Product Description

The updated third edition of the only chart book that lists singles and albums in one volume. The official UK chart began in 1952 and this epic word of reference includes absolutely every charting album, single and EP from then until December 2003. The hits are arranged by artist and are identified by country of origin, label chart position, number of weeks in the chart. Includes a 'Statistics' section which includes the most number ones, most top ten hits, most weeks at number one, most weeks in the chart, one hit wonders, most re-entries with the same record, first hit at number one, first two hits at number one, most hits without a number one and longest gap between hits. With an introduction by respected DJ and chart expert Paul Gambaccini.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92358 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1521 pages

Customer Reviews

Awesome content; lousy design
For content, the book easily scores five stars. It's exactly what's promised -- the complete singles and albums chart data all compiled in one book. I'm glad I own it and I refer to it constantly.

But I have to dock it two stars for the layout. Since 95% of the content is all database-driven, the value that the "authors" and editors are adding is in the packaging, and some of the design choices here leave me shaking my head ... and reaching for a ruler. The way the book has been laid out it's almost impossible to read without a ruler in your hand, especially for any artist who's had more than a few hits. A senseless selection of column orders and typefaces make getting the information a challenge at times.

So, I'm happy I bought the book, but maybe next time the publisher could just lift the design of Joel Whitburn's Billboard books, or even of the Guiness Book of British Hit Singles, which both feature a vastly superior layout.

Incredibly precise and an interesting read
This book is a must for any popular music fan. It documents all singles, EPs and albums that have made it onto the UK charts and the statistics section is highly entertaining.
This book is incredibly precise, with record label, peak position and weeks on chart listed for every entry. Although I do not always agree with the UK charts (teen pop seems to be ruling the Top 10 singles nowadays - the album chart possibly the only true reflection of "real" music), this offers a wonderful insight into everything about the charts - a US version of this book would also be very good.
The only things that make this book not as good as The Guinness Book Of British Hit Singles (Edition 14) is the lack of colour and the lack of symbols. If a song or album has got to number one, there is no greater indication than a single that made No75. Also, a sales indicator would be brilliant (highlighting the entry a certain colour for a certain number of sales).
This book is a very interesting reference for the avid music fan or casual listener to the charts. Finally, I would like to express my feelings about the singles chart - it should be a Top 100, like the albums chart!

A must for all UK music charts lovers
I have several books at home regarding the UK singles charts, but since I received my copy of this book a few days ago I have already become addicted to it. Although it lacks information on the recording artists, except for their country of origin, this book is unique in other details. If a song is extracted from a musical or a film soundrack, it is easy to know now because it's specified below the names of the songs. Also if a song had already been recorded, but did not hit the charts, the book specifies the original recording artist. Incredible. Other details found in this book are found elsewhere too, but since this book contains also all long playing albums, extended plays and cd's which have hit the charts, then this is the only book you need to have at home for UK music charts reference.