US singer Alex Warren's smash hit Ordinary has notched up its 12th week at number one in the UK - the longest chart reign since Ed Sheeran's Shape of You in 2017. Ordinary, which the 24-year-old wrote for his wife after their wedding last year, has been streamed 107 million times in the UK, according to the Official Charts Company. It has broken the 70-year-old record for the most consecutive weeks at number one by a US artist - surpassing Slim Whitman's Rose Marie, which spent 11 weeks at the top in 1955. Ordinary shows no sign of going away - it remains by far the biggest song on Spotify in the UK, with 33% more streams than its nearest rival in the service's latest daily rankings. But it has some way to go before it catches the longest-running number ones of all time. Longest-running number ones in history: Warren found fame as one of the founders of the Hype House, a TikTok collective who lived together in Los Angeles and entertained millions of teenagers during the pandemic. He first reached the top 10 with Carry You Home last year, then his career as heartfelt folk-pop singer-songwriter exploded with Ordinary, which is currently also number one in the US. "It has been enormous," said James Masterton, who writes theChart Watch UKblog. "It's a crossover hit single in a good old-fashioned sense, and in a way we haven't seen for quite some considerable time. "It's the kind of record that sat comfortably on the playlists of both Radio 1 and Radio 2, but ironically it's dropped off both of those now and they've both moved on to playing his new single. But that's an example of how it has genuine pan-generational appeal." Ordinary has also become a popular wedding song, and Warren's label has even released a Wedding Version. "In that sense it's got much in common with some of the other famous long-running tracks of the past, such as (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, Love Is All Around and I Will Always Love You. They are all very deeply felt romantic songs." But despite being such a mammoth hit, changing media and music habits mean Ordinary hasn't become a ubiquitous phenomenon of the kind Bryan Adams and Wet Wet Wet had when they were appearing on BBC TV chart show Top of the Pops week after week. "The fragmentation of the media means the ability for records to grab the attention of large groups of people has diminished rapidly," Masterton said. "In times gone by when a record was number one for as long as 12 weeks, everybody would know who the superstar was." Longest-running number ones of the 2020s: Ordinary is also the longest-running number one since chart rules were changed in 2017 to stop the top 40 getting clogged up by songs that have passed their peak of popularity. The chart formula automatically demotes songs that have had three consecutive weeks of declining streaming figures, when compared with the rest of the market. But Ordinary has held sufficiently steady to avoid that fate so far.
Alex Warren scores longest-running number one this decade
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' Achieves Record 12 Weeks at Number One in the UK"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
US singer Alex Warren has achieved remarkable success with his hit single "Ordinary," which has secured its position at number one on the UK charts for an impressive 12 weeks. This milestone marks the longest chart reign since Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" in 2017. The song, which Warren composed as a heartfelt tribute to his wife following their wedding last year, has garnered over 107 million streams in the UK alone. In doing so, it has surpassed the 70-year-old record for the most consecutive weeks at number one by a US artist, previously held by Slim Whitman's "Rose Marie," which reigned for 11 weeks in 1955. As it stands, "Ordinary" continues to dominate Spotify in the UK, boasting 33% more streams than its closest competitor, indicating its strong staying power in the music scene.
Warren, who gained fame as one of the founders of the Hype House—a TikTok collective that entertained millions during the pandemic—has seen his career soar since the release of "Ordinary." This crossover hit appeals to a wide audience, being played on both Radio 1 and Radio 2, although it has since been replaced by his newer single on those playlists. Music industry expert James Masterton noted that despite its immense popularity, the changing media landscape means that songs like "Ordinary" do not have the same ubiquitous presence as past chart-toppers like Bryan Adams or Wet Wet Wet. The song's appeal as a wedding anthem has also led to the release of a special Wedding Version. Furthermore, "Ordinary" is notable for being the longest-running number one since chart rules were adjusted in 2017, which aimed to prevent the top 40 from being dominated by songs that had already peaked. Despite the challenges posed by the evolving music industry, Warren's single has maintained its position, showcasing its enduring popularity and emotional resonance with listeners.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the remarkable achievement of US singer Alex Warren, whose song "Ordinary" has reached an impressive milestone by spending 12 weeks at number one in the UK. This accomplishment not only marks a significant moment in Warren's career but also establishes a new record for consecutive weeks at the top by a US artist in the UK charts. The coverage serves multiple purposes, from celebrating Warren's success to influencing public perception of contemporary music trends.
Purpose of the Article
This news piece aims to inform readers about Alex Warren's record-breaking achievement in the music industry. By emphasizing the emotional backstory of "Ordinary," which was written for his wife, the article seeks to create a personal connection with the audience. Additionally, it highlights the song's wide appeal across generations, positioning it as a contemporary classic.
Public Perception
The article fosters a sense of pride in local talent and promotes a narrative that celebrates musical achievements in the current decade. By framing "Ordinary" as a song that resonates with audiences of all ages, the article strives to enhance Warren's image as a relatable and talented artist. This narrative encourages a positive reception of pop music that blends personal storytelling with broad appeal.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on Warren's success, it may downplay the competitive nature of the music industry and the challenges that new artists face. By not addressing any controversies or the scrutiny surrounding pop music, the article creates an idealized image that could obscure the complexities of the industry.
Credibility of the Article
The information presented appears credible, as it references specific data from the Official Charts Company and includes quotes from industry experts like James Masterton. However, the celebratory tone may lead to an overly optimistic portrayal of Warren's career trajectory, which could influence public opinion.
Influence on Society and Economy
The success of "Ordinary" could have broader implications for the music industry, potentially impacting streaming services, radio play, and even record sales. Additionally, as "Ordinary" becomes a popular wedding song, it may influence related industries, such as wedding planning and event management.
Target Audience
The article appears to target a younger demographic, particularly fans of pop music and social media, given Warren's background as a TikTok influencer. It seeks to engage those who resonate with heartfelt music and romantic themes, appealing to a broad audience.
Market Implications
The news surrounding Warren's success may positively influence stocks related to music streaming platforms such as Spotify. As his song continues to perform well, investors may see this as a sign of emerging trends in music consumption that favor artists with strong social media followings.
Global Context
While this news primarily focuses on a local achievement, it reflects broader trends in the music industry where social media influencers are gaining prominence. This aligns with a global shift in how music is marketed and consumed, especially in light of the increased reliance on digital platforms.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is little evidence to suggest that artificial intelligence was directly involved in crafting this particular article. However, AI tools could have been utilized in data analysis, such as tracking streaming numbers or chart positions. The language used in the article is consistent with conventional journalism, and it does not exhibit characteristics typically associated with AI-generated content.
In conclusion, the article serves to celebrate Alex Warren's achievements while also reflecting trends in the music industry. It promotes a positive narrative around pop music and its artists, although it may gloss over some complexities within the industry. The credibility of the article is supported by specific data and expert opinions, making it a reliable source of information regarding Warren's impact on contemporary music.