 | | | Chart-topping boy band Westlife |
Westlife have had amazing success in the UK and around the world, but did you know that the Irish boy band have now become the most successful chart act in the UK since the Beatles? They have just clocked up their thirteenth number one single with “You Raise Me Up”, and at the same time their new album “Face to Face” is topping the UK Album Chart. Westlife are the only band to match the Beatles’ record of having seven consecutive number ones in the British charts. Their run of hits started with their debut single back in 1999, and ended in 2000 with their hit “My Love”. Their single following that “Tell Me What Makes A Man” only made it to number two in the charts. They were prevented from beating the Beatles’ record, by the theme tune to the well-known British children’s animation “Bob the Builder”!! As well as sharing the record for the most consecutive number one hits, Westlife are also the only band to have their first seven singles reach the top of the charts. Westlife can also take some credit for a record broken by another artist. TV talent show winner and successful British pop star Will Young, holds the record for the fastest-selling debut single. His 2002 song “Evergreen”, sold 1.1 million in the first week. However, the song was originally a Westlife song. It was never a single for them, but it featured on their album “World of our Own”. Critics of the band claim they have only managed to achieve success comparable to the Beatles because of declining singles sales. A song today can reach number one selling only several thousand copies, compared to the millions the Beatles had to sell to top the charts. But many would argue that Westlife’s continuing success is a remarkable achievement in an industry where pop bands come and go all the time. | 
