Lola Young’s ‘Messy’ Extends Its Reign at No. 1 on U.K. Singles Chart
The Londoner's breakout song is at the summit for a third consecutive week.
staff
Lola Young’s “Messy” has landed a third week at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart (Feb. 7). The song first hit the top spot in January after dethroning Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” which held the top spot for eight non-consecutive weeks.
The news coincides with her continued rise on the Billboard Hot 100; “Messy” now sits at a new peak of No. 14, a rise of 10 places week-on-week. The track featured on her sophomore album, This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, which was released in May.
In March, Young will compete for a BRIT Award in the pop act category against Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Jade Thirlwall and Myles Smith. Recent months have also seen the Londoner perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and appear on Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia as a guest vocalist on “Like Him.”
Speaking to Billboard U.K., Young discussed the success of “Messy” and why the message of self-acceptance has resonated with fans. “For a long time, I wanted to represent this ideal of Westernized beauty — but then I realized I’m not that,” Young said. “I now choose to give realness and truth. I’ve got a bit of a belly out, I f–king swear a bunch and I have fun. And that’s what people are resonating with.”
The success of “Messy” means that the Island EMI label group have scored a grand slam with four No. 1s across the U.K.’s Official Albums, Singles, Compilations and Radio Airplay Charts this week. The feat was achieved as The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow hit the top spot on the Official Albums Chart, “Messy” on the Singles and Radio Airplay Charts, while the Wicked soundtrack rules the Compilations Chart. It’s the first time the feat has been achieved by any label group in over 10 years.
The remainder of the top five features familiar faces, with ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” (No. 2), Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True” (No. 3), Chrystal’s “The Days” (No. 4) and Gigi Perez’s “Sailor Song” (No. 5) all staying put week-on-week.
Lady Gaga’s new song, “Abracadabra,” goes straight in at No. 6, giving the pop hero her 17th top 10 hit in the U.K. It’s the third single from upcoming album Mayhem to land in the top 10 following “Die With a Smile” (No. 2) and “Disease” (No. 7).
