New rules for the UK Singles Chart

Album tracks, B-sides and golden oldies could enter the UK top 40 chart with the new rules changed on January 1, 2007.

The shake-up means that any download will count towards the top 75, even if it is not available on the high street.

CD singles will also be allowed extra tracks and extended running times to help them compete with downloads.

“This new ruling changes the nature of a single and puts the consumer in the driving seat,” said Steve Redmond, director of the UK Official Charts Company.

“Literally any track can be a hit – as long as it sells enough.”

Previously, downloads only counted towards the UK chart in the week before a song was released on CD, and until two weeks after the CD was deleted.

Based on an article by the BBC News