The enduring success of Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's collaboration, “Rein Me In,” has seen it match a significant chart record in the United Kingdom. The track has now spent its 13th non-consecutive week at the coveted number one spot on the Official Singles Chart, a feat that ties it with Alex Warren's 2025 hit “Ordinary” as the longest-running song of the 2020s on the UK chart. This remarkable chart longevity underscores the song's deep resonance with the British public, cementing its place in recent music history.
A Chart-Topping Phenomenon
“Rein Me In” has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to maintain its position at the apex of the UK charts. Its 13-week reign, while non-consecutive, signifies a consistent level of popularity that few songs achieve. This achievement surpasses previous records, including the 11-week run held by Ed Sheeran's “Bad Habits”. The song, originally recorded by Sam Fender for his album "People Watching," gained a new dimension with Olivia Dean's contribution, leading to its release as a remix and subsequent chart dominance. The collaboration has been recognized beyond the charts, having recently been included in Spotify's list of "songs of the summer" contenders. The sustained appeal of “Rein Me In” is a testament to the combined artistry of both Fender and Dean, creating a track that has captured the nation's attention for an extended period.
Divergent Fortunes Across the Atlantic
While “Rein Me In” has achieved monumental success in the UK, its performance on the US Billboard Hot 100 has been notably different. The song has not mirrored its UK chart performance in the United States, dropping off the Billboard Hot 100 dated May 30 after a nine-week run where it peaked at number 64. This divergence highlights the often-unpredictable nature of global music trends and audience reception. It is one of only two singles to have spent 13 or more weeks at number one in the UK without reaching the top 10 on the US Hot 100. The other song to achieve this distinction was Wet Wet Wet's “Love Is All Around,” which spent 15 weeks at the top of the UK chart in 1994 but only reached number 41 in the US. This historical parallel emphasizes the unique achievement of “Rein Me In” in transcending typical cross-Atlantic chart success.
The Broader Landscape of UK Music Releases
The continued success of “Rein Me In” arrives amidst a dynamic period for new music releases in the UK. The week of May 29, 2026, saw a surge of new material from various artists. Notable releases included Paul McCartney's latest album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," which features a guest appearance from Ringo Starr. The Alarm also released a new album, "Transformation," while Dogstar, featuring actor Keanu Reeves, released their album "All In Now". Emerging artists also made their mark, with Violet Grohl, daughter of Dave Grohl, releasing her debut album "Be Sweet to Me". The K-pop group aespa launched their second studio album, "Lemonade," aiming for chart contention. Beyond album releases, the music industry also saw significant news regarding Universal Music Group (UMG). The company's Board of Directors unanimously rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal from Pershing Square Capital Management, valuing the offer as fundamentally undervaluing UMG and not delivering superior value creation. This decision came after careful review with financial and legal advisors, and the Board expressed confidence in Sir Lucian Grainge and his team's ability to drive sustainable growth.
In addition to these major releases and industry developments, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has been vocal in urging the government to address the issue of ticket touting. Kiehl has called on the government to implement measures such as a secondary ticketing price cap to protect music fans from exploitation, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis. His remarks follow the government's decision to delay further legislation on the matter, a move that UK Music has described as a "betrayal of millions of music fans". This ongoing debate highlights the industry's persistent efforts to ensure fair practices for consumers and artists alike.
The continued dominance of "Rein Me In" on the UK charts, coupled with a robust schedule of new music and ongoing industry discussions, paints a vibrant picture of the UK music scene. As the year progresses, the impact of these new releases and the resolution of industry challenges will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of British music.