts but published them “simply as a matter of record”.

The album so far has received rave reviews, NME giving it four stars and saying, “It’s a lot more focused than what’s come before; Harrison’s replaced his kid in a candy shop approach to music with a blistering confidence. Perhaps for the first time in his career, he knows exactly what he wants. ‘Yungblud’ is a coming-of-age album but it doesn’t skimp on the excitement either.”

Addressing the social media accusations of ‘queer-baiting’, being an ‘industry plant’ and pretending to be working class the review finishes by saying, “It would have been easy for Yungblud to pull back from the spotlight after getting a battering online. Instead, he’s come back with his most confident, cohesive album, which sees him fighting hate with understanding and love. It’s a battle he knows he can win”.

Talking to the Official Charts Company website about the success of Weird and the recording of his new album he said, “I started working on it almost immediately after Weird! went to Number 1 and there was all this “commercial success” in inverted commas, whatever that means. I had the chance to work in any studio with any writers, anything I f*cking wanted. And that just wasn’t me, man. I mean, I went [into those rooms] and these producers were all like “oh, you’re doing that rock thing.”

He continued, “Like, what do you mean “that rock thing?!” It was all very fake. It felt fake. So I ended up making the album in my mate’s bedroom. We started in January, and we’d finished by February and now it’s coming out. You can’t choose what an album sounds like, it’s almost got to choose you”. When asked about his unique celebration for Weird reaching Number One and if he had any plans to repeat if Yungblud reached the top spot, Harrison said, “It will be something mental. I might make them into golden ducks or summit. Guys at Official Charts, make sure you have the furnace ready!”

WE MADE FOOKIN HISTORY LAST NIGHT!!! 3 shows in 1 night on the sunset strip!!! played the new album in full and over 700,000 of you tuned in! thankyou for everythin … pic.twitter.com/4f3x7dxo0D

— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) September 9, 2022

Yungblud is currently in Los Angeles and on September 9^th played three shows in one night on the Sunset Strip. He played the new album in full and “over 700,000” people tuned in to watch. Yungblud is available everywhere now.

B.O.T.A. by @ElizaRosemuzik and @intergalacticz is Number 1

See the Top 100 https://t.co/kIQcwhKbwC pic.twitter.com/ioJK0JdWhM

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 3, 2022

After six weeks on the chart, “B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All)” has climbed up the UK singles charts to become Rose’s debut number one. During an interview with Dazed magazine earlier this month, Rose spoke on her career’s origins and early musical influences. During the interview, Rose speaks of her first introduction to DJing and cites her initial foray to a work placement at London record shop Flashback when she was 15 years old.

Within the interview Rose stated, “I was really into Amy Winehouse at the time,  and through her I started getting into soul, jazz and disco. When I realised that all of this was Black culture, and I was able to hold this physical thing in my hand that represented black culture, that’s when I started getting into records.” Speaking with Official Charts, Rose has given the following statement, “I just want to say thank you to everyone who listened, streamed and downloaded. This is The People’s Rhythm and I feel like everyone came together to get this to Number 1. I never expected it in a million years. Thank you. It’s fabulous!”

Due to its popularity throughout this year’s festival season, the track has also been named this week’s most streamed song. Throughout the week, “B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All)” has acquired over 4.8 million streams in the UK. The track was initially released on 15th June 2022 via Rose’s independent label Rosebud Recordings; due to the immense attention received, the track was picked up by major label Warner Music UK, who proceeded to release the radio edit on 12th August 2022. Much like the UK’s former number one single “Afraid To Feel” by LF System, the single also utilises the creative and production technique of sampling. Keen listeners can hear a sample of the classic Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam hit “Let The Beat ‘Em“, Rose and Interplanetary Criminal can be heard using the LL w/ Love RC mix of the 1991 song.

Following The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Cascada, @ElizaRosemuzik‘s B.O.T.A is an Official Chart milestone https://t.co/HDXp6Yidu0 — Official Charts (@officialcharts) September 3, 2022

With the Official Charts’ 70th anniversary fast approaching, this week’s top-selling track has become the UK’s 1,400th number one single. The music-orientated ranking system was established in 1952; the first song named the UK’s number one single was “Here In My Heart” by Al Martino. Other tracks to secure landmark chart positions include “Do You Mind?” by Anthony Newley, which became the UK’s 100th number one single. British legends The Beatles became the UK’s 200th number one single with their single “Help!“, seven years ago the UK’s last landmark position of 1,300 was given to Rachel Platten for “Fight Song“.

Steps first saw chart success in 1999 with their second studio album Steptacular; the album debuted at the top spot on Halloween of the same year. They next secured a UK number one with their first greatest hits album, Gold: Greatest Hits; the album was released in 2001 and contained their cover of the Diana Ross hit “Chain Reaction”. The newly re-formed band then scored a hat trick with The Ultimate Collection in 2011; the release was the group’s third compilation album and featured a cover of ABBA’s megahit “Dancing Queen”, the track marked the band’s first recorded song in a decade.

Within an exclusive conversation with OfficialCharts.com, Steps stated, “We could NOT be more thrilled that our Platinum Collection is this week’s UK Official Number 1 album! We have the best fans in the world, and this is all down to their incredible support. It’s unbelievable to think that we’ve now broken records, becoming the first British, mixed-gender group to score four Number 1 albums across four consecutive decades! What a way to celebrate our 25th birthday!”

Two years ago, it was confirmed that The Rolling Stones had achieved a similar feat after the album Goats Head Soup had reached the top of the UK album charts. The 2020 release meant that the band broke an official record in achieving a number one album across six separate decades, making them the first band in history to do so. Goats Head Soup was the band’s 11th studio album released in Britain and has enjoyed two occasions as the UK’s number one album. The album was initially released in 1973; upon its initial release, it debuted at the top of the UK album charts.

Also included within the elite club are Welsh rockers Stereophonics and Disco legends ABBA. In November 2020 it was confirmed that pop princess Kylie Minogue has also been awarded a similar accolade. The UK Official Charts confirmed that the singer was the first female act to score a number one album within five separate decades. The “Better The Devil You Know” icon secured this feat after her album DISCO reached the top of the UK album charts in November 2020.

Steps’ most recent number one album not only catalyzed their chart record but was also released to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. Comprising of band members Lee Latchford- Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Steps first came to fame after their formation in 1997. After a five-year hiatus, the band reformed for the second time in 2017; since coming back together, the iconic pop singers have released new music and performed several live shows.

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The duo’s Summer smash sees the band utilise a sample from the 1975 song “I Can’t Stop (Turning You On)” by Silk, the single’s accompanying music video echoes the track’s disco influence with beautifully shot dancefloor scenes. The track first gained traction within social media and became a viral hit within the popular app TikTok, the song’s popularity then transferred into chart sales, accumulating over 5.5 million streams this week.

Speaking on their chart win to OfficialCharts.com, LF System gave the following statement, “We’re absolutely over the moon. Thank you to everybody for buying it, streaming it and showing all of the love in the world towards it. We just want to say a massive thank you!”

Elsewhere within the charts, “As It Was” by Harry Styles proves its staying power and places at number two. Last week’s number one and record-breaking single “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush has charted as this week’s number three. Placing at number four within this week’s UK singles chart is Beyonce’s latest single “Break My Soul”, the track is the lead single from her upcoming seventh studio album Renaissance. Closing this week’s UK top 5 singles chart is ”Green Green Grass” by George Ezra, taken from the Brit award-winning singer’s third studio album Gold Rush Kid.

Similar to the meteoric comeback of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”, “Master Of Puppets” by Metallica has re-entered the UK charts due to its use within the successful Netflix TV show Stranger Things. Since its release over 36 years ago, the song has become a celebrated heavy metal track and is widely regarded as a vital part of the genre’s canon. Due to its use within an emotional scene, the track has also enjoyed a resurgence of popularity and has placed at number 47 within this week’s UK singles charts.

Music fans are predicting the track to climb even more places to chart higher in next week’s singles charts, if the influential song was to place within the top 40 it would mark the band’s first Uk top 40 single in 14 years. The metal icons last appeared within the UK Official Singles Chart Top 40 in 2008 with the single “The Day That Never Comes”, the track was taken from the album Death Magnetic which reached the top of the UK album charts.

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The UK official charts have predicted that Bush’s iconic track will overtake “As It Was” and end Styles’ chart reign, “Running Up That Hill” has seen a recent resurgence in popularity due to its use within the new season of Stranger Things. After the new season of the show dropped the track went viral, many have praised the popular Netflix series for exposing younger fans to the song. Originally released in 1985, the track jumped an impressive six places to position just below Styles’ chart-topping single. If Bush climbs one more chart placement the single will mark her first number one single in over forty years, the singer last topped the UK singles charts in 1978 with the seminal song “Wuthering Heights”.

This week’s single chart also sees Styles score another Official Chart Double; the partner album for “As It Was” has charted at the top of the UK album charts. The singer’s recently released album Harry’s House has placed at number one for the second consecutive week, Styles’ third studio album also contains another commercially successful track. The single “Late Night Talking” was released on 20th May 2022 after being debuted at California’s Coachella festival, the single peaked at number two on the singles charts and remains in the top 10 at number seven.

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Much like “Running Up That Hill” another potential high climber is speculated to storm the charts, “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” by BTS is predicted to be a high new entry. The newest single to be released by the hugely popular K-pop group dropped on 10th June 2022 and is the lead single taken from their full release Proof, the band’s first anthology album. The album was released the same day as the lead single and was received with great critical acclaim, publications such as Rolling Stone have already sung the album’s praises.

Elsewhere within the charts, “Go” by Cat Burns drops one space to number three. Last week the single enjoyed a placement at number two after spending the previous week at number four. Placing at number four this week is “About Damn Time” by megastar Lizzo, the single is another viral hit which has been utilised as sound within the popular social media app TikTok. The track is the lead single from the singer’s fourth studio album Special, the yet to be released record is scheduled to drop on 15^th July 2022 via Nice Life and Atlantic Records.

Closing the official UK singles chart is “Space Man” by Sam Ryder, the fellow TikTok artist’s Eurovision entry has held well within the charts and peaked at number two last month. The high chart position made Ryder the first Eurovision candidate to place high within the singles charts in twenty-six years, Gina G’s “Ooh Aah…Just A Little bit” placed at the top spot after its release in 1996. After coming in eighth place within the Eurovision song contest, the dance infused song charted as the UK’s number one single.