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Spanish DJ Sammy is having to make do with 2nd with 'Heaven' a cover of Bryan Adam's 80's track. It spent a week at number one in November. Yanou an German electronic and trance musician and producer also works in collaboration with him on this and vocals are provided by Do, an Dutch singer. It has two versions, the main radio one and also an candlelight version. It is one of the most imaginative and compelling dance records ever for me, not just in 2002 and would be much deserving of the #1 but there's one for me that just about beats it...

My favourite cover of all-time, easily my favourite No.1 of 2002, and with 12 weeks at No.1 in my chart in 2002.

I first heard Heaven in late summer 2002 and splashed out quite a sum for the import single, on which I found the beautiful Candlelight Mix, which I loved just as much as the original in a different way, such a tender and beautiful tone to Do's voice and sparkling piano playing. This is the version I learnt in my keyboard lessons originally, but I found it too hard as Yanou used notes all over the scale, including a very high intro. So I switched to learning the Bryan Adams original, and then had to play that in my music class live in front of the group (luckily I managed that without messing up, it's way easier to play).

But DJ Sammy and Yanou's production really worked so well on the main version, transforming an MOR rock ballad into a really wonderful dance track, 80s Eurodance covers were everywhere in 2002 but this was absolutely and by far the best one. It was a really clever choice of song (the original wasn't much of a hit here, unlike many of the other 80s covers that year) and the production has so many special flourishes throughout. The middle eight with the guitar is so special. Do's voice elevates it so much though.

I remember starting year 11 in the September by raving about this song to everyone, so much so that a girl I knew (and showed the song to) sung the Candlelight mix as part of another group music project in an assembly, way before it received a UK release, so it was all over my school very early. I remember the single finally coming out the same week as Madonna's Bond theme and Craig David's lead single but still kept the faith it would be a UK No.1, and was delighted it followed through. Great to see it so high here Rob!

Edited 8 hours ago8 hr by gooddelta

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and the final one coming in at the top is P!nk and 'Just Like A Pill'. I liked both of her last two singles a lot but this one was where it really came alive for P!nk. An edgy/angsty anthem of an song which addresses the deep topic of drugs. The video is excellent as well. It is in my top 2 faves of hers along with 'Who Knew' and to add she's one of my all time fave female artists so I guess a predictable #1 lol but very very much deserving. It's a classic ❤️

and that's it. Thanks all for the comments and nice stories shared. It was one of the best years in music so was honoured to cover it!

Ooooh love your number one choice

Definitely the number one I'd have predicted, knowing Roba. It's a great song, no arguments there. Good (and unusual) for her to get a No.1 from such a memorable era after the first two singles missed out.

Love the choice for #1. Just Like A Pill is one of, if not my favourite P!nk songs.

A job very well done. Loved following this countdown.

Just Like A Pill only reached #97 in Australia and that was in 2009. Presumably when she was on her Funhouse tour.

I remember it being in radio and TV in 2002, but it never got a physical release. I guess her label prioritised album sales over single sales for this one.

'Heaven' is just fantastic, and I have a lot of love for the 'Boys of Summer' version too. I remember being so glad this got to #1, even though by the time the release week rolled around I was confident it would.

'Just Like a Pill' at the time on the other hand was a complete surprise #1 to me, I was expecting this to land mid-low top 10 that week. Obviously deserved though, a complete classic that never gets old ❤️

Been great fun and nostalgia to follow along, thanks Rob!

Afrer some deliberation, I think my top 10 for 2002 would be:

1. Heaven

2. Sound Of The Underground

3. Lose Yourself

4. If You're Not The One

5. Just A Little

6. More Than A Woman

7. Round Round

8. The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)

9. The Ketchup Song (Asereje)

10. Just Like A Pill

Without Me and Freak Like Me just outside.

Agreed that P!nk was a surprise No.1, although looking at that week it beat Busted (not sure I was expecting them to get to No.1 with their debut, No.3 seemed about right), Eminem's Cleanin' Out My Closet (was more expected from this perhaps?) and the outgoing Atomic Kitten who I don't think were expected to last for a fourth week. So I can't really remember what I expected to be No.1 that week!

27 minutes ago, gooddelta said:

Agreed that P!nk was a surprise No.1, although looking at that week it beat Busted (not sure I was expecting them to get to No.1 with their debut, No.3 seemed about right), Eminem's Cleanin' Out My Closet (was more expected from this perhaps?) and the outgoing Atomic Kitten who I don't think were expected to last for a fourth week. So I can't really remember what I expected to be No.1 that week!

I remembered thinking Atomic Kitten would probably cling on for a 4th week, but Busted might get it as they had a bit of hype but there weren't any nailed-on

#1 contenders. That seemed to come from nowhere, but it was a delightful surprise.