First up Atomic Kitten actually increased their sales against their first week tally.  This is unusual in itself, though even with 80,000 copies sold in week two that only puts them up to around the 150,000 mark.  However, some records which failed to make the top spot last year sold more in a single week so the year has continued to get off to a slow start. 

Secondly, who can explain to me what has happened to Westlife's single 'What Makes A Man'?  With all the Christmas hype the song failed to make the coveted number one position and two weeks ago the song was down and almost out at number 38.  Last week it edged up to number 29 but this week it has leapt up to number 17.  That's some comeback!  The actual reason would appear to have been its discounted price of £1.99 in many stores though its hard to understand why so many people have been convinced to buy it so late on. 

And finally Toploader have reached their highest position with 'Dancing In The Moonlight'.  The song peaked at number 19 last year and after 12 weeks around this year it has finally beaten its best position of number 11 achieved back in last November.  Part of this songs remarkable success is down to idiots like me who hated the song for weeks but now have to admit it has grown a little while the other is attributed to the advertising campaign of a major supermarket chain who have been plugging the song non stop on peak time TV. 

Of the weeks new releases the pick has to be Dido.  The years surprise UK package, Dido has risen to fame mainly due to her guest appearance on Eminem's single 'Stan', though even without a single being released her album has been number one in the album charts and she has found herself nominated for numerous awards. 'Here With Me' is theatrical and original, the sound of a real talent.  With Atomic Kitten continuing to post low sales figures she has every chance of debuting at number one. 

Hoping to scupper her plans are the Backstreet Boys who despite much single success have only managed one chart topper in 'I Want It That Way'.  If the boys are your cup of tea then you won't be disappointed as this is more evidence of their winning formula.  Entitled 'The Call', it looks set to be another top three success but is not really likely to be a main challenger for number one. 

Jakatta also look set for high chart action with 'American Booty'.  Sampling the theme from 'American Beauty', this is a creative dance tune and one which will successfully make the crossover into the 'pop' charts.  Probably top five, though again not likely to have the stamina to make the top. 

One of the most interesting releases this week is 'I'm In The Mood For Love' which features the piano talents of Jools Holland paired up with the vocal talents of Jamiroquai backed by the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.  It's almost summery in its feel, and certainly offers a breath of fresh air to charts preoccupied by heavy metal and house music at the moment. 

'The Computer Song' made just number 19 for the Vengaboys and 'Forever As One' looks set to be another low key release which will do well to make the top ten.  It's hard to see what is going on in the marketing department but even the sleeve of the single lacks the cartoon picture or quirky outfits which made the band so popular with the younger market.  Manufactured bands always have a sell by date and it looks as though the Vengaboys may have reached theirs.  Shame really. 

Coming up over the weeks ahead are new releases from Manic Street Preachers, Artful Dodger, Samantha Mumba, A1, Dane Bowers, Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera and Sade.  Westlife's version of 'Uptown Girl' should be their eighth number one in March, and for once no one can complain too much as the proceeds will be going to the needy via the Comic Relief appeal. 

So surely Dido will triumph this week.  I expect 'Here With Me' to displace the Kittens who are off to rerecord their debut album complete with new member Jenny onboard.  See you in seven days then!