World of Apple
This is a static archive of World of Apple, published by Alex Brooks between 2005 and 2015. Nothing here is live or updated since original publication.

iTunes to be a Deciding Factor in UK No. 1

This year Digital Downloaders will be deciding what song reaches Number 1 on the UK chart for the Christmas week. The BPI has said that Digital Downloads have surged and a huge hike in digital music player sales will also contribute.

The BPI has said that digital downloads are up 400 percent from last year but Piracy is still prevailing in the UK, and this isn't being helped by pressure from the Music Industry to raise the price of individual tracks being sold online.

Here are some little facts from the BPI to make you smile this Christmas:

BPI figures: 2005's best-selling downloads, Weeks 1-49

1: 'You're Beautiful', James Blunt;

2: 'Hung Up', Madonna;

3: 'Bad Day', Daniel Powter;

4: 'Push The Button', Sugababes;

5: 'Feel Good Inc', Gorillaz;

6: 'Don't Cha'. Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes;

7: 'Gold Digger', Kanye West;

8: 'I Like The Way', Bodyrockers;

9: 'Speed of Sound', Coldplay;

10: 'Dare', Gorillaz.

BPI figures: The Christmas Number Ones; 1995-2004

1995: Michael Jackson, 'Earth Song';

1996: Spice Girls, '2 Become 1';

1997: Spice Girls, 'Too Much';

1998: Spice Girls, 'Goodbye';

1999: Westlife, 'I Have A Dream / Seasons In The Sun';

2000: Bob The Builder, 'Can We Fix It?';

2001: Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman, 'Somethin' Stupid';

2002: Girls Aloud, 'Sound Of The Underground';

2003: Michael Andrews feat Gary Jules, 'Mad World';

2004: Band Aid 2, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'.