How Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's Rein Me In broke the UK's singles chart record

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s collaboration Rein Me In has shattered the record for the longest-running Number One single in the UK, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Frankie Laine’s I Believe in 1953. The track, which has spent 19 weeks atop the Official Charts Company’s Top 40, marks a historic achievement for British music, with Fender calling it “ridiculous” and “an excuse to party.” Released in June 2025 as a duet, the song originated from Fender’s third studio album People Watching, which won the Mercury Prize. Initially released as a solo track, Rein Me In was reimagined with an additional verse from Dean, giving it a broader emotional resonance and helping it climb to the top of the charts. The duo’s joint effort has been hailed as a landmark moment for UK music, with Fender describing the accomplishment as “especially significant” given the current global competition among artists. He credited Olivia Dean for transforming the song into a universally relatable piece, saying, “Olivia putting the alternative narrative on it made the song really universal.” Fender also expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, “It wouldn’t have happened without Olivia, obviously. But now I feel like it belongs to the fans, they’ve made it what it is.” Despite his disbelief, Fender plans to celebrate the milestone with a simple yet satisfying treat, a Chicago beef sandwich. The success of Rein Me In has not only solidified Fender’s position as a leading figure in contemporary British music but also propelled Olivia Dean into international stardom. Dean, who previously gained recognition for her own solo work, has since claimed major awards, including Grammys, MOBOs, and BRIT Awards. Her contribution to the song, which explores the complexities of a broken relationship from both perspectives, has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Critics and fans alike have noted the track’s ability to balance raw emotion with melodic strength, calling it “stormy, tender and anthemic.” The song’s journey to the top of the charts was anything but straightforward. Originally released as a solo track, Rein Me In took nearly eight months to reach Number One, eventually achieving the feat in February 2026. Its popularity surged following performances at high-profile venues, including Fender’s London Stadium concert in June 2025, where the track went viral almost immediately. A week later, the pair performed the song at Fender’s homecoming show at St James’ Park in Newcastle, further cementing its status as a fan favorite. The track’s continued presence on platforms like TikTok has also played a role in its longevity, with users incorporating it into a wide range of content, from romantic declarations to celebratory moments. The top five of the latest UK charts includes Dai Dai by Shakira and Burna Boy, the FIFA 2026 World Cup anthem, followed by Choosin Texas by Ella Langley, Stupid Song by Olivia Rodrigo, and Talk To You by Anotr/54. Globally, Rein Me In joins a rare list of tracks that have achieved similar feats, with Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do (I Do It for You) from 1991 being another example. Fender and Dean’s achievement underscores the power of collaborative songwriting and the enduring appeal of emotionally resonant music. To further engage fans during the record-breaking period, Fender encouraged supporters to purchase the track for 59p, offering chances to win an Official Charts Fan Award or a signed T-shirt. This initiative highlighted the deep connection between the artists and their audience, reinforcing the idea that the song’s success was a collective effort. As the track continues to dominate the charts, it stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of British music and the lasting impact of heartfelt storytelling.