British Acts Vanish From American Chart

2002

For the first time since 1963, there are no British acts in the US Hot 100, as Americans reject acts like Blur, Oasis and Robbie Williams.

As Craig David's "Seven Days" drops out of the chart, it marks the end of a steady stream of British hits that has lasted 38 years. Here's the Top 10: 1) "Foolish" - Ashanti 2) "What's Luv? - Fat Joe with Ashanti 3) "Ain't It Funny" - Jennifer Lopez with Ja Rule 4) "U Don't Have To Call" - Usher 5) "Girlfriend" - 'N SYNC with Nelly 6) "I Need A Girl (Part Two)" - P. Diddy & Ginuwine with Loon, Mario Winans & Tammy Ruggeri 7) "Blurry" - Puddle Of Mudd 8) "Oops (Oh My)" - Tweet 9) "In The End" - Linkin Park 10) "A Thousand Miles" - Vanessa Carlton The failure of the UK's biggest current pop star, Robbie Williams, to break America highlights the current struggles for UK acts. After conquering Europe and Australia, Williams signed to Capitol in 1999 in search of Stateside success. However, despite the best efforts of the label, including a nationwide promotional tour and significant airplay for his single "Millennium," he makes virtually no impact on the US Hot 100, where his biggest hit is "Angels" at an underwhelming #53 in 2000. By contrast, Williams has enjoyed four #1 albums and a string of hit singles over the last five years in his native Britain, most recently hitting the top spot at home with his cover of "Somethin' Stupid." The duet with Hollywood star Nicole Kidman is widely seen as a move to appeal to an American audience, but ultimately proves futile as plans to launch his Swing When You're Winning covers album in the States are shelved due to lack of interest. The last chart drought for the UK, back in October 1963, lasted just one week before being broken by the Caravelles' "You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry" entering at #64. The following April, the Beatles held all of the top five chart positions, and 20 years later in April 1984, the chart was dominated by Brits, with Phil Collins, Eurythmics and Culture Club among the acts taking up 40 places in the Hot 100.