Main contenders for the highest new entry are BB Mak.  'Back Here' was one of the worst singles this year but surprisingly their new single 'Still On Your Side is much better, and is almost describable as anthemic!  It's still acoustic pop but with slightly more strength in the song.  Top five, possibly top three for this one. 

Just as there was no sign when Steps produced the line dancing classic '5 6 7 8' that they would go on to be one of pops biggest bands, A Teens were simply an Abba covers band until they were rediscovered and now hope to score major chart success with an original song.  Entitled 'Upside Down' it is very much in the boy / girl group mould, and is very enjoyable for it.  They have yet to hit the top ten in the UK, but this could well turn these into as big stars as the group they originally tried to emulate. 

'The Unknown' was one of the finest records this year and was made by Mark B and Blade, a rap / producer duo from downtown London.  Despite its quality it missed the top 40 altogether, but thankfully that should not be the case for their new single 'Ya Don't See The Signs'.  Taken from the album and remixed to give the song almost a metal edge to it this should crack the top 20 for them.  These two are an undiscovered British talent of which we should all be proud. 

Adding to their hardmen image by actually being shot recently, Oxide and Neutrino return to chart action this week with a self made creation, free from BBC TV theme gimmicks or cover versions.  'Up Middle Finger' does not quite fill the promise left by the initial two singles but may yet serve to suggest that their album may be worth a listen. 

Making the transition from dull US r'n'b start to dull UK r'n'b star this week is Jon B who releases 'Don't Talk'.  If Freddie Jackson, Luther Vandross and co are your cup of tea then this is for you.  If you prefer your r'n'b with a bit more rhythm then steer clear of this bland piece of dross. 

Levi's have not only launched a hundred different brands of jeans, they have also helped to sell a complete cross section of songs in relation to their advertising jingles.  Songs such as 'Stand By Me', 'The Joker' and 'Spaceman' all topped the charts after being in Levi's commercials.  Nick Kamen even become a singing star in his own right as result of his starring role.  Hoping to follow in this tradition are Pepe Deluxe who are currently responsible for the song featured in the current commercial.  It's different to the norm, but quite dancy and funky too.  Hopefully a top ten hit. 

King Adora have picked up a vast following from simply gigging around the countries Universities and this year have finally broken through to top forty glory.  Just as My Vitriol have started to edge into the lower reaches of the top thirty, King Adora may well find themselves improving on their previous best position of number 39.  Championed by Radio One (though that means little these days), these boys seem to me nothing better than a Manics tribute band.  However those in the know assure me I am wrong and that these are 'one to watch'.  I for one will watch from a distance... 

Nas has guested on various rappers singles and this time he helps out on 3LW's 'No More'.  This is a mean slice of American rap, and if you want to hear more of what this sounds like then it is on this weeks Pepsi Chart show on Channel 5.  It has been a while since Nas hit the top twenty, but this could well be the record to see him back there. 

Divine Comedy have had some amazing songs in their career.  From 'Something For The Weekend' through the wonderful 'Frog Princess' to the excellent 'Pop Singers Fear Of The Pollen Count'.  Sadly this new single is unlikely to add itself to that formidable list.  'Bad Ambassadour' is fairly plain, run of the mill stuff by their high standards, but it would still be nice to see Neil back on Top Of The Pops. 

Finally a brief mention for dance outfit Storm who return with 'Storm' this week.  It's more of what you would expect - this is a dance band whose aim is to fill the dance floor, not to break down boundaries.  That may not be such a bad thing as I would expect to see their new single in the top twenty come Sunday. 

While we await new single in the coming weeks from Anastacia, Radiohead, Musique vs U2, Melanie B, Travis, Dido, Eddy Grant and 2Pac we should concentrate on the present, at least for now.  I suspect Geri will make it three weeks at the top as I can't see anyone with enough muscle to disposess her.  See if I am right by meeting back here in seven days time.