The Iconic Tune by One of The Beatles Eventually Gains Popularity in Their Native Land
The Beatles' discography is bursting with timeless tunes that continue to captivate audiences, even today. Many of their famous jams ruled the charts when they first dropped, particularly in the UK, their homeland. A few of their legendary compositions failed to make the weekly rankings for various reasons, but this doesn't equate to failure.
One of The Beatles' best-known and frequently covered tracks somehow eluded the UK charts for years on end. This prolonged absence—if it can even be considered one—has come to an end, with the track gracing a chart across the pond.
"Blackbird" has finally managed to crack the U.K. charts, debuting this week. The melody debuts at No. 96 on the Official Singles Downloads ranking, which tracks the most popular legal downloads in the nation.
The Official Singles Downloads chart marks the first time "Blackbird" has appeared on a UK chart. This information may come as a shock to many Fab Four fans—and devoted "Blackbird" lovers—but it's undeniably true. Despite its enduring popularity and legacy, the track hasn't generated enough sales or streams in a single tracking period to grace any chart until now.
The Beatles first released "Blackbird" in 1968. The song was included on their self-titled project, better known as The White Album, due to its almost entirely blank cover. The song never earned the distinction of being a single, but it's still considered a classic.
The White Album never produced any singles, so "Blackbird" isn't an isolated case in terms of album cuts. The album itself includes other Beatles favorites like "Back in the U.S.S.R.," "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," among others, and none of these tracks can be labeled as failures.
As "Blackbird" takes to the charts for the first time, The Beatles also secure several other spots on various song tallies. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" is making a strong push towards the top 10 on both the Official Vinyl Singles (No. 12) and Official Physical Singles (No. 13) rankings, thanks to what can only be assumed to be holiday purchases. Their most recent release, "Now and Then," experiences a slight dip, but still manages to maintain its position within the top 40 on the Official Physical Singles list, settling at No. 36.
The Beatles' rendition of "Blackbird" has also made significant strides on the Billboard charts, debuting at a respectable position. On the Billboard Hot 100 Song Sales chart, "Blackbird" enters the list at number 82, indicating strong sales of the track's CD and digital versions.
Furthermore, The Beatles' influence and commercial success continue to be acknowledged by publications like Forbes. In their latest list of highest-earning deceased celebrities, The Beatles once again claimed their spot as one of the top-earning musicians, proving that their music remains a powerful force in the industry.
The timeless appeal of "Blackbird" has also inspired countless cover versions. From famous artists to aspiring musicians, the song's melodious composition and powerful lyrics have inspired numerous interpretations. Many of these covers have made their way to various music platforms and charts, keeping the song's legacy alive.
The Beatles' black and white self-titled album, commonly known as The White Album, is a testament to the band's creativity and versatility. The album, which includes "Blackbird," never produced any official singles, yet it remains an iconic piece of music history. Known for its minimalist cover, the album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of The Beatles' best-selling albums.
Finally, the success of "Blackbird" on the charts and the enduring appeal of The Beatles' music have led to renewed interest in their discography. Fans and newcomers alike are rediscovering the band's extensive catalog, leading to increased sales and streams for many of their classic tracks.
