Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s "Rein Me In" Achieves Historic 13th Week at Number One on UK Singles Chart
"Rein Me In," the powerful collaboration between British singer-songwriters Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, has cemented its place in music history, securing a remarkable 13th non-consecutive week at the coveted number one position on the Official Singles Chart in the United Kingdom. This latest chart update, dated May 29, sees the track equaling a significant record for the 2020s, underscoring its enduring popularity and commercial success. The song first ascended to the pinnacle of the charts in February, marking the beginning of a dominant run that has captivated listeners across the nation.
A Record-Breaking Run in the 2020s
The 13-week reign of "Rein Me In" places it in an elite category, now tied with Alex Warren’s hit "Ordinary" for the longest-running number one single of the current decade. Warren’s own impressive feat of 13 non-consecutive weeks at the top, achieved in 2025, had previously surpassed Ed Sheeran’s "Bad Habits," which held the record with 11 weeks. This latest achievement by Fender and Dean not only highlights their individual artistry but also the potent synergy they brought to this collaborative effort, resonating deeply with the UK public.
The significance of this achievement is amplified when considering the broader landscape of UK singles chart history. While "Rein Me In" and "Ordinary" now share the 2020s record, the all-time chart leader remains Frankie Laine’s iconic 1958 track "I Believe," which amassed an astonishing 18 non-consecutive weeks at number one. In the 21st century, Drake’s global smash "One Dance" holds the record with 15 weeks at the summit, a testament to its immense cultural impact. Furthermore, Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You" stands as the longest-running number one by a UK artist within the same timeframe, demonstrating the consistent strength of British talent on the global stage. The sustained success of "Rein Me In" firmly places it among these legendary chart-toppers.
The Journey of "Rein Me In"
The initial release of "Rein Me In" in February marked the beginning of an unprecedented chart journey. The track quickly garnered critical acclaim and widespread public adoration, propelling it to the number one spot. Its ability to maintain such a strong presence on the charts over an extended period, despite the constant influx of new music, speaks volumes about its artistic merit and broad appeal. The non-consecutive nature of its chart-topping weeks suggests a dynamic listening experience, with the song experiencing peaks and troughs in its popularity but consistently returning to the top. This pattern often indicates a strong core fanbase, coupled with a wider appeal that allows it to re-enter the consciousness of the listening public.
The collaborative nature of the single is a key factor in its success. Sam Fender, known for his raw, anthemic rock sound and socially conscious lyrics, and Olivia Dean, celebrated for her soulful vocals and introspective songwriting, have combined their distinct talents to create something truly special. "Rein Me In" likely blends Fender’s characteristic energy and lyrical depth with Dean’s emotive delivery and melodic sensibility, resulting in a track that is both powerful and deeply resonant. Such collaborations often introduce artists to new audiences, expanding their reach and further solidifying their presence in the music industry.
Chart Movements and New Entries
While "Rein Me In" continues its dominant run, the latest Official Singles Chart also features other notable movements. Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated single "The Cure" makes a strong debut at number two, marking the week’s highest new entry. This positions it as the primary contender to challenge "Rein Me In" for the top spot. "The Cure" is the lead single from Rodrigo’s upcoming album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and its immediate impact suggests it is a significant release for the artist. Notably, "The Cure" was the only track to have previously dislodged "Rein Me In" from its number one position since its initial ascent in February, highlighting its own considerable popularity.
Elsewhere on the chart, Michael Jackson’s timeless hit "Billie Jean" climbs one place to number three, a testament to the enduring legacy of the King of Pop. The track’s consistent presence on contemporary charts underscores its universal appeal and its status as a foundational piece of music history.
A significant resurgence is observed with The Chemical Brothers’ track "Go," which climbs to number four. This impressive leap comes 11 years after its original release on the duo’s 2015 album, Born in the Echoes. The renewed interest in "Go" can be directly attributed to its recent inclusion in the Charlize Theron-starring Netflix film Apex. The placement in a major cinematic release has clearly reignited public interest, propelling the electronic music anthem into the top five for the first time since its initial release. This phenomenon highlights the powerful synergy between music and visual media, where a well-placed song in a film or television series can lead to a dramatic resurgence in popularity and chart performance. The Chemical Brothers’ enduring appeal and the track’s inherent energy have clearly resonated with a new generation of listeners, as well as re-engaging their existing fanbase.
Tame Impala’s "Dracula" secures the fifth position, rounding out a diverse top five that spans different genres and eras of music. Zara Larsson’s material also sees a significant boost following her performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Her tracks "Lush Life" and "Midnight Sun" both climb the charts, landing at number seven and number eight respectively, demonstrating the positive impact of live festival performances on an artist’s commercial success. These performances often serve as powerful promotional tools, reintroducing artists to their audience and attracting new fans through engaging live renditions of their music.
Analysis and Implications
The sustained success of "Rein Me In" on the Official Singles Chart is a significant indicator of current music consumption trends in the UK. The fact that a collaboration can maintain such a strong hold on the number one spot for an extended period suggests a public preference for well-crafted, emotionally resonant songs that can be enjoyed repeatedly. The non-consecutive nature of its reign also points to a healthy and dynamic singles market, where the top position is not solely dominated by new releases but also by tracks that possess lasting appeal and can be re-discovered or re-engaged with by listeners.
The chart’s performance also underscores the evolving role of digital platforms and streaming services in shaping music consumption. While physical sales and downloads still contribute, streaming figures are now the primary driver of chart positions. The ability of "Rein Me In" to consistently rank high in streaming tallies, even months after its initial release, speaks to its widespread availability and the ease with which fans can access and share the music.
The debut of Olivia Rodrigo’s "The Cure" at number two also highlights the immense power and anticipation surrounding major artist releases. Rodrigo, a global phenomenon, has a proven track record of generating significant chart impact, and her new material is expected to be a strong contender for the top spot in the coming weeks. This dynamic between established hits and anticipated new releases is a hallmark of a vibrant music industry.
The resurgence of The Chemical Brothers’ "Go" due to its inclusion in Apex provides a compelling case study for the symbiotic relationship between music and film. This trend is likely to continue, with artists and labels actively seeking opportunities for their music to be featured in popular media. For established artists like The Chemical Brothers, such placements can serve as a valuable reminder of their catalog’s enduring quality and introduce their music to younger audiences.
Artist Backgrounds and The BRIT Awards Connection
Olivia Dean, a rising star in the UK music scene, has been steadily building a reputation for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting. Her performance at The BRIT Awards 2026, held at Co-op Live in Manchester on February 28, 2026, was a significant moment in her career, likely providing a substantial platform for her music. The photograph accompanying this report captures Dean at this prestigious event, a visual testament to her growing prominence. The BRIT Awards, the United Kingdom’s principal annual pop music awards ceremony, is a key event in the music calendar, often boosting the profiles and chart performance of participating artists. Dean’s presence at such a high-profile event undoubtedly contributed to the initial momentum of "Rein Me In" and her subsequent solo work.
Sam Fender, already an established artist with a significant following, brings his signature rock anthems and poignant lyricism to the collaboration. His critically acclaimed albums and energetic live performances have cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary British music. The combination of Fender’s established fanbase and Dean’s burgeoning popularity created a powerful synergy for "Rein Me In," allowing it to capture a broad audience.
Looking Ahead
As "Rein Me In" continues its historic run, the music industry will be watching closely to see if it can further extend its chart dominance or if Olivia Rodrigo’s "The Cure" will ultimately dethrone it. Regardless of future chart movements, the 13-week reign of "Rein Me In" has already secured its place as a landmark achievement in UK music history, a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted song. The track’s success serves as an inspiration to emerging artists and a reminder of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the music charts. The continued presence of established hits alongside new entries and resurging classics paints a vibrant picture of the UK’s diverse and passionate music landscape.
