No Mercy becomes the first boy group since Take That to reach Number 1

No Mercy celebrate their first Number 1-hit with When I Die. The group consists of Bronx-born Marty Cintron and twin brothers Ariel and Gabriel Hernández. The group gained fame by covering Missing by Everything But The Girl in 1995. Their debut album ‘My Promise’ became an international hit, especially in Australia. The boys had almost scored a chart-topper on this list with Where Do You Go, but that single got blocked off and settled at Number 2. The last boy group to reach Number 1 was Take That, which spent two weeks above the list with How Deep Is Your Love midway 1996.

Scottish group Texas score their first Top 10-entry. The group, led by Sharleen Spiteri, have had a big hit in the United Kingdom with the single I Don’t Want a Lover. Some other songs followed but those did not match the debut single’s success. Now though, Texas returns with the subtle pop-hit Say What You Want. The song already peaked in the Top 10 in the United Kingdom and other European countries. On this list, the single reaches a new peak at Number 6.

Jamiroquai score their second Top 10-entry with Cosmic Girl. The funk and acid jazz band entered the Top 10 before with Virtual Insanity. That single was a big success for the London band, as it peaked at Number 4 and was certified Gold with over 56,000 points. Globally, the Jamiroquai also enjoyed nice successes with multiple million-selling albums. On this list, their newest cosmic single peaks at Number 8.

Blur score their first Top 10-entry with Beetleblum. The single is already a big hit, debuting at Number 1 in the United Kingdom. The British rock group, consisting of Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, is considered one of the biggest Britpop bands of the late 90s. Blur is preceded by numerous Britpop bands, including Oasis and Supergrass. Blur peak at Number 10 this week.

Savage Garden score the highest debut of the week. The Australian pop duo, consisting of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones, are becoming a massive success. In May 1996, their debut single I Want You was released in Australia alongside their debut album ‘Savage Garden’. Both the single and the album went on to be best-sellers. I Want You is now being released outside of Australia as well. Savage Garden is one of the numerous Australian cross-over acts on this list, following Gina G, Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave. Savage Garden debut at Number 25 this week.