Few people realize just how different the music across the pond is from that we listen to in America, that the Hot 100 doesn't exist in the UK, and that its equivalent to our singles chart doesn't just feature a whole bunch of American artists with even more One Direction and Ellie Goulding tracks. Music Times is looking back at the last four decades of music, and at the no. 1 hits on August 10 every ten years on the spot, going back to 1975. The ultimate contest, of course, is which country has better taste. Last month the win went to the UK in the best-of-five showdown. This month features Mariah Carey, One Direction, TLC and more in the field.
2005: "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt (UK) vs. "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey
The two sides of the Atlantic were like-minded come 2005: Everybody wanted ballads. In the UK, James Blunt was building the confidence of every girl who turned on the radio with "You're Beautiful," while across the pond, Mariah Carey was leading everyone question why they questioned her potential as a hit-maker.
It had been more than five years since her previous no. 1, which sounds fine to the common musician, but when you're the record holder for most no. 1's, that's quite a drought. The song eventually became Billboard's no. 1 song of 2005, and then its no. 1 song of the decade... and listeners weren't wrong.
We (and probably Blunt) would conclude that the song is beautiful. UK listeners, probably bitter ten years in advance that we choose Mimi over James, only allowed the track to get to no. 2 on their singles charts. Blunt fought a valiant battle, but the world has spoken here.
(excerpt from Music Times)
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