Billie – Because We Want To
‘Because We Want To’ was an unapologetic product of the late ‘90s, timed perfectly to launch Billie Piper as a chart-topping teen sensation.
Bryan Adams – When You’re Gone (Feat. Melanie C)
‘When You’re Gone’ marked Melanie C’s first solo endeavour away from the Spice Girls, as she joined Bryan Adams for a single that dominated the charts.
Aqua – Good Morning Sunshine
‘Good Morning Sunshine’ earned Aqua a fifth – and final – top 20 hit from their debut album in the UK, even if it felt like a curiously off-brand denouement.
Sugababes – Change
‘Change’ was released as the second single from the Sugababes’ fifth studio album and showcased how their trademark balladry had evolved with a new line-up.
B*Witched – To You I Belong
After topping the chart with their first two singles, B*Witched returned to ostensibly make a bid for the Christmas #1 spot with ‘To You I Belong’.
Atomic Kitten – Be With You
By 2002, Atomic Kitten had asserted a penchant for mid-tempo balladry. So, ‘Be With You’ was a welcome reminder that they could still cut it on the dancefloor.
Five – Closer To Me
After announcing a sudden split weeks after the release of their third album, Five’s next single, ‘Closer To Me’, became an unexpected yet fitting swansong.
Louise – Let’s Go Round Again
With Louise’s second album campaign in full swing, her success continued into the festive season with a well-timed cover of ‘Let’s Go Round Again’.
Alesha Dixon – The Boy Does Nothing
Now a household name after winning ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Alesha Dixon sashayed her way back into the charts and scored a hit with ‘The Boy Does Nothing’.
Blazin’ Squad – Flip Reverse
Even those staunchly averse to Blazin’ Squad’s appeal surely couldn’t deny ‘Flip Reverse’ as a genuinely enjoyable track and, quite probably, their best single.
Jamelia – Beware Of The Dog
The Depeche Mode-sampling ‘Beware Of The Dog’ was widely expected to be a huge hit for Jamelia. So it came as a surprise when the song scraped into the top ten.
Spice Girls – Say You’ll Be There
Far from being a difficult second single, ‘Say You’ll Be There’ delivered on the Spice Girls’ hype and earned them another huge hit.
Aqua – Barbie Girl
Aqua made their breakthrough in 1997 when ‘Barbie Girl’ earned them a place on the all-time best-sellers list in the UK…as well as a hefty lawsuit from Mattel.
Vengaboys – Cheekah Bow Wow (That Computer Song)
‘Cheekah Bow Wow (That Computer Song)’ saw a new – animated – member join the Vengaboys to help promote a fourth single from ‘The Platinum Album’
Aly & AJ – Potential Breakup Song
Though Aly & AJ weren’t among the highest-profile acts on Hollywood Records, ‘Potential Breakup Song’ became one of the label’s earliest top 20 hits in America.
Michelle Branch – Breathe
‘Breathe’ wasn’t released in the UK when Michelle Branch’s second album was abandoned after one single. But it did, at least, become a modest hit in America.
a1 – Same Old Brand New You
After scoring their first #1 single, a1’s sights were set on pop music’s A-list, and ‘Same Old Brand New You’ proved that’s precisely where they deserved to be.
Britney Spears – Gimme More
Britney Spears took creative control on her fifth album, and with three words, the lead single made a now-iconic statement of defiance: “It’s Britney, bitch”
Steps – Tragedy
‘Tragedy’ might’ve been released as a double-A side single, but Steps’ inspired cover of a Bee Gees classic became bigger than anyone predicted.
Ultra – The Right Time
Ultra had yet to enter the top ten when they released their third single. So, if there were a moment to make a breakthrough, this would’ve been the right time.
Alesha Dixon – Lipstick
Alesha Dixon was fired up to release her debut single in 2006, but would ‘Lipstick’ deliver on her obvious potential as a solo artist?