Shaping The Chart

SHAPING THE CHART: The No. 13 debut of "I Want It That Way" on The Hits last year was certainly impressive. However, it pales in comparison to the Backstreet Boys' latest release, "Shape Of My Heart," which enters the survey all the way up at No. 3 this week. It is the highest debut on the Canadian singles chart (using the retail chart before 1994 and the airplay chart for 1994 and beyond) since 1985's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid. The high debut signals the growing popularity of the Florida band that first broke in 1996. In fact, "Shape" is the second highest new entry since 1983, the year that The Record's singles chart was introduced. Only two other singles have debuted in the top 10 - USA for Africa's "We Are The World" (No. 10, 1985) and U2's "Discotheque" (No. 10, 1997). "Shape" also takes the distinction of having the highest opening on the airplay chart ever. Previously, the aforementioned "Discotheque" held the title. For those keeping score, "Shape" is the Backstreet Boys' seventh top 10 hit and the group's 11th chart entry overall. If it does manage to go to No. 1, it will become the Boys' fifth chart-topping single after "As Long As You Love Me" (1997), "I Want It That Way" (1999), "Larger Than Life" (1999) and "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" (2000). All eyes are on next week's edition of The Hits. If it does manage to reach the top next week it will become the fastest rising No. 1 single on airplay list.

Chart Talk Potential

Shape Of My Heart - Backstreet Boys (Jive): Whether you like it or not, it has "No. 1 hit" written all over it. It has already rewritten the history books by debuting at No. 3 on The Hits - look for it to go all the way. Prediction: No. 1.