UK Number 1 Singles 1999

UK Number 1 Singles 1999
UK Number 1 Singles 1999: A Year of Pop Phenomena
The year 1999 delivered a golden era of pop dominance, garage breakthroughs, and unforgettable chart moments. The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list reads like a time capsule of late-’90s pop culture. From manufactured pop bands to dancefloor anthems, the charts never stayed still for long. Moreover, music fans saw records broken, stars launched, and unexpected hits dominating the airwaves. Let’s take a closer look at the chart stories behind the UK Number 1 Singles 1999.
How many number 1 singles were there in the UK in 1999?
There were 36 different singles that reached the top spot in the UK charts during 1999. That’s nearly one new chart-topper every week. The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list reflects a fast-changing landscape of musical tastes and trends. Although some artists enjoyed repeat success, most acts only held number 1 for a single week. Consequently, chart competition was fierce throughout the year. The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 also included some surprising newcomers and short-lived chart sensations.
What was the first number 1 in the UK in 1999?
The first number 1 of 1999 was "Chocolate Salty Balls" by Chef (Isaac Hayes) from South Park. Although released in late 1998, it held the top spot during the first chart of the new year. Therefore, it officially counts as the first chart-topper on the UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list. Its mix of comedy and funk made it an unexpected smash. Importantly, it set the tone for a diverse and unpredictable year in pop.
What was the last number 1 in the UK in 1999?
The final number 1 of the year was "I Have a Dream"/"Seasons in the Sun" by Westlife. Released in December, the single carried into the year 2000. As a festive double A-side, it capped a hugely successful year for Westlife. Notably, this release marked their fourth chart-topper on the UK Number 1 Singles rundown. Despite some mixed reviews, the public embraced it with huge sales. Westlife’s dominance ended the decade on a boyband high.
Who had the most number 1s in the UK in 1999?
Westlife had the most UK number 1 singles in 1999, scoring four chart-topping hits that year. Their debut single "Swear It Again" went straight to number 1. Following that, they hit the top with "If I Let You Go", "Flying Without Wings", and their Christmas release. As a result, Westlife became chart giants almost overnight. The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list showcases their immediate popularity and vocal appeal. No other act matched their number 1 count that year.
What was the longest running number 1 single in the UK in 1999?
The longest-running number 1 in 1999 was "…Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears, which stayed at the top for two weeks. While several songs also held number 1 for two weeks, Britney’s debut made the biggest cultural splash. In fact, it became a global phenomenon almost instantly. The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 chart reflected her explosive arrival. Moreover, the track sold over 460,000 copies in its first week. That momentum ensured it remained iconic well into the next decade.
Which artists had UK number 1 singles in 1999?
The UK Number 1 Singles 1999 featured a variety of artists across different genres. Here are just some of them:
- Britney Spears
- Westlife
- Ricky Martin
- Eiffel 65
- Boyzone
- Cliff Richard
- Robbie Williams
- Shanks & Bigfoot
- Geri Halliwell
- Christina Aguilera
- Mr. Oizo
- ATB
- Vengaboys
- Baz Luhrmann
From pop idols to dance producers, the UK Number 1 Singles 1999 mix never lacked surprises. Each chart entry reflected the mood and energy of that particular week. In turn, the variety helped define the year musically.
Are there any one-hit wonders from the UK charts in 1999?
Yes, several artists on the UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list became one-hit wonders.
- Mr. Oizo – "Flat Beat": A viral Levi’s ad helped push this instrumental to number 1.
- Baz Luhrmann – "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)": Despite being a film director, he scored a hit with this spoken-word advice anthem.
- ATB – "9PM (Till I Come)": Although successful in Europe, this was his only UK chart-topper.
- Shanks & Bigfoot – "Sweet Like Chocolate": A huge garage hit, but the duo never charted again.
These tracks contributed to the rich diversity of the UK Number 1 Singles 1999 landscape. Many remain nostalgic favourites, even without follow-up success.
What was the biggest selling number 1 single in the UK in 1999?
The biggest-selling number 1 single was "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears. It sold over 1.4 million copies and topped the charts in February. No other track on the UK Number 1 Singles 1999 list matched its impact. Its mix of catchy hooks and iconic visuals helped launch Britney’s career worldwide. Additionally, its influence spread across pop music for years to come. Even today, it remains one of the best-selling singles of all time in the UK.
1. Chocolate Salty Balls - Chef
2. Steps - Tragedy / Heartbeat

Number 1 for 1 week
3. Fatboy Slim - Praise You

Number 1 for 1 week
4. 911 - A Little Bit More

Number 1 for 1 week
5. The Offspring - Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)

Number 1 for 1 week
6. Armand Van Helden & Duane Harden - You Don't Know Me

Number 1 for 1 week
7. Blondie - Maria

Number 1 for 1 week
8. Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away

Number 1 for 1 week
9. Britney Spears - Baby One More Time

Number 1 for 2 weeks
10. Boyzone - When The Going Gets Tough

Number 1 for 2 weeks
11. B*witched - Blame It On The Weatherman

Number 1 for 1 week
12. Mr. Wazzo - Flat Beat

Number 1 for 2 weeks
13. Martine McCutcheon - Perfect Moment

Number 1 for 2 weeks
14. Westlife - Swear It Again

Number 1 for 2 weeks
15. The Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way

Number 1 for 1 week
16. Boyzone - You Needed Me

Number 1 for 1 week
17. Shanks & Bigfoot - Sweet Like Chocolate

Number 1 for 2 weeks
18. Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free

Number 1 for 1 week
19. S Club 7 - Bring It All Back

Number 1 for 1 week
20. The Vengaboys - Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom

Number 1 for 1 week
21. ATB - 9pm (Till I Come)

Number 1 for 2 weeks
22. Ricky Martin - Livin' La Vida Loca

Number 1 for 3 weeks
23. Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All

Number 1 for 2 weeks
24. Westlife - If I Let You Go

Number 1 for 1 week
25. Geri Halliwell - Mi Chico Latino

Number 1 for 1 week
26. Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5

Number 1 for 2 weeks
27. The Vengaboys - We're Going To Ibiza

Number 1 for 1 week
28. Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)

Number 1 for 3 weeks
29. Christina Aguilera - Genie In A Bottle

Number 1 for 2 weeks
30. Westlife - Flying Without Wings

Number 1 for 1 week
31. Five - Keep On Movin'

Number 1 for 1 week
32. Geri Halliwell - Lift Me Up

Number 1 for 1 week
33. Robbie Williams - She's The One

Number 1 for 1 week
34. The Wamdue Project - King Of My Castle

Number 1 for 1 week
35. Cliff Richard - The Millennium Prayer

Number 1 for 3 weeks
36. Westlife - I Have A Dream / Seasons In The Sun

Number 1 for 4 weeks
The UK Number 1 Singles list captures a year when pop exploded, genres collided, and careers skyrocketed. It was a chart year of short reigns, massive hits, and unforgettable debuts. Whether you danced to ATB, screamed for Westlife, or sang along with Britney, these chart-toppers defined a generation. If you're a fan of pop history, 1999 is the perfect place to revisit.
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