And so here we are at Christmas week. For all the strange contenders like Solid Gold Chartbusters, Blur, Robbie Williams and Melanie C who were all unlikely to make it the list comes down to just four real contenders.

First up is the Cuban Boys who have sampled a yodelling hamster with disasterous results.  It's a record you will surely love to hate but something tells me it won't have the legs to carry it past Cliff in the race to the top.

John Lennon, spurred on by the songs success in a poll of the milleniums greatest music, has released 'Imagine'.  This looks like it may edge into the top three but it would be a shame if the greatest talent available as we head into the millenium is someone who has been dead for 19 years.  That said it is a classic song and it will deserve its place in history.

And so, head to head in true Coe v Ovett or Man Utd v Arsenal style comes Cliff v Westlife.  Cliff must be weakening after three weeks at the top (an achievement in itself) while Westlife come fresh from three number ones and the 'Record of the Year' award.  If I had to put my house on the line then Westlife would have my backing.  Personally I would prefer to see Cliff do it, but the Westlife boys should edge him out.  It's a shame they couldn't have put out a new song, but that sums up music today. Maybe that could be discussed in Viewpoint elsewhere in this site!

Others out this week who may have been contenders but will miss out include Steps, Charlotte Church, S Club 7 and the charity collaboration "It's Only Rock N Roll" which looks to have disappointing sales.

Whatever the outcome I hope everyone has found at least some songs they like this Christmas time and I will be back to look at the battle for the Millenium number one on Monday 20th.

IA