Official Top 40 best-selling songs of 1988

S.A.W were ubiquitous in 1988. At one point in August/September, they had around 12 productions in the Top 40. 1989 is very similar, with Jason Donovan, Donna Summer and The Hillsborough Charity single joining the best sellers party. Alas, it was also the last year of their dominance. The 90's changed that, and pop music beyond recognition (Dance ruled the decade)

If Pete Waterman's autobiography is a credible source, it was precisely their dominance that changed the music industry. They were too successful to be considered "indie" (even thought they were - they outsold majors like Universal), so the definition was redefined, he claims to deliberately exclude them. Hence the modern meaning of "indie" when describing a genre: generic guitar bands rather than dance/electronic or pop. Redefined for things such as award ceremonies, sales charts and general measures of success. No other independent label or studio has come close before or since. 3 blokes held a 9% share of the entire UK music industry sales each in 1989! (total 27%)

The entire independent sector combined hovers around the 20% mark today.

Yes, i am well aware of the Indie revolution bought about by Pete and his little PWL label. They were regular features in Record Mirrors indie chart up until about 1990/1. The Indie Chart itself started to distance itself from the association. Also Mike Stock left the trio to pursue his own projects. I didn't say their dominance didn't change the music industry. I stated that their influence, sound and success was overridden by the rising popularity of all styles of dance music, even though S.A.W productions were founded in disco/club culture. Pete was a promoter of Northern Soul/Motown in the early 1970's after all...

Yes, there were some significant musical and personal changes to SAW around 1991. Probably why Pete went on to sign 2 Unlimited then (and launch PWL Continental). OK it was lauched earlier, but when more dance from 1991, while the main PWL wound down and started a slow death.
One of the classic "Peteisms" he writes about in the autobiog was when he played one of his own new records (fresh out of the studio) on his northern local radio station and encouraged the audience to contact Radio 1 asking why (if they were the nation's tastemakers), they hadn't got the latest hot new sound yet!
Love that attitude. Simon Cowell learned from him well! (check his early Exec-Production credits for Sonia and Fanfare Records - Sinitta).

I kind of agree. The chart is ok for what it is - a snapshot of what “sold”;in that year, but the true (or at least the best estimate of total sales could have been a real value add). It would become more obvious that some records were “fads” that only sold at the time and did not achieve longevity. Yet, some of the (lower charting) songs have turned out to be real classics and have continued to sell or be listened to. The negative with the “current” view is that it his also can become dated positively or negatively over time / on repeat. Maybe when they do the 90s or 00s they could add it?

That is precisely what they could have pursued! An overall look at how, over time, classic songs become legendary! I suspect they will not do lists for the 90's or 2000's, as they didn't begin with the 50's...which is when, as u no doubt know, the charts started. Another missed opportunity! I was also suprised they chose to include Hazell Dean and Sinitta in the 'almost made the Top 30' list...they are ranked in the 60 to 70 position in year end 1988! Thank you for your reply....take good care....

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Who is doing Quality Control on the publication of these pages at OCC as there have been a number of errors in this 80’s series. Us nerds like our data right!
But I don’t want to be grumpy, as this was a great decade for good pop songs (and re-releases).
Come on OCC & C5 - do another series. It”s relatively cheap, repeatable (timeless) TV. It nice what happened to some of the old stars of their day.

With Elton John on the piano, before he was famous… Go Reggie!
Thanks C5, I had forgotten all about that.