Raye reaches new heights with her first solo hit, while Maan & Goldband earn fifth week at Number 1

Dutch pop favourites Maan and Goldband enter a fifth consecutive week atop the chart with “Stiekem”, supported by steady combined streams and playlisting. The synth-inspired collaboration has enjoyed a steady chart run so far, however for the first time since its debut, the Dutch smash its reign is challenged by none other than Raye. The British singer-songwriter had previously earned Top 5-success with “You Don’t Know Me” with Jax Jones and “Bed” Joel Corry, but never quite found her footing as a solo artist. This week, however, Raye rapidly climbs to a new peak at #2 with her latest single “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake. It marks Raye her highest-peaking release to date, her first Top 10-hit as the leading artist, and her fourth Top 10-entry overall. It could possibly be a serious contender for next week’s Number 1, if Raye is able to keep ahead of the Christmas classics and knock Maan & Goldband off the top.

Canadian jazz-pop singer Michael Bublé jumps up twenty-eight places to #9 with his Christmas classic “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas”. The song was originally written by Meredith Wilson in 1951 and recorded by various artists, including Bing Crosby and Perry Como & The Fontane Sisters. Bublé recorded the song in 2011 for his holiday album titled Christmas. He previously scored big hits in the late Noughties with “Everything” and “It’s a Beautiful Day”. His cover of this Christmas classic is always a big hit this time on year and has become a streaming staple. On my personal list, this week marks the first time Bublé’s “It’s Beginning To Look…” peaks inside the Top 10. Overall, the holiday single marks Bublé his second Top 10-entry to date.

Inside the Top 20, American hit singer SZA stays at #11 with her latest single “Shirt”, which preceded her highly anticipated second studio album S.O.S. It is supported by stable streaming figures, which are very likely to increase next week following the album its release. London-based producer Fred Again lands two Top 20-entries with “Strong”, feat Romy Madley-Croft, at #14 and “Delilah (Pull Me Out Of This” at #17. Mariah Carey jumps up twenty places to #15 with “All I Want For Christmas” and Drake & 21 Savage round out the Top 20 with “Rich Flex”.

Meanwhile, Christmas classics flood the entire chart, foreshadowing a Christmas takeover. Revered pop icon Ariana Grande leads the pack with “Santa Tell Me”, which re-enters at #19. It has previously peaked at #3 in 2014 and always re-enters my personal list this time of the year. Kelly Clarkson re-enters at #29 with “Underneath the Tree”, while Band Aid’s charity classic “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” makes its return at #35. Finally, Ellie Goulding her cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” makes its first appearance on the chart since it peaked at #7 in 2019. It re-enters at #38, supported by the release of Goulding her upcoming fifth studio album.

Between the Christmas mayhem, Lewis Capaldi sneaks in the sole debut of the week with “Pointless”, the second single of his upcoming new album Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent. It was preceded by “Forget Me”, which topped the chart for one week and became Capaldi his first ever Number 1-hit. Lewis Capaldi previously scored big worldwide hits with “Someone You Loved” and “Before You Go”. The new single “Pointless” was well received by critics and has been a steady streaming success, which could earn the Scottish darling a new hit soon.

Newly certified songs

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid 20 GOLD

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey 3 X PLATINUM