How Did Sam Fender and Olivia Dean Finally Hit Number One After 35 Weeks?

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made UK chart history with their collaboration "Rein Me In," which ascended to number one after 35 weeks in the top 40, setting a new record for the most weeks before reaching the summit. This marks Fender's first chart-topping single, surpassing the previous record held by Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." The song showcases a soulful pop-rock love theme and has resonated with listeners since its release last June.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of 12 October 2023, "Rein Me In" has officially reached number one on the UK singles chart, a notable achievement for both artists. The song's rise to the top demonstrates its enduring appeal, as it spent 35 weeks climbing the charts, a testament to the shifting dynamics of music consumption in the digital age. Fender attributes the lengthy journey to the song's organic growth online, emphasising that the music itself is what ultimately drew listeners in.

Key takeaways

• "Rein Me In" reached number one after a record 35 weeks in the top 40.
• This is Sam Fender's first number one single, despite his previous success with albums.
• Olivia Dean contributed a new verse to the song, enhancing its emotional depth.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of "Rein Me In" is marked by several key milestones:

• June 2022: "Rein Me In" is released as part of Fender's third studio album, "People Watching."
• October 2022: The song begins to gain traction in the UK charts, peaking at number five.
• Throughout 2023: The song steadily climbs the charts, maintaining a presence in the top 40.
• October 2023: After 35 weeks, it finally reaches number one, breaking the previous record.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, "Rein Me In" officially dethroned Taylor Swift's "Opalite," which had just claimed the top spot. The song's ascent highlights a shift in listener engagement methods, with many discovering it through online platforms over time.

What was already established

Prior to this week, the song had seen significant success, peaking at number five three times. Its previous record for weeks spent in the top 40 was held by Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud," which topped the chart after 19 weeks in 2014. Fender's earlier hits, including "Seventeen Going Under," also performed well but never reached number one.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of "Rein Me In" may influence listeners' spending habits, particularly among younger consumers who are likely to stream music. As it gains popularity, it could lead to increased sales for Fender's merchandise and concert tickets, contributing to the local economy.

Businesses and jobs

The music industry is set to benefit from the renewed attention on Fender and Dean. Increased demand for live performances can create job opportunities for technicians, venue staff, and other support roles in the music sector.

Policy and regulation

This record-setting achievement may prompt discussions within the music industry regarding promotional practices and chart regulations, especially as streaming continues to redefine how music success is measured in the UK.

Numbers that matter

• 35 weeks: The number of weeks "Rein Me In" spent in the top 40 before reaching number one.
• 5: The peak position "Rein Me In" reached three times before its ascent to number one.
• 19 weeks: The previous record held by Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" before reaching number one.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Duet: A musical composition performed by two singers.
• Chart-topping: Refers to a song reaching the highest position on music charts.
• Stream: The process of listening to music via the internet without downloading it.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect further interest in "Rein Me In" as it gains momentum on social media, potentially leading to more streams and sales. Concert tours and promotional appearances are likely to be announced soon.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Fender's rise to fame could open doors for new collaborations and projects. Olivia Dean may also leverage her success to release more music, building on her chart achievements.

Signals to watch

• Changes in streaming numbers for "Rein Me In."
• Upcoming concert announcements from both Fender and Dean.
• Potential new releases from either artist in response to their chart success.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow both artists on social media for the latest updates on releases and performances.
• Stream their music to support them and stay informed on their artistic developments.

Don’t

• Ignore the growing influence of digital platforms on music consumption and promotion.
• Miss out on live performances, as they are key opportunities to experience the artists directly.

Checklist

• Check for upcoming concert dates for Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.
• Stay updated on their new releases and collaborations.
• Engage with their music on streaming platforms to boost their visibility.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the success of "Rein Me In" is significant, there are uncertainties regarding how long it will maintain its popularity. The music landscape is constantly evolving, and listener preferences can shift rapidly due to trends and new releases. Additionally, the impact of streaming services on chart positions may lead to further changes in how success is defined in the industry.

Bottom line

The ascent of "Rein Me In" to number one is a landmark achievement for Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, showcasing the power of digital engagement in music today. As they continue to build on their success, their future releases and performances will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike.

FAQs

What is "Rein Me In" about?

"Rein Me In" is a soulful pop-rock love song that discusses the complexities of relationships, featuring a duet that adds depth to the narrative.

How long did it take for "Rein Me In" to reach number one?

It took "Rein Me In" 35 weeks to reach number one, setting a new record for the most weeks in the top 40 before achieving this milestone.

Who are Sam Fender and Olivia Dean?

Sam Fender is a British singer-songwriter known for his soulful rock sound, while Olivia Dean is a rising pop artist who has recently gained recognition for her powerful vocals and engaging songwriting.