The UK Singles Chart is one of many music charts compiled by the Official Charts Company that calculates the best-selling singles of the week in the United Kingdom.[1] Before 2004, the chart was only based on the sales of physical singles.[2][3] This list shows singles that peaked in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart during 1990, as well as singles which peaked in 1989 and 1991 but were in the top 10 in 1990. The entry date is when the single appeared in the top 10 for the first time (week ending, as published by the Official Charts Company, which is six days after the chart is announced).
One-hundred and forty-two singles were in the top ten in 1990. Eight singles from 1989 remained in the top 10 for several weeks at the beginning of the year, while "Pray by MC Hammer, "Sadeness (Part I)" by Enigma and "The Grease Megamix" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John" were all released in 1990 but did not reach their peak until 1991. Thirty artists scored multiple entries in the top 10 in 1990. Adamski, Happy Mondays, MC Hammer, Mariah Carey and Snap! were among the many artists who achieved their first UK charting top 10 single in 1990.
One-hundred and forty-two singles charted in the top 10 in 1990, with one-hundred and thirty-one singles reaching their peak this year.
Thirty artists scored multiple entries in the top 10 in 1990. American boyband New Kids on the Block secured the record for most top ten singles in 1990 with eight hit singles. "Hangin' Tough" reached number-one, where it remained for two weeks, and a further three weeks in the top ten. Other entries included "Step by Step" (number 2), "Tonight" (3) and "Cover Girl" (4). Former Neighbours actress Kylie Minogue had three top ten singles in 1990. "Tears on My Pillow" spent one week at number-one in January; "Better the Devil You Know" (2) and "Step Back in Time" (4) also reached the top ten. Madonna continued her success from the 1980s with four more top ten hits in 1990. "Vogue" was the highest entry, peaking at number-one for 1 week in April; "Dear Jessie", "Hanky Panky" and "Justify My Love" were the other singles to reach the top 10.
The following table (collapsed on desktop site) does not include acts who had previously charted as part of a group and secured their first top 10 solo single.
Along with her late sister Mel, Kim Appleby had entered the top 10 on several occasions as the duo Mel and Kim, including 1987's number-one single "Respectable". "Don't Worry" was her first hit on her own.
Additionally, "Hanky Panky" was used to promote the film Dick Tracy and appeared on the soundtrack album although the song itself did not appear in the actual film.
The following table shows artists who achieved two or more top 10 entries in 1990, including songs that reached their peak in 1989 or 1991. The figures include both main artists and featured artists, while appearances on ensemble charity records are also counted for each artist.
i "Unchained Melody" originally peaked at number 14 upon its initial release in 1965. It was re-released after being used in the 1990 film Ghost, topping the chart and becoming the best-selling single of the year.
j "Take My Breath Away" originally peaked at number-one upon its initial release in 1986 after the release of Top Gun. It was re-released in 1990 when the film premiered on British television and the song was also used in a commercial for the Peugeot 405.
k England footballer Paul Gascoigne was credited by his nickname Gazza for the song "Fog on the Tyne (Revisited)".
l "Falling" was the theme song to the ABC television series Twin Peaks.
m "Kinky Boots" was first released in 1964 but failed to chart.
n "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" originally peaked at number-one upon its initial release in 1965. It previously re-entered the top 10 at number 10 in 1969, number 42 in 1977 and number 87 in 1988. "Ebb Tide" originally peaked at number 48 on its initial release in 1966. In 1990, the two songs were re-issued together as a double A-sided single.