Week of Aug. 9, 2009

In a typical week, a 17-position move up the chart would be the top story. But not this week, when Whitney Houston has to settle for second place.

Uncle Kracker takes the top honors this week for biggest chart move, as "Smile" sprints 27 notches from 37-10. That's the biggest single-week jump this year by far; prior to this week, six songs have moved between 13 and 15 spots. Interestingly, five of the six have gone on to No. 1 ("The Wrestler," "Warwick Avenue," "Use Somebody," "Second Chance" and "Fire Burning"). The sixth ("Fallin' for You") is still moving up the charts, this week at No. 7.

By comparison, last year's biggest single-week jump was 26 positions: Daughtry's "Feels Like Tonight" leapt 29-3 on its eventual trip to No. 1.

Speaking of Daughtry, in more ways than one this week's No. 1 is "No Surprise." The group's latest single is its third No. 1 in its past four tries; the only song to break the streak was the remake of Foreigner's "Feels Like the First Time," which bottomed out at No. 40.

If Uncle Kracker's song hadn't been on the chart, Whitney Houston would have the biggest mover of the year so far, as "I Look to You" makes an impressive leap from 38-21. A decade ago this week, Houston was No. 2 with "I Learned from the Best." She returned to the runner-up spot the next year in duets with George Michael ("If I Told You That") and Deborah Cox ("Same Script, Different Cast"). If the trend of big movers this year continues, this will be Houston's first No. 1 this decade.

Finally, Madonna debuts at No. 37 with "Celebration," her 45th Top 40 hit. It's her third hit this decade to share a title with an earlier hit (Kool and the Gang's No. 1 hit from 1981). She also hit with songs titled "Jump" (Van Halen) and "Beat Goes On" (Sonny & Cher).