Sam Fender and Olivia Dean Make History: ‘Rein Me In’ Smashes UK Chart Records
The UK music scene has a new legendary milestone. Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have officially cemented their place in music history with their hit collaboration, “Rein Me In.” As of the latest charts on May 22, the track has secured the No. 1 spot for a staggering 12th non-consecutive week, making it the longest-running male/female duet to ever top the U.K. charts.
Breaking a Decade-Old Record
For years, the gold standard for duets was held by Rihanna and Jay-Z’s iconic 2007 hit “Umbrella,” which spent 10 weeks at the summit. However, the chemistry between Sam Fender and Olivia Dean has proven irresistible to listeners, surpassing the previous record and setting a new benchmark for collaborative success in the modern era.
Originally appearing on Fender’s critically acclaimed 2025 album People Watching, the song received a fresh surge of momentum after a June remix featuring a new verse from Dean. The track’s ascent to the top in February 2026 wasn’t just a commercial victory; it also earned the prestigious Song of the Year at the BRIT Awards.
A Year of Triumph for Sam Fender
The chart dominance of “Rein Me In” is only part of the story. Sam Fender continues to prove his prowess as one of the finest songwriters of his generation. On May 21, Fender was honored at the Ivor Novello Awards, where he took home the coveted Songwriter of the Year prize, further validating his lyrical depth and musical influence.
The Race for the All-Time Record
While the duet record is secured, Fender and Dean are now eyeing an even bigger target. They are closing in on Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” which holds the record for the longest-running No. 1 single of the 2020s with 13 weeks. However, the “Everest” of UK charts remains Frankie Laine’s 1953 classic “I Believe,” which reigned for 18 non-consecutive weeks.
Other Notable Chart Movements
While Sam Fender dominates the top spot, the UK charts are buzzing with other heavy hitters:
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- Drake: The Canadian superstar is rewriting the rulebook, landing three studio albums simultaneously in the top 10, with Iceman taking the No. 1 spot.
- Michael Jackson: Following a successful biopic, the timeless “Billie Jean” has climbed back to No. 4.
- Tame Impala: Their track “Dracula” remains a strong contender, currently sitting at No. 5.
- Gracie Abrams: The artist has debuted “Hit the Wall” at No. 18, teasing her upcoming album Daughter From Hell due July 3.
- DARA: Bulgaria’s Eurovision winner brings “Bangaranga” into the charts at No. 21.
For more real-time updates on music trends and rankings, check out the Official Charts Company.
