Overview of the Official Charts - 2nd February 2024

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February has arrived, the shortest month of the year.

Despite that, there are a lot of hits in the singles and albums charts. Here's an overview on what happened this week.

SINGLES

At #38, Michael Marcagi makes his debut with "Scared To Start".

Michael lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and was the lead singer in a band named the Heavy Hours. "Scared To Start" was previewed on TikTok and would become viral there.

One place higher, at #37, Justin Timberlake returns with the song "Selfish". Britney Spears was a fan of the song, only to rescind her praise after Justin negatively responded to her comments at one of his concerts. 

British rap Icon Skepta returns to the top 40 at #32 with "Gas Me Up (Diligent)". 

It's the first song from his recently announced album 'Knife and Fork', his 6th album in his career that has spanned 21 years.

Another new entry, this time from Megan Thee Stallion at #31. "Hiss" another hit for the rapper, yet it has Nicki Minaj and her fans fuming.

A line in Megan's song has caused drama between Megan and Nicki and is still going as of writing.

Kygo & Ava Max's "Whatever" rises in its second week from #39 to #27.

The Last Dinner Party's "Nothing Matters" finally makes it into the top 40 at #22.

The song is expected to rise even higher as their debut album, 'Prelude To Ecstasy' was released this week.

#20 sees Bob Marley's legacy continues as Bob Marley's grandson, YG Marley, jumps into the music scene. 

"Praise Jah In The Moonlight" was co-written by his mother Lauryn Hill (former singer of the Fugees) and it samples his Grand Dad's song "Crisis".

Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" misses out on the top 10 at #11 in his second week in the charts. 

Madonna returns to the top 10 after 15 years with the song "Popular". It features the Weeknd and Playboi Carti and features in the divisive TV show 'The Idol'.

The last time Madonna was in the top 10 in the UK was in 2009 with her song "Celebration". It was released as a single for her compilation album of the same name.

Relaxing in the top 10 are Taylor Swfit, Tate McCrae, Casso, Jack Harlow and Ariana Grande.

Teddy Swims, on the other hand, sees his song "Lose Control" reach a new high of #3.

He was recently spotted at the Spotify Best New Artist Party 2024 along with Ice Spice and Noah Kahan.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is still at #2 with "Murder On The Dancefloor", while Noah Kahan secures a fifth week at #1 with "Stick Season".

Who knows if Sophie can finally defeat the Vermont based guitarist to the top.

ALBUMS

It's been a busy week in the UK Albums Charts.

Starting at #31 is the New Model Army. "Unbroken" is the band's 15th album in their 44-year run. 

Their first album, 'Vengeance' was released in 1984. Almost making it 40 years old.

Welsh singer-songwriter Gruff Rhys secure another top 40 album named 'Sadness Sets Me Free', peaking at #22.

Before he went solo, Gruff was the front-man for the Super Furry Animals. Despite achieving 19 top 40 hits, none of them entered the top 10. "Northern Lites" was close. It peaked at #11 in May 1999.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes secure the #10 spot with their fifth album 'Dark Rainbow'. 'End Of Suffering' remains the Hemel Hempstead based rock group's highest charting album (#4 in 2019).

American Synth-Rock group Future Islands make history for themselves as their 7th album makes it to #7. 'People Who Aren't There Anymore' is the band's 4th album on 4AD and marks 10 years on that label.

The longest serving band on 4AD remains the Breeders, the Kim Deal fronted band have been on the label since 1990 and are set to perform in the UK & Europe this Summer.

Tom Odell makes it into the top 5 with 'Black Friday'. It's his 6th album and features the same titled single "Black Friday" which peaked at #21 in October 2023.

The Smile achieve their highest charting album with 'Wall Of Eyes'. Thom, Jonny and Frank are relieved as it charts higher than their first album "A Light For Attracting Attention", which charted at #5 in May 2022.

While the Smile keeps going, many Radiohead fans are still awaiting for Jonny and Thom to bring the group back; especially with the rumoured re-release of their 6th album 'Hail To The Thief'.

At #2 is the Reytons with 'Ballad Of A Bystander'. The Rotherham based band settle for the runner-up spot as the band's third album 'What's Rock and Roll' went to #1 exactly a year ago as of writing.

And at the top spot is James Arthur. 'Bitter Sweet Love' is his 5th album in his career. It also marks his first #1 album since his 2nd album 'Back From The Edge'.

James Arthur remains one of the few singers to still remain famous after their time on The X Factor, along with Ella Henderson and One Direction.

EPILOGUE

New singles start with pianist Billy Joel as he releases his first song in 17 years named "Turn The Lights Back On". 

Billy is known for songs such as "Piano Man", "Uptown Girl" and "We Didn't Start A Fire".

The Pet Shop Boys return with a new single "Loneliness". It's the first sing from their upcoming album 'Nonetheless'.

The duo are also set to perform at the Royal Opera House in London for five consecutive days.

Usher is set to perform at the Superbowl half-time show this year and he's released a new single. "Ruin" features Nigerian singer Pheelz and is set to some chilled afrobeats.

The Last Dinner Party release their debut album 'Prelude To Ecstasy'. The female rockers have been praised my numerous music news outlets and are likely to have an amazing 2024.

The Official Soundtrack for the animated musical comedy show 'Hazbin Hotel' has also been released.


 The show started off as a pilot on YouTube and was animated by Vivziepop. It gained millions of views and was picked up by Amazon and A24 for a TV series.

As the first season of 'Hazbin Hotel' gained positive reviews, a second series is now in development.

And last but not least. J Mascis, frontman of highly influential rock band Dinosaur Jr., releases his fourth solo album 'What Do We Do Now'. 

J's highest moment in his career was with Dinosaur Jr.; "Feel The Pain" entered the UK Singles Charts at #25 and the US Hot 100 at #62 in 1994.

That's all for this week, here's to next Friday.

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