In a historic shift for British music, UK artists have failed to secure spots in the global top 10 bestselling singles or albums charts for 2024, marking the first such occurrence in over 20 years.
The annual report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) reveals that American singer Benson Boone claimed the year's bestselling song with "Beautiful Things," while Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" topped the album charts.
The highest-ranking British entry came from singer-producer Artemas, reaching only 15th place with "I Like the Way You Kiss Me." Notable British acts including Charli XCX, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa released new material but failed to make the prestigious top 10 lists.
This downturn extends to the domestic market, where British artists were absent from the UK's top 10 singles chart for the first time since 2005. The shift reflects growing competition from international markets, particularly K-pop and Latin American artists, with South Korean boy bands claiming four spots in the global top 10 albums list.
Jo Twist, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), acknowledged the challenging landscape: "British artists may have enjoyed stronger years on the international stage, which perhaps isn't surprising given some of our biggest names were not in cycle in 2024."
Industry experts point to several factors contributing to this decline, including:
- Increased global competition in streaming
- Rising touring costs for UK artists
- Closure of grassroots music venues
- Strong releases from major US artists
However, emerging talents like Lola Young, Central Cee, and Myles Smith show promise for the future of British music. The industry remains hopeful for a resurgence, particularly with potential comebacks from established stars like Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Sam Smith expected in 2025.