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As the nation reels from being punched constantly in the face with news, it seems like the only thing that’s static and dull right now is the top 40 singles chart. Drake’s One Dance has now been number one for so long that Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day is starting to look like a documentary.
Further down, only 14 different songs have been in the top 10 during the past six weeks. Blame the inclusion of streaming data in the chart statistics, and be thankful that a new major hit appeared today from London production duo Snakehips.
Having enlisted impressive US names Tinashe and Chance the Rapper on their last single, All My Friends, and earned a platinum disc and an Ivor Novello award for their trouble, Oliver Lee and James Carter have an even bigger guest on their new single.
One Direction escapee Zayn Malik sings Cruel, a slinky R&B tune with a zingy chorus that hits the spot on a sunny day. It may not be enough to dislodge Drake, but this is one challenge to a powerful person’s reign that we can all get behind.
Oct 6, Koko, NW1 (0870 432 5527, koko.uk.com)