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While many were quick to
predict Westlife's victory in last weeks chart
only Chart Chat were brave enough to give Melanie
C a chance. Just 1,423 copies separated
positions 1 and 2, though with some key new
releases this week I think that the boys from
Ireland will have their celebrations cut short...
First up is the first solo
offering from Richard Ashcroft, formerly of The
Verve. Entitled 'A Song For The Loves', the
single has received the expected critical acclaim
from the usual suspects (NME, Jo Whiley, Steve
Lamacq etc) but if you take a step back you would
be forced to admit that this is an ordinary song,
and one which does not do the true genius of
Richard Ashcroft justice. I think he just
has the support to carve out his first solo
number one.
Running him close will be new
British R'N'B star Craig David. Fresh from
his success with Artful Dodger this is Craig's
first solo outing and it is a pretty cool tune.
It has a bassline many American soul stars would
kill for and I think he will be well pleased with
the resulting chart position. Top three,
but maybe not quite a chart topper.
The third contenders for the top
are unknown dance band Sweet Female Attitude with
their sinllge 'Flowers'. If you have
frequented your local night club you are bound to
have heard this song before, and it looks likely
to be a major crossover hit. Again a top
three hit, but maybe not quite enough to beat
Richard Ashcroft.
If headbanging is your scene then
two of the greatest bands around release songs
this week. Iron Maiden's new single may not
be out until May (entitled 'The Wicker Man' - don't
forget where you heard it first!) but the wait is
made more bearable by the ever young AC/DC with
the delayed release of 'Stiff Upper Lip' and the
awesome Zack De La Rocha and the Rage Against The
Machine mob with 'Sleep Now In The Fire'.
Buy both and put an end to dance music domination!
However if you can't be tempted
away from soul and dance, you could do worse than
to check out rising star Angie Stone.
Bigger than Chaka Khan with a voice to match, her
'Life Story' single looks set to be her first
major entry into the UK charts. Basement
Jaxx keep the dance music flag flying with 'Bingo
Bango' while I also expect to see Lock N Load
enter the Top 40 with 'Blow Ya Mind'.
Looking outside the top three
these days and you find Steps still going strong.
Lisa from the band is surely one of the cutest
popsters around and this song is as good as they
have produced. The video is also worth a
look and while I suspect this may miss the top 5
they can be well satisfied with the success of
their album and tour.
So it looks like the boys are back
in town with Richard Ashcroft set to topple
Westlife from their perch. See you next
week!
JHME Music Correspondent
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