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📰 NME British Singles Chart – Chart Listing : Jan. 1973

  • Writer: Sweet
    Sweet
  • Jan 27, 1973
  • 2 min read

The *New Musical Express* British Singles Chart for the week published on **January 27, 1973** captured a pivotal moment in early‑’70s pop and glam. With Sweet’s “Blockbuster” taking the top spot and David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” close behind, the chart reflected the peak of glam‑rock dominance, alongside soul, MOR, and emerging rock crossovers. Compiled from sales up to Tuesday, January 23, the listing remains one of the most iconic snapshots of the era.


Publication: New Musical Express

Date: January 27, 1973

Format: Weekly singles chart

Writer: NME


A moment of glam‑rock supremacy, chart volatility and early‑’70s pop diversity.


đź“° Key Highlights

• “Blockbuster” by Sweet at No. 1

• David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” holding strong at No. 2

• Little Jimmy Osmond’s “Long Haired Lover From Liverpool” still high at No. 3

• Strong showings from Carly Simon, Wings, Wizzard and Free

• T. Rex’s “Solid Gold Easy Action” at No. 16

• A chart blending glam, soul, MOR, novelty hits and rock staples


đź“° Overview

This chart captures the UK singles landscape at the height of glam’s commercial power. Sweet and Bowie led the charge, while Slade, Wizzard and T. Rex remained key forces. The presence of American soul (Temptations, Billy Paul), MOR ballads, and novelty records reflects the eclecticism of early‑’70s British taste. NME’s chart, one of the most influential of its time, documented a week where glam’s theatrical stomp met the broader currents of pop and rock.


đź“° Source Details

Publication / Venue: New Musical Express

Date: January 27, 1973

Format: Weekly singles chart

Provenance Notes: Based on the official NME British Singles Chart dated January 27, 1973.


đź“° The Story

The chart highlights:

• Glam‑rock’s dominance through Sweet, Bowie, Wizzard and T. Rex

• The lingering success of novelty and family‑friendly hits

• The crossover appeal of American soul and R&B

• A competitive Top 10 with rapid movement week‑to‑week

• A cultural moment where UK youth taste shaped the national charts


The tone is energetic, eclectic and era‑defining — a chart that reflects the full spectrum of early‑’70s British pop culture.


đź“° Visual Archive




đź“° Closing Notes

A defining chart of the glam‑rock era, the NME listing of January 27, 1973 stands as a vivid snapshot of the artists, sounds and cultural forces shaping British pop at the dawn of the year.



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