Taylor Swift Extends Reign on U.K. Chart With ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’
Written by djfrosty on November 13, 2023
Despite a challenge from Oasis and BTS’ Jung Kook, Taylor Swift holds onto her U.K. chart crown for a second week with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (via EMI).
The fourth in Swift’s re-recording projects, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) squeezes past Oasis’ The Masterplan (Big Brother), which enjoys a new chart life thanks to a 25th anniversary.
Originally released in 1998, The Masterplan gathers b-sides from the Britpop era giants’ first three albums, 1994’s Definitely Maybe, 1995’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? and 1997’s Be Here Now, and is led-off by “Acquiesce,” a quintessential fan favorite.
The leader at the midweek point, The Masterplan re-enters the chart at No. 2, its original peak position following its release in 1998. It’s the U.K.’s best-seller on wax during the latest chart cycle.
The top new release on the fresh chart, published Friday, Nov. 10 is Jung Kook’s Golden (BigHit Entertainment), which completes the podium at No. 3. Golden becomes the highest-peaking album from a member of BTS, and the best chart position for a solo Korean artist, the Official Charts Company confirms. Album track “Standing Next to You” bows at No. 6 on the national singles chart, his fourth U.K. top 10 this year.
Meanwhile, legendary English pop artist Cliff Richard snags his 48th U.K. top 10 album with Cliff With Strings – My Kinda Life (EastWest/Rhino), new at No. 5, ahead of Johnny Marr’s Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr (BMG), debuting at No. 7, marking the ex-Smiths guitarist’s fifth solo U.K. top 10 appearance.
It’s Beatlemania once again on the U.K. Singles Chart as “Now And Then” (Apple Corps) powers to No. 1. As fans of the Fab Four feel the rush of nostalgia, the 2000 career retrospective 1 returns to the top 40 at No. 21. The album has logged 444 weeks on the tally, including one week at No. 1 back in 2000.
Finally, titles from Gregory Porter (Christmas Wish at No. 14 via Decca), Caroline Polachek (Desire I Want To Turn Into You at No. 23 via Perpetual Novice) and Van Morrison (Accentuate The Positive at No. 39 via Exile) enter the top 40 for the first time.