Cliff Richard (pictured in 2013) had the best-selling single of 1988 with "Mistletoe and Wine", his twelfth UK number-one single, which topped the chart for four weeks and became the year's Christmas number-one.Kylie Minogue (pictured in 2014) went to number-one in February with her debut single "I Should Be So Lucky", which stayed at the top spot for five weeks. The Australian singer had a total of five top 10 singles in the UK this year.Phil Collins (pictured in 2005) secured three top 10 singles in 1988, the highest-charting of which was his cover of "A Groovy Kind of Love", taken from the soundtrack of the film Buster, which remains his last UK number-one single to date.
The UK Singles Chart is one of many music charts compiled by the Official Charts Company that calculates the best-selling singles of the week in the United Kingdom.[1] Before 2004, the chart was only based on the sales of physical singles.[2][3] This list shows singles that peaked in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart during 1988, as well as singles which peaked in 1987 and 1989 but were in the top 10 in 1988. The entry date is when the single appeared in the top 10 for the first time (week ending, as published by the Official Charts Company, which is six days after the chart is announced).
One-hundred and fifty-five singles charted in the top 10 in 1988, with one-hundred and forty-three singles reaching their peak this year. Nat King Cole and Rick Astley both reached the chart with versions of "When I Fall in Love" (the former entered the chart at the end of 1987 but peaked in this year).
Twenty-nine artists scored multiple entries in the top 10 in 1988. Bros and Kylie Minogue shared the record for most top 10 hits in 1988 with five hit singles each.
The following table (collapsed on desktop site) does not include acts who had previously charted as part of a group and secured their first top 10 solo single.
Morrissey was lead singer in the Manchester-based group The Smiths from 1982 until they disbanded in 1987. He produced his debut solo single this year, "Suedehead", which peaked at number 5, as well as the number 9-peaking follow-up "Everyday Is Like Sunday". Narada scored his only previous top 10 single, "I Shoulda Loved Ya", under his full name Narada Michael Walden.
The Timelords scored their only hit single in 1988, "Doctorin' the Tardis", under this name - they went on to future success as The KLF, one of their several other pseudonyms. Gloria Estefan was credited as a solo artist alongside her group Miami Sound Machine for the first time in 1988. She would make her official solo top 10 debut with 1989's "Don't Wanna Lose You".
U2 (frontman Bono pictured in 2000) scored their first UK number-one single this year with "Desire", taken from the album Rattle and Hum.Climie Fisher had two UK top singles in 1988, including their best known song, "Love Changes (Everything)", which reached number two in April.Bobby McFerrin (pictured in 1994) became a one-hit wonder in the UK this year with his song "Don't Worry, Be Happy", which peaked at number two in October.Italian pop singer Sabrina (pictured in 2010) reached number three in June 1988 with her one and only UK top 10 hit, "Boys (Summertime Love)".
The following table shows artists who achieved two or more top 10 entries in 1988, including singles that reached their peak in 1987 or 1989. The figures include both main artists and featured artists, while appearances on ensemble charity records are also counted for each artist.
a "Especially for You" reached its peak of number-one on 7 January 1989 (week ending).
b "The Only Way Is Up" and "Doctorin' the House" were both credited to Yazz & The Plastic Population, while "Stand Up for Your Love Rights" simply to Yazz.
c "Good Life" reached its peak of number four on 7 January 1989 (week ending).
d "Buffalo Stance" reached its peak of number three on 14 January 1989 (week ending).
e Comedian Mel Smith and singer Kim Wilde parodied their namesakes, the duo Mel and Kim, for the Comic Relief cover of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". The song was recorded under the identical name, Mel & Kim.
g "When I Fall in Love" (Nat King Cole version) originally peaked at number 2 on its initial release in 1957.
h "Gimme Hope Jo'anna" was released as a protest song against apartheid in South Africa. It was banned by the South African government when it was first recorded.
i "I Want You Back" originally peaked at number 2 upon its initial release in 1970. The song was remixed and re-released as "I Want You Back '88" in 1988.
j "Blue Monday" originally peaked at number 9 upon its initial release in 1983. The song was remixed and re-released as "Blue Monday 1988" in 1988.
k "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "She's Leaving Home" were recorded for the charity compilation album Sgt. Pepper Knew My Father, which was raising money for Childline. They were released as a double-A side single, with Wet Wet Wet responsible for the former and Billy Bragg with Cara Tivey the latter.
n "In the Air Tonight" originally peaked at number 2 upon its initial release in 1981. The song was remixed and re-released in 1988.
o "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" originally peaked at number 3 upon its initial release in 1969. It was re-released in 1988 after being used in a television advertising campaign for Miller Lite beer.
p "Lovely Day" originally peaked at number 7 upon its initial release in 1978. The song was remixed and re-released as "Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix)" in 1988.
r "First Time" was used in a television advertising campaign for Coca-Cola in 1987.
s "Downtown" originally peaked at number 2 upon its initial release in 1964. The song was remixed and re-released (without Petula Clark's permission) as "Downtown '88" in 1988.
.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
