Stranger things are happening on the U.K. singles chart as Djo cracks the top five for the first time with “End of Beginning,” while Beyoncé lassos a second week at No. 1 with “Texas Hold ‘Em”.
Djo is the musical project of Joe Keery, the U.S. actor who portrays Steve Harrington in the popular Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things.
“End of Beginning” is housed on Djo’s 2022 studio album Decide (AWAL/Djo), but was never released as a single proper. Now, thanks to a viral trend on TikTok, “End of Beginning” rockets up the chart, flying 100-11-5 in the past three weeks. For the latest cycle, the dreamy indie pop single enjoyed a 50.7% week-on-week gain, according to the Official Charts Company.
This isn’t the first time a Stranger Things-adjacent tune has enjoyed an unexpected viral turn. In 2022, powered by season four syncs, Kate Bush’s 1985 release “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” climbed to No. 1 for the first time, setting records along the way, while Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” cracked the top 40 following Eddie Munson’s guitar solo scene – becoming a hit for the first time some 37 years after its release.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé extends her reign over the Official U.K. Singles Chart, published Friday, March 1, as her country-tinged hit holds at No. 1 for a second week. “Texas Hold ‘Em” (via Columbia/Parkwood Ent) became Bey’s sixth U.K. leader, and her first in 14 years.
Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” (Atlantic) lifts 3-2 for a new peak position, while Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” (Warner Records) dips 2-3.
Further down the tally, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign crash the top 10 with “Carnival” (YZY), up 13-9, a new peak position. That’s Ye’s 22nd U.K. top 10 appearance and Ty’s fourth.
Finally, SZA snags a top 20 debut with “Saturn” (RCA/Top Dawg), new at No. 15 for the U.S. R&B star’s 13th U.K. top 40 appearance, while British rapper Central Cee scores his 24th top 40 with “I Will” (Columbia). It’s new at No. 18.
https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-retains-uk-chart-crown-texas-hold-em-1235620950/