Kicking off 2024 with a smash hit, Vermont-born singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has notched his first UK Number 1 single with the poignant melody of “Stick Season”, becoming the first chart-topper of the year – as we predicted in last week’s charticle. This heartfelt composition, delving into the ache of staying rooted while friends scatter, captures the essence of this feeling. At the same time, its title describes the transition between autumn and winter in Vermont.
Climbing from its prior residence at Number 10, “Stick Season” seized the top spot with an impressive 6.5 million streams, making it the most streamed track across the UK for the week. Kahan’s narrative-driven folk ballad resonates deeply, drawing in listeners with its raw emotional landscape. The song previously peaked at Number 2 for two non-consecutive weeks, but Noah Kahan starts 2024 off with a brilliant step-up, claiming the top spot.
In an unexpected twist, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s timeless hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” reclaims its position in the UK Top 10 after 22 years, landing at Number 8. The surge in popularity owes itself to its inclusion in the evocative soundtrack of Emerald Fennell’s provocative thriller, “Saltburn”. According to the Official Charts Company, the song “enjoyed its highest-ever week of streams in the UK as a result.”
Adding to the 2024 chart highlights of the first Top 10 of the year, DJ Billy Gillies and vocalist Hannah Boleyn place at Number 9 with their track “DNA (Loving You)”, marking the artists’ debut appearance in the Top 10.
Drake, alongside Sexyy Red and SZA, storms into the Top 10 at Number 10 with “Rich Baby Daddy”, marking Drake’s astonishing 45th UK Top 10 track. The collaboration also serves as a significant milestone for SZA, tallying her fifth Top 10 hit, while heralding the arrival of rising rapper Sexyy Red into the UK Top 10 charts.
Beyond the pinnacle, several tracks ascend to new heights within the Top 20: Fred again.. and Baby Keem’s “leavemealone” secures the 11th spot, while American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims makes his inaugural Top 40 appearance with “Lose Control” at Number 14. Meanwhile, “On My Love” by Zara Larsson and David Guetta claims Number 15, and “I Remember Everything” by Zach Byan and Kacey Musgraves claims the 16th position. American rapper Paul Russell’s viral hit “Lil Boo Thang” also reaches a new zenith at Number 20.
Noah Kahan’s rise to the top heralds a promising start to the musical landscape of the UK Official Singles Chart 2024, showcasing both established hits and emerging talents. We can’t wait to see what this year brings.
