(Right, top to bottom) The Prodigy, Right Said Fred and Metallica all had chart success, but not enough to topple the 16 weeks Bryan Adams (left) spent at the top of the UK singles chart. Who else did the singer hold off during his reign? (Getty Images)(Right, top to bottom) The Prodigy, Right Said Fred and Metallica all had chart success, but not enough to topple the 16 weeks Bryan Adams (left) spent at the top of the UK singles chart. Who else did the singer hold off during his reign? (Getty Images)
(Right, top to bottom) The Prodigy, Right Said Fred and Metallica all had chart success, but not enough to topple the 16 weeks Bryan Adams (left) spent at the top of the UK singles chart. Who else did the singer hold off during his reign? (Getty Images) | Getty Images

15 songs released 23 years ago that Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" held off the top spot

Benjamin Jackson
By Benjamin Jackson

Music and tickets writer

Published 14th Jul 2024, 09:00 BST

Close but no cigar - these 15 acts released their singles during the 16 week reign of Bryan Adams.

This week we marked the 23 anniversary of Bryan Adams annexing/conquering the UK singles chart for 16 weeks. Delete your preferred description as a Sunday activity.

Though contrary to belief, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” didn’t immediately land in the top spot, but steadily marched up the UK singles chart in 1991 before finally toppling the then number one to reach the top spot.

For the pub quiz teams, if ever the question came up; the song knocked Jason Donovan’s “Any Dream Will Do” from the top spot on July 7 1991, after a mere three weeks on the UK singles charts.

Many of us of a certain age will recall the marathon-like stint that Bryan Adams had at the top of the singles chart, with a then-record 16 weeks reigning over anyone and everyone who dared to topple him from the top of the mountain.

But who did the Canadian rocker keep off the top spot across those 16 weeks? Was there anyone in particular who unfairly felt the unenviable power of the main theme from “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” during that time?

For the pub quiz teams, if ever the question came up; the song knocked Jason Donovan’s “Any Dream Will Do” from the top spot on July 7 1991, after a mere three weeks on the UK singles charts.

Though Right Said Fred had been on the charts for many weeks, "I'm Too Sexy"s popularity saw it surge up the charts, almost knocking Adams off the top spot when it reached #2 on August 11 1991.

5. Right Said Fred - "I'm Too Sexy"

Though Right Said Fred had been on the charts for many weeks, "I'm Too Sexy"s popularity saw it surge up the charts, almost knocking Adams off the top spot when it reached #2 on August 11 1991. | Getty Images

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A new entry on the same week Right Said Fred made their challenge, PM Dawn released what is considered the first "flower-hop" record that would influence a generation of rappers. If the song seems familiar, its because it samples Spandau Ballet's 1983 hit "True."

6. PM Dawn - "Set Afloat On Memory Bliss"

A new entry on the same week Right Said Fred made their challenge, PM Dawn released what is considered the first "flower-hop" record that would influence a generation of rappers. If the song seems familiar, its because it samples Spandau Ballet's 1983 hit "True." | Getty Images

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With rave culture in full swing, The Prodigy scored a UK top 10 hit on August 18 1991 with "Charly." The band would years later become one of electronica's biggest acts with the release of "Firestarter" from "Fat of the Land."

7. The Prodigy - "Charly"

With rave culture in full swing, The Prodigy scored a UK top 10 hit on August 18 1991 with "Charly." The band would years later become one of electronica's biggest acts with the release of "Firestarter" from "Fat of the Land." | Getty Images

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Provocative as ever, Prince's "Gett Off" is a blend of funk, hip hop, and R&B, featuring prominent bass lines, energetic rhythms, and Prince's distinctive vocal style. It debuted on August 25 1991 at #5 but quickly rose the following week to peak at #4.

8. Prince and The New Power Generation - "Gett Off"

Provocative as ever, Prince's "Gett Off" is a blend of funk, hip hop, and R&B, featuring prominent bass lines, energetic rhythms, and Prince's distinctive vocal style. It debuted on August 25 1991 at #5 but quickly rose the following week to peak at #4. | Getty Images

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