The Beatles racked up 18 No. 1 hits on the United Kingdom’s main songs chart throughout their time together, including “Now and Then,” which landed in the top spot only last year. When looking at all of the weekly rankings in their home country, the band’s list of champions expands significantly, and due to occasional re-releases, the rockers continue to add to their historic count from time to time.
One of The Beatles’ earliest singles finally debuts on several charts in the U.K. after being released again. The tune nearly earned the group another No. 1—and on more than one tally, no less—but misses out on doing so by just one space.
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” debuts on three U.K.-based charts this week. The tune starts its time inside the top 10 on all of the lists it hits this frame, and it even opens in the runner-up rung on both the Official Physical Singles and Official Vinyl Singles rankings.
The Beatles have thus far collected a trio of No. 1s on the list of the bestselling songs on any physical format in the U.K. “Love Me Do,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “Now and Then” all soared to the summit. They’ve snagged just two winners on the Official Vinyl Singles chart, as both “Yellow Submarine” and “Now and Then” took turns in charge of the list.
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” is the second tune by The Beatles to stall at No. 2 on both the physical and vinyl single sales charts across the pond. On the Official Physical Singles list, “Free As A Bird” flew to the runner-up rung and stopped there. Over on the Official Vinyl Singles tally, “Wembley Park Studios 1964,” which is really more of an EP than a proper single, also landed at No. 2.
As “I Want To Hold Your Hand” begins its journey on two charts at No. 2, it nearly matches that performance on a third list as well. The Beatles launch their tune at No. 4 on the Official Singles Sales list, which isn’t focused on just one style or one medium, instead painting a picture of the top-selling cuts in the nation.
The Beatles released “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in late 1963, when they were just beginning their global domination. It quickly hit No. 1 in the U.K., where it was one of their earliest smashes. The track was re-released as a seven-inch vinyl for Record Store Day in the U.K., paired with “I Saw Her Standing There,” and fans turned the special offering into a bestseller.
