Irish boy-band Westlife on Sunday scored their ninth UK number one hit with “Queen of my Heart,” the chart’s compiler said.
The quintet’s rousing ballad ended hip-hopper Afroman’s three-week stay at the top with his homage to cannabis, “Because I Got High,” according to figures released by The Official UK Charts Company.
All but one of Westlife’s ten singles have reached number one since their first release, “Sweat It Again” in April 1999.
“We are grateful to all our fans for their continued support,” the band said in a statement on their website.
“Queen of My Heart” is described by the band as a cross between the sound of veteran singer Rod Stewart and Wings, the band formed by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.
Three other new releases entered the top ten this week, led by controversial U.K. garage collective So Solid Crew.
The South London group of 30 rappers, DJs and producers were straight in at number three with “They Don’t Know.”
The single was released less than a week after two people were injured in a shooting during a So Solid Crew concert in central London.
Some of the biggest names in music teamed up to record a version of the Marvin Gaye classic “What’s Going On” to raise money for AIDS charities and those affected by the September 11 attacks.
U2’s Bono, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were among the stars featured on the single, which was straight in at number five.
U.S. diva Cher was in at number eight with “The Music’s No Good Without You,” the first single from her new album “Living Proof.”
Rapper Eminem’s hip hop group D12 were in at number 11 with “Fight Music,” a typically robust look at guns, drugs and alcohol.
New York newcomers The Strokes, tipped by some in the music industry as the next big thing, reached number 14 with “Last Nite,” taken from their debut album “Is This It.”
