The first chart of a new year sees a new No. 1 from a singer who hasn't been there before. "Britain's Got Talent" and YouTube phenomenon Susan Boyle moves 2-1 with "Wild Horses" from her debut CD, "I Dreamed a Dream." The live version of the title track went to No. 2 last spring. Boyle's debut album has already sold more than 2 million copies in five weeks in the U.S.
Last week's highest debut is this week's biggest mover. Even as Kyle and Fish heat up on TV's "One Life to Live" (check out YouTube for more on that), their love song, "My Confession" by Rie Sinclair & Friends, does the same here, moving 29-9. It's one of the three biggest movers of the week, all packed together this week in spots 9, 10 and 11. Robbie Williams' "Last Days of Disco" jumps 19-10, while the Alicia Keys/Beyonce duet "Put It in a Love Song" sprints 22-11.
Only one new song in the Top 40 this week, but it makes for an interesting chart coincidence. Ringo Starr's "Walk With You" enters at No. 40, just a few weeks after a different song with that title by Edwin McCain dropped off the countdown. This song features backing vocals by Paul McCartney, and it marks the first time the two surviving former Beatles have been in the Top 40 on my weekly charts. Starr's solo success occurred in the 1970s prior to the establishment of my surveys; his sole '80s chart hit, 1981's "Wrack My Brain," fell during a period when McCartney wasn't active. But this week, Starr joins both McCartney and their late bandmate's older son, Julian Lennon, in the Top 40. Starr is at No. 40, McCartney at No. 28 with "(I Want to) Come Home" and Lennon at No. 32 with James Scott Cook on "Lucy."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Final weekly chart of 2009
Soap operas have spurred on several chart hits, both on the national charts and on my own charts, over the past couple of decades. Probably the best known is "Baby, Come to Me," the Patti Austin/James Ingram duet from 1983 that went to No. 1 in Billboard and on my charts after becoming popular on ABC's "General Hospital."
This week's highest debut comes from another ABC soap, "One Life to Live." "My Confession," by Rie Sinclair & Friends at No. 29, was the background music for a key scene a couple of weeks back between the characters of Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis (or, as they're known in the soap fan world, "Kish"). It became available this week on iTunes.
It's not the first chart hit linked to "OLTL." Back in 1994, the show released a soundtrack of cover songs and original compositions, and three songs from that CD -- "Teach Me How to Dream" by Chris Walker, "Here We Are, My Friend" by Billy Dean, and "All I Know" by Michael McDonald and Amy Holland -- performed well enough to make the year-end Top 100. Most recently, Mary J. Blige earned a Top 10 hit in spring '08 with "Hurt Again," a track from her "Growing Pains" album that she performed on "OLTL."
Speaking of Ms. Mary ... the most popular artist of this decade on my decade-end top 1000 is back with not one, but two, tracks from her new CD, "Stronger With Each Tear." "I Am" enters at No. 35, while "Each Tear" debuts at No. 37. The concurrent chart action echoes her chart heat with "Growing Pains," when the tracks "Work That" and "Just Fine" moved up at the same time.
This week's highest debut comes from another ABC soap, "One Life to Live." "My Confession," by Rie Sinclair & Friends at No. 29, was the background music for a key scene a couple of weeks back between the characters of Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis (or, as they're known in the soap fan world, "Kish"). It became available this week on iTunes.
It's not the first chart hit linked to "OLTL." Back in 1994, the show released a soundtrack of cover songs and original compositions, and three songs from that CD -- "Teach Me How to Dream" by Chris Walker, "Here We Are, My Friend" by Billy Dean, and "All I Know" by Michael McDonald and Amy Holland -- performed well enough to make the year-end Top 100. Most recently, Mary J. Blige earned a Top 10 hit in spring '08 with "Hurt Again," a track from her "Growing Pains" album that she performed on "OLTL."
Speaking of Ms. Mary ... the most popular artist of this decade on my decade-end top 1000 is back with not one, but two, tracks from her new CD, "Stronger With Each Tear." "I Am" enters at No. 35, while "Each Tear" debuts at No. 37. The concurrent chart action echoes her chart heat with "Growing Pains," when the tracks "Work That" and "Just Fine" moved up at the same time.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Insights from the top 1,000
‘Wonderful’ decade? Some would argue that the “aughts” were anything but wonderful. But in terms of the charts, the most popular title for hits was indeed “Wonderful,” with four different songs sharing that title: Everclear at No. 226, Gary Go at No. 649, India.Arie at No. 732 and Annie Lennox at No. 934. (Other shared titles in the countdown: “Bad Day,” “Better Days,” “Broken,” “Change,” “Crazy,” “Drive,” “Everyday,” “Feel,” “Here With Me,” “I Believe in Love,” “I’ve Got You,” “Love Song,” “Shine,” “Smile,” “Sober,” “Sunrise,” “The Real Thing,” “Unbreakable,” “What If?” and “With You.”)
There’s something about Mary: The act with the most songs in the top 1,000 (solo or collaborations) is R&B singer Mary J. Blige, with 16; rock legend Bruce Springsteen is second with 15, and R&B singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is third with 14. Among women, the top five are Blige, Keys, Kelly Clarkson (12), a tie between Pink, India.Arie and Macy Gray (11) and Angie Stone (10). Among men, the top five are Springsteen, Tim McGraw (13), Elton John (12), David Gray (10) and a four-way tie between Keith Urban, John Mayer, Luther Vandross and Alan Jackson (8). Train is the decade’s top group or duo with 10 hits in the top 1,000, followed closely by Coldplay (9), a tie between U2 and Maroon 5 (8), Lonestar (7) and a tie between Nickelback, Daughtry, and Brooks and Dunn (6).
Other configurations: Among siblings, the Jacksons (Janet, Michael and Jermaine) beat the Bedingfields (Daniel and Natasha) and the Simpsons (Jessica and Ashlee), with 12 hits – eight from Janet, three from Michael and one from Jermaine – to the Bedingfields’ 8 and the Simpsons’ 4. Lisa-Marie Presley edged out father Elvis, 3-2, while Springsteen handily outranked his wife (and E Street bandmate) Patti Scialfa, 15-1.
Title trivia: The decade’s top musical question was “Why Don’t You and I?” (Santana and Chad Kroeger at No. 10) followed by “Who Knew?” “Do You Like the Way?” “Are You Ready for Love?” and “Did You See Me Coming?” Among days of the week, only Sunday made an appearance, in Amanda Marshall’s “Sunday Morning After” (No. 420). Twice as many “summer” songs as “winter” songs made the decade-end chart, but “Seasons of Love” at No. 74 from the movie version of “Rent” beat them all. Four hits referred to an angel and four hits referenced God, while only one did the opposite – Madonna’s “Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You” (No. 644). Twice as many songs about days as nights (12 to 6), but tonight trumped today 5-1. Of the 71 songs about love, David Gray’s “The One I Love” scored the highest at No. 5 for the decade.
‘Idol’ influence: I still have yet to see a regular episode of Fox’s “American Idol” (though the addition of Ellen DeGeneres might sway me to check out an episode), but the charts still reflect the power of the series on the pop charts. The top artists who made their debut on the series and their number of hits in the decade-end survey are Kelly Clarkson (12), (Chris) Daughtry (6), Jennifer Hudson (4) and a three-way tie between Fantasia, Kimberley Locke and Jordin Sparks with 3 each. Interestingly, only Clarkson, Fantasia and Sparks won their respective seasons.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The top 100 of 2009
With the chart year complete (mid-December 2008 to mid-December 2009), it's time to rank the year's 100 biggest hits. At the top is Uncle Kracker's "Smile," a song that spent more weeks at No. 1 -- four -- than any other this year. It's by far his biggest hit on my charts. (Had the charts been active when his remake of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" was popular, that would've come close.)
Long chart runs can propel a song toward the top even if the song spends one week -- or no weeks -- at No. 1. Four of the year's Top 10 are songs that spent one week each at the top but more than 20 weeks on the survey: Darius Rucker's "It Won't Be Like This for Long," Nickelback's "If Today Was Your Last Day," Sister Hazel's "This Kind of Love" and the most recent, Owl City's "Fireflies." (That song is still in the survey, in its 23rd week.) Among the songs that did not hit No. 1, the biggest is No. 29, Carolina Liar's "Show Me What I'm Looking For." An 11-week run in the Top 10, with five weeks at No. 2, gave that song its year-end chart power.
No one artist dominated the charts this year, but several placed two songs in the year-end survey: David Cook, Whitney Houston, Keith Urban, James Morrison, Nelly Furtado, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, The Fray, Solange, Mariah Carey and India.Arie.
Long chart runs can propel a song toward the top even if the song spends one week -- or no weeks -- at No. 1. Four of the year's Top 10 are songs that spent one week each at the top but more than 20 weeks on the survey: Darius Rucker's "It Won't Be Like This for Long," Nickelback's "If Today Was Your Last Day," Sister Hazel's "This Kind of Love" and the most recent, Owl City's "Fireflies." (That song is still in the survey, in its 23rd week.) Among the songs that did not hit No. 1, the biggest is No. 29, Carolina Liar's "Show Me What I'm Looking For." An 11-week run in the Top 10, with five weeks at No. 2, gave that song its year-end chart power.
No one artist dominated the charts this year, but several placed two songs in the year-end survey: David Cook, Whitney Houston, Keith Urban, James Morrison, Nelly Furtado, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, The Fray, Solange, Mariah Carey and India.Arie.
Week of Dec. 20
Twenty five years ago this week, Julian Lennon was in the top 10 with his first hit song, "Valotte." He's back this week at No. 40 with "Lucy," a collaboration with singer-songwriter James Scott Cook. This song is a fundraiser for lupus research. From now through March 15, 2010, 100 percent of the proceeds from each download of it from iTunes will be donated to lupus research. Both artists talk of their personal connection to lupus: James’ 92-year-old grandmother, Lucy Cook, has lived with it for years, and Julian’s childhood friend (and reported inspiration for the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds") Lucy Vodden recently died at age 46 after a long battle with it.
Meanwhile, the other two new songs this week are from Alicia Keys' latest album, "The Element of Freedom." Her official second single, "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart," enters at No. 39, but it's outpaced by her album track duet with Beyonce, "Put It in a Love Song." The upbeat number, which is similar thematically though not melodically to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," is the highest new entry of the week at No. 33.
While most songs between positions 30 and 11 move up the chart modestly (if they move up at all), Raphael Saadiq's "Staying in Love" leapfrogs 22-10. That gives the former Tony! Toni! Tone! frontman his second Top 10 solo hit after "Never Give You Up" from late 2008.
At the top of the charts, look for an interesting chart battle over the next several weeks between three disparate female singers: Norah Jones, Susan Boyle and Lady GaGa. Jones takes the top spot this week with "Chasing Pirates" moving 3-1, but Boyle is fast approaching with "Wild Horses" sprinting 7-2, and GaGa's "Paparazzi" jumps 9-4.
Meanwhile, the other two new songs this week are from Alicia Keys' latest album, "The Element of Freedom." Her official second single, "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart," enters at No. 39, but it's outpaced by her album track duet with Beyonce, "Put It in a Love Song." The upbeat number, which is similar thematically though not melodically to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," is the highest new entry of the week at No. 33.
While most songs between positions 30 and 11 move up the chart modestly (if they move up at all), Raphael Saadiq's "Staying in Love" leapfrogs 22-10. That gives the former Tony! Toni! Tone! frontman his second Top 10 solo hit after "Never Give You Up" from late 2008.
At the top of the charts, look for an interesting chart battle over the next several weeks between three disparate female singers: Norah Jones, Susan Boyle and Lady GaGa. Jones takes the top spot this week with "Chasing Pirates" moving 3-1, but Boyle is fast approaching with "Wild Horses" sprinting 7-2, and GaGa's "Paparazzi" jumps 9-4.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Week of Dec. 13
Lots of work this week on the year-end Top 100 and the decade-end Top 1000. They'll be popping up here within the next few weeks. The year-end Top 100 will be posted here next week. This week's chart (Dec. 13) was the last one for the 2009 chart year, and it made a difference. A song leapt into the year-end Top 10 as a result of this week's survey. Next week, you'll know which one that was.
Meanwhile, this week's chart news belongs to Susan Boyle and Reba McEntire. Boyle looks like she's going to take a third week at the top of Billboard's album charts with her debut release, and she's gunning for the top of my charts with "Wild Horses." This week, she's up another 10, moving 17-7.
McEntire has the week's highest debut with "Consider Me Gone" at No. 36. It's her first chart hit since her duet with Justin Timberlake, "The Only Promise That Remains," a year and a half back, and her first solo hit since 1996.
Also back in the Top 40 is Paul McCartney with "(I Want to) Come Home" at No. 38. It's from the much-panned new Robert DeNiro movie "Everybody's Fine." It's the first McCartney hit to make the 40 since "Ever Present Past" a couple of years back.
Meanwhile, this week's chart news belongs to Susan Boyle and Reba McEntire. Boyle looks like she's going to take a third week at the top of Billboard's album charts with her debut release, and she's gunning for the top of my charts with "Wild Horses." This week, she's up another 10, moving 17-7.
McEntire has the week's highest debut with "Consider Me Gone" at No. 36. It's her first chart hit since her duet with Justin Timberlake, "The Only Promise That Remains," a year and a half back, and her first solo hit since 1996.
Also back in the Top 40 is Paul McCartney with "(I Want to) Come Home" at No. 38. It's from the much-panned new Robert DeNiro movie "Everybody's Fine." It's the first McCartney hit to make the 40 since "Ever Present Past" a couple of years back.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Week of Dec. 6
Catching up after having been away over the weekend. Looks like Michael Jackson's stay turned out to be brief with "This Is It," as it slides 1-2 this week. (Hint to Epic Records: This song would've made a larger dent nationally if it had been commercially available as a single ... Forcing fans to buy an album full of songs they already have to get one new song is the kind of '90s-style greed that prompted lots of folks to illegally download. I wasn't one of them, but I can sympathize with the sentiment. Off the soapbox.)
Norah Jones' "Chasing Pirates" continues to make healthy moves, this week rising 9-5. But the big movers on this week's chart are two other women who couldn't be more different: Lady GaGa and Susan Boyle.
Lady GaGa's "Paparazzi" jumps 29-16. I find her music full of hooks, but some I like (e.g. "Just Dance" and this single) and some drive me nuts ("Poker Face," "LoveGame" and, now, "Bad Romance").
But Susan Boyle's "Wild Horses" has the week's biggest move, shooting from 38 to 17. That kind of chart action usually portends a No. 1 hit. We'll see if that can happen; "I Dreamed a Dream" blasted on to the charts at No. 23 earlier this year but only went to No. 2.
As 2009 is winding down, it'll be time in the next few weeks not only for the top 100 of the year but the top 1,000 of the decade. Look for the top 100 of 2009 before Christmas and the top 1,000 of the decade before New Year's.
Norah Jones' "Chasing Pirates" continues to make healthy moves, this week rising 9-5. But the big movers on this week's chart are two other women who couldn't be more different: Lady GaGa and Susan Boyle.
Lady GaGa's "Paparazzi" jumps 29-16. I find her music full of hooks, but some I like (e.g. "Just Dance" and this single) and some drive me nuts ("Poker Face," "LoveGame" and, now, "Bad Romance").
But Susan Boyle's "Wild Horses" has the week's biggest move, shooting from 38 to 17. That kind of chart action usually portends a No. 1 hit. We'll see if that can happen; "I Dreamed a Dream" blasted on to the charts at No. 23 earlier this year but only went to No. 2.
As 2009 is winding down, it'll be time in the next few weeks not only for the top 100 of the year but the top 1,000 of the decade. Look for the top 100 of 2009 before Christmas and the top 1,000 of the decade before New Year's.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Week of Nov. 29
This week, Michael Jackson concludes his chart sprint with "This Is It," which has leapt nine or 10 positions each week since its debut at No. 40 five weeks ago. This becomes his seventh No. 1 solo hit since 1980 on my charts, with the other six being "Rock With You" (1980), "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" (1983), "Man in the Mirror" (1987), "Black or White" (1991) and "Who Is It?" (1993). In addition, he was co-author of USA for Africa's "We Are the World," the No. 1 song of 1985.
Another artist making a comeback this week, though not quite as dramatic, is Toni Braxton. She hasn't had a hit in nine years, since "He Wasn't Man Enough" in 2000. This week, she's back with "Yesterday," not the Lennon-McCartney standard but an original R&B collaboration with Trey Songz that enters the countdown at No. 39. Braxton has had a few No. 1 hits nationally, but on my chart, only her debut collaboration with Babyface, 1992's "Give You My Heart," has gone all the way to the top. Can this latest collaboration follow?
Several songs make strong moves up the chart this week, with three songs jumping 10 notches. Norah Jones' latest, "Chasing Pirates," moves into the Top 10 with a 19-9 leap, while "Paparazzi" by Lady GaGa moves 39-29 and "Staying in Love" from Raphael Saadiq keeps pace, 40-30.
Another artist making a comeback this week, though not quite as dramatic, is Toni Braxton. She hasn't had a hit in nine years, since "He Wasn't Man Enough" in 2000. This week, she's back with "Yesterday," not the Lennon-McCartney standard but an original R&B collaboration with Trey Songz that enters the countdown at No. 39. Braxton has had a few No. 1 hits nationally, but on my chart, only her debut collaboration with Babyface, 1992's "Give You My Heart," has gone all the way to the top. Can this latest collaboration follow?
Several songs make strong moves up the chart this week, with three songs jumping 10 notches. Norah Jones' latest, "Chasing Pirates," moves into the Top 10 with a 19-9 leap, while "Paparazzi" by Lady GaGa moves 39-29 and "Staying in Love" from Raphael Saadiq keeps pace, 40-30.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Week of Nov. 22
The dance music act Cascada, with lead singer Natalie Horler, notches its first No. 1 with "Evacuate the Dancefloor." The group had hit previously with remakes of "Truly Madly Deeply" and "Because the Night," but this original hit surpassed both of those to move 4-1 this week.
Michael Jackson continues his 10-notch-a-week pace, moving 40-30-20-10 the past month with "This Is It." Could this mean he's headed for the top next week?
Creed stalled out at No. 40 with "Overcome," the first single from the group's comeback/reunion album, "Full Circle." But the second single, "Rain," is doing much better, up 32-25 this week. In 2000, the group had back-to-back No. 1's with "Higher" (one week) and "With Arms Wide Open" (two weeks).
This week's three debut songs are led by Rihanna's No. 29 bow for "Russian Roulette," the first single from her new release "Rated R." Only five songs this year have debuted as high or higher, with four of those entering the week of April 11: Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" (No. 23), Shinedown's "Second Chance" (No. 27), Keith Urban's "Standing Right in Front of You" (No. 28) and Chrisette Michele's "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)" (No. 29). The most recent was Jermaine Jackson's "Smile" from his brother's memorial service (No. 29, July 12). Interestingly, despite those high debuts, most of those songs did not go to No. 1. (Only the Shinedown and Urban tracks did.) We'll see how Rihanna fares in the weeks to come.
Michael Jackson continues his 10-notch-a-week pace, moving 40-30-20-10 the past month with "This Is It." Could this mean he's headed for the top next week?
Creed stalled out at No. 40 with "Overcome," the first single from the group's comeback/reunion album, "Full Circle." But the second single, "Rain," is doing much better, up 32-25 this week. In 2000, the group had back-to-back No. 1's with "Higher" (one week) and "With Arms Wide Open" (two weeks).
This week's three debut songs are led by Rihanna's No. 29 bow for "Russian Roulette," the first single from her new release "Rated R." Only five songs this year have debuted as high or higher, with four of those entering the week of April 11: Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" (No. 23), Shinedown's "Second Chance" (No. 27), Keith Urban's "Standing Right in Front of You" (No. 28) and Chrisette Michele's "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)" (No. 29). The most recent was Jermaine Jackson's "Smile" from his brother's memorial service (No. 29, July 12). Interestingly, despite those high debuts, most of those songs did not go to No. 1. (Only the Shinedown and Urban tracks did.) We'll see how Rihanna fares in the weeks to come.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Week of Nov. 15
Five debuts this week from a diverse crowd: adult/pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, country/pop group Rascal Flatts, R&B crooner Jaheim, Brit-pop/dance singer Robbie Williams and "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert. Caillat, debuting at No. 33, replaces herself in the survey, as the former No. 1 "Fallin' for You" slides out after a 19-week run.
Michael Jackson's "This Is It" continues to make healthy moves, following last week's 40-30 leap with another 10-point leap to No. 20. Meanwhile, sister Janet's "Make Me" (borrowing a bit from MJ's "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough") is picking up steam, up seven to No. 12.
Tied with "This Is It" for the week's biggest move is Norah Jones' "Chasing Pirates." In its second week on the chart, it sprints 10 from 38-28.
Michael Jackson's "This Is It" continues to make healthy moves, following last week's 40-30 leap with another 10-point leap to No. 20. Meanwhile, sister Janet's "Make Me" (borrowing a bit from MJ's "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough") is picking up steam, up seven to No. 12.
Tied with "This Is It" for the week's biggest move is Norah Jones' "Chasing Pirates." In its second week on the chart, it sprints 10 from 38-28.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Week of Nov. 8
The highest of the three new songs in this week's Top 40 is the first release from Norah Jones' latest album, "The Fall." "Chasing Pirates" enters at No. 38.
Lots of action within the Top 40, with 15 songs moving up at least four positions from last week. The biggest mover of the week is "If You Only Knew," Shinedown's follow up to the No. 1 hit "Second Chance," which moves 26-14. Meantime, two songs that entered last week sprint 10 positions: OneRepublic's "All the Right Moves" jumps 38-28 and Michael Jackson's "This Is It" moves 40-30.
Lots of action within the Top 40, with 15 songs moving up at least four positions from last week. The biggest mover of the week is "If You Only Knew," Shinedown's follow up to the No. 1 hit "Second Chance," which moves 26-14. Meantime, two songs that entered last week sprint 10 positions: OneRepublic's "All the Right Moves" jumps 38-28 and Michael Jackson's "This Is It" moves 40-30.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Top 40 for Nov. 1
Since this summer's death of superstar Michael Jackson, his brother Jermaine hit the charts with a tribute from his memorial service ("Smile") and his sister Janet followed with a tribute from the MTV Awards ("Make Me"). This week, Michael himself returns to the top 40 with a posthumous hit, "This Is It." The title track from the No. 1 movie at the U.S. box office this past weekend is No. 40.
Singer-songwriter Will Hoge takes his first chart hit into the top 10 as "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" moves 11-9. The song is one of several sleeper hits in the countdown continuing to push up the charts in its 12th week. Others include "Come Home" by OneRepublic and Sara Bareilles (up 3-2 in its 16th week) and "Fireflies" by Owl City (up 4-3 in its 16th week). "Fireflies" managed to soar to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 this week (no mean feat for an alternative/AAA song).
Singer-songwriter Will Hoge takes his first chart hit into the top 10 as "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" moves 11-9. The song is one of several sleeper hits in the countdown continuing to push up the charts in its 12th week. Others include "Come Home" by OneRepublic and Sara Bareilles (up 3-2 in its 16th week) and "Fireflies" by Owl City (up 4-3 in its 16th week). "Fireflies" managed to soar to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 this week (no mean feat for an alternative/AAA song).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Week of Oct. 25
Four new songs in the Top 40, and lots of action in the Top 10 this week.
In the top 10, three of the year's biggest hits -- all former No. 1 songs -- fall out this week: Uncle Kracker's "Smile," Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" and Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You." Replacing them are songs by three of the hottest acts of the 1980s. Houston replaces herself as "Million Dollar Bill," the second single from her latest album, jumps 14-8. Madonna's "Celebration," from her recent career retrospective, pushes up one to No. 10. And the late Dan Fogelberg collects his second posthumous hit (last year's "Sometimes a Song" was his first) as "Diamonds to Dust" moves 12-9. (In the 1980s, Houston had eight top 10 hits, Madonna had 10, and Fogelberg had seven.)
Meanwhile, new to the Top 40 are the latest from Bruce Springsteen, Tim McGraw, Beyoncé and 30 Seconds to Mars. The latter act is an alternative rock group made up of Tomo Milicevic on guitars, Shannon Leto on drums and Jared Leto on guitars and vocals (yes, the same Jared Leto known as an actor in such roles as Jordan Catalano on "My So-Called Life" in the 1990s). 30 Seconds to Mars hit No. 11 a few years back with "From Yesterday." We'll see how "Kings and Queens" fares; this week, it kicks off the countdown at No. 40.
In the top 10, three of the year's biggest hits -- all former No. 1 songs -- fall out this week: Uncle Kracker's "Smile," Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" and Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You." Replacing them are songs by three of the hottest acts of the 1980s. Houston replaces herself as "Million Dollar Bill," the second single from her latest album, jumps 14-8. Madonna's "Celebration," from her recent career retrospective, pushes up one to No. 10. And the late Dan Fogelberg collects his second posthumous hit (last year's "Sometimes a Song" was his first) as "Diamonds to Dust" moves 12-9. (In the 1980s, Houston had eight top 10 hits, Madonna had 10, and Fogelberg had seven.)
Meanwhile, new to the Top 40 are the latest from Bruce Springsteen, Tim McGraw, Beyoncé and 30 Seconds to Mars. The latter act is an alternative rock group made up of Tomo Milicevic on guitars, Shannon Leto on drums and Jared Leto on guitars and vocals (yes, the same Jared Leto known as an actor in such roles as Jordan Catalano on "My So-Called Life" in the 1990s). 30 Seconds to Mars hit No. 11 a few years back with "From Yesterday." We'll see how "Kings and Queens" fares; this week, it kicks off the countdown at No. 40.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Week of Oct. 18
Four new entries in this week's Top 40 include three acts that have been fairly consistent in popularity this decade: Five for Fighting, Joss Stone and Angie Stone.
Five for Fighting, the act that boils down to singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, had its biggest hit with its debut album "America Town" and its No. 1 singles "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and "Something About You." The act has had lesser success with "100 Years" and "The Riddle." "Chances," which enters at No. 35, is fittingly from the fifth album for Five for Fighting, "Slice."
"I Ain't Hearing U," new at No. 34, is the 13th hit this decade for neo-soul singer Angie Stone. Actually, though her initial successes squarely fit in the neo-soul definition, such as her No. 1 hits from 2000 "No More Rain (in This Cloud)" and "Heaven Help," Angie Stone has had more success in recent years with dance material. "I Ain't Hearing U" is more along the lines of her dance hits.
Joss Stone, no relation to Angie, is a Brit-soul singer who has had success this decade with a bluesier, Southern-soul style. "Free Me," this week's highest entry at No. 32, falls in that vein as well. It's the first single from her new album "Colour Me Free."
The last of the new entries this week is at No. 33. "If You Only Knew" is the rock band Shinedown's follow-up to their smash from earlier this year, "Second Chance."
Up at the top of the charts, it looks like Barbra Streisand is pushing for her first No. 1 hit in almost 30 (!) years with her version of the Sinatra standard "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." The Diana Krall-produced song from her latest album sprints 9-3. If she does get to the top, it'll mark her first time there since "Guilty" featuring Barry Gibb spent a single week at No. 1 in 1981. The closest she's been since then was in 2000, when "If I Didn't Love You" went to No. 2.
Five for Fighting, the act that boils down to singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, had its biggest hit with its debut album "America Town" and its No. 1 singles "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and "Something About You." The act has had lesser success with "100 Years" and "The Riddle." "Chances," which enters at No. 35, is fittingly from the fifth album for Five for Fighting, "Slice."
"I Ain't Hearing U," new at No. 34, is the 13th hit this decade for neo-soul singer Angie Stone. Actually, though her initial successes squarely fit in the neo-soul definition, such as her No. 1 hits from 2000 "No More Rain (in This Cloud)" and "Heaven Help," Angie Stone has had more success in recent years with dance material. "I Ain't Hearing U" is more along the lines of her dance hits.
Joss Stone, no relation to Angie, is a Brit-soul singer who has had success this decade with a bluesier, Southern-soul style. "Free Me," this week's highest entry at No. 32, falls in that vein as well. It's the first single from her new album "Colour Me Free."
The last of the new entries this week is at No. 33. "If You Only Knew" is the rock band Shinedown's follow-up to their smash from earlier this year, "Second Chance."
Up at the top of the charts, it looks like Barbra Streisand is pushing for her first No. 1 hit in almost 30 (!) years with her version of the Sinatra standard "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." The Diana Krall-produced song from her latest album sprints 9-3. If she does get to the top, it'll mark her first time there since "Guilty" featuring Barry Gibb spent a single week at No. 1 in 1981. The closest she's been since then was in 2000, when "If I Didn't Love You" went to No. 2.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Week of Oct. 11
Well, for the first time in eight weeks, the song at the top of the chart does not belong to Whitney Houston or Uncle Kracker. The Fray's "Never Say Never" completes its speedy run to No. 1 by moving up three in its fifth week. It's the band's second time at the top, after "How to Save a Life" spent one week at the top in late 2006.
Lots of action in this week's Top 10, with Mika, Cascada and one of the oldest artists on the charts, Barbra Streisand, all moving in with their latest hits. (Streisand is 67; Smokey Robinson, who has the No. 19 song this week, is 69.) Streisand surprised chart watchers at Billboard by keeping Mariah Carey and Paramore out of No. 1 on the album charts this week with her latest, "Love Is the Answer." I'm not at all surprised -- she has a lot of dedicated fans (myself included) who will go out and get her albums in the first week of release. What will be more interesting to see is whether this album has any staying power on the charts. It's a lot more of a standard and less contemporary album than any of her non-Broadway releases in the past two decades, so we'll see.
While Jordin Sparks slides out of the Top 10 with "Battlefield," she enters the Top 40 with its follow-up, "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)." The parenthetical title tips off listeners that this isn't a remake of Rihanna's hit of a few years back (nor of Abba's 1975 hit) but a new song that borrows heavily from Shannon's Top 40 classic from 1984.
Lots of action in this week's Top 10, with Mika, Cascada and one of the oldest artists on the charts, Barbra Streisand, all moving in with their latest hits. (Streisand is 67; Smokey Robinson, who has the No. 19 song this week, is 69.) Streisand surprised chart watchers at Billboard by keeping Mariah Carey and Paramore out of No. 1 on the album charts this week with her latest, "Love Is the Answer." I'm not at all surprised -- she has a lot of dedicated fans (myself included) who will go out and get her albums in the first week of release. What will be more interesting to see is whether this album has any staying power on the charts. It's a lot more of a standard and less contemporary album than any of her non-Broadway releases in the past two decades, so we'll see.
While Jordin Sparks slides out of the Top 10 with "Battlefield," she enters the Top 40 with its follow-up, "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)." The parenthetical title tips off listeners that this isn't a remake of Rihanna's hit of a few years back (nor of Abba's 1975 hit) but a new song that borrows heavily from Shannon's Top 40 classic from 1984.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week of Oct. 4, 2009
Lots of moves this week as five songs slide out of the Top 20 and make room for some newcomers. Meanwhile, this week's two debuts are from chart veterans. Alicia Keys earns her 13th hit with "Doesn't Mean Anything" at No. 38; she's been in the countdown for the past several weeks as co-writer of Whitney Houston's "Million Dollar Bill." And Janet Jackson enters at No. 39 with "Make Me," the song she sang in tribute to her brother Michael at the VMAs a few weeks back. Its lyrics sample Michael's hit "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough."
At the top of the charts, Whitney Houston returns for a second nonconsecutive week with "I Look to You," displacing Uncle Kracker's "Smile" after three weeks. It looks like the seesaw ride that those two songs have been on the past month and a half is about to end. George Strait's "Living for the Night," at No. 3, has been moving up steadily, but leaping and bounding is The Fray's "Never Say Never." In its fourth chart week, it's up another five to No. 4.
At the top of the charts, Whitney Houston returns for a second nonconsecutive week with "I Look to You," displacing Uncle Kracker's "Smile" after three weeks. It looks like the seesaw ride that those two songs have been on the past month and a half is about to end. George Strait's "Living for the Night," at No. 3, has been moving up steadily, but leaping and bounding is The Fray's "Never Say Never." In its fourth chart week, it's up another five to No. 4.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Week of Sept. 27, 2009
Three new songs in the Top 40 this week, including the first hit for All-4-One since 1996. The four-man vocal group, best known for the No. 1 hits "I Swear" and "I Can Love You Like That," are back at No. 39 with "If Your Heart's Not In It."
Meanwhile, Leona Lewis returns to the countdown with "Happy" at No. 37. It's the second song with that title to chart; Legacy of Sound featuring Meja went to the Top 10 in 1992 with a dance song of the same title.
The Fray's "Never Say Never" is shaping up as a contender for No. 1. After last week's 15-point move, it's also this week's top mover, up 10 from 19 to 9. Meanwhile, the Top 3 keep their stranglehold. These songs -- Uncle Kracker's "Smile," Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" and Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You" -- have been the top three in some configuration for six weeks, with this particular configuration four of the six weeks. That's some staying power.
Meanwhile, Leona Lewis returns to the countdown with "Happy" at No. 37. It's the second song with that title to chart; Legacy of Sound featuring Meja went to the Top 10 in 1992 with a dance song of the same title.
The Fray's "Never Say Never" is shaping up as a contender for No. 1. After last week's 15-point move, it's also this week's top mover, up 10 from 19 to 9. Meanwhile, the Top 3 keep their stranglehold. These songs -- Uncle Kracker's "Smile," Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" and Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You" -- have been the top three in some configuration for six weeks, with this particular configuration four of the six weeks. That's some staying power.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Week of Sept. 20, 2009
In the days before Mariah and Whitney, Madonna and Janet, gay men might identify by their fondness for either Liza Minnelli or Barbra Streisand. One glance at my charts could tell you which camp I fall in: Ms. Minnelli has had one song hit my chart over the years (and one near-miss with Donna Summer), while Ms. Streisand has had more than 20 (including a hit with Donna Summer). This week, Barbra enters the Top 40 solo for the first time in nine years with "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." Her take on the Hilliard-Mann standard enters at No. 37 from her new collection, "Love Is the Answer."
Meanwhile, on the other end of the pop spectrum, Weezer enters at No. 40 with "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To." That song title is the longest to hit my chart with the parenthetical portion at the beginning. I'll get back in future weeks with other parenthetical hit titles.
The Fray have the week's biggest mover, with "Never Say Never" rocketing 34-19. Why the group decided to go with this as the song's title rather than "Don't Let Me Go," I don't know. Could be that they thought the latter might sound too emo?
Meanwhile, on the other end of the pop spectrum, Weezer enters at No. 40 with "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To." That song title is the longest to hit my chart with the parenthetical portion at the beginning. I'll get back in future weeks with other parenthetical hit titles.
The Fray have the week's biggest mover, with "Never Say Never" rocketing 34-19. Why the group decided to go with this as the song's title rather than "Don't Let Me Go," I don't know. Could be that they thought the latter might sound too emo?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Week of Sept. 13, 2009
Last year, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova went to No. 3 in May with "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once." This week, they make their second Top 40 appearance with "Low Rising" at No. 36. It's their first hit credited to their group The Swell Season, from the group's new CD "Strict Joy."
Most of this week's new entries are ballads or midtempo numbers, with one significant exception: Cascada's "Evacuate the Dancefloor" at No. 37. It's the first time Cascada has hit my charts with an original song. The group's previous hits were remakes of Patti Smith's "Because the Night" (No. 10 earlier this year) and Savage Garden's "Truly Madly Deeply" (No. 3 in 2007).
Up at the top of the charts, looks like a battle going on for longevity. Uncle Kracker's "Smile" bounces back to No. 1 after taking a back seat to Whitney Houston last week. Whitney's not far behind, with "I Look to You" at No. 2. Meantime, Colbie Caillat's former No. 1, "Fallin' for You," hangs in at No. 3, and three other former No. 1 songs -- Pet Shop Boys' "Did You See Me Coming?" Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning" and Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" -- continue to remain in the Top 10. With all of those songs holding forth, what songs in the lower part of the chart will break through that logjam and become number ones this fall?
Most of this week's new entries are ballads or midtempo numbers, with one significant exception: Cascada's "Evacuate the Dancefloor" at No. 37. It's the first time Cascada has hit my charts with an original song. The group's previous hits were remakes of Patti Smith's "Because the Night" (No. 10 earlier this year) and Savage Garden's "Truly Madly Deeply" (No. 3 in 2007).
Up at the top of the charts, looks like a battle going on for longevity. Uncle Kracker's "Smile" bounces back to No. 1 after taking a back seat to Whitney Houston last week. Whitney's not far behind, with "I Look to You" at No. 2. Meantime, Colbie Caillat's former No. 1, "Fallin' for You," hangs in at No. 3, and three other former No. 1 songs -- Pet Shop Boys' "Did You See Me Coming?" Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning" and Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" -- continue to remain in the Top 10. With all of those songs holding forth, what songs in the lower part of the chart will break through that logjam and become number ones this fall?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Week of Sept. 6, 2009
It's nine years to the week since Whitney Houston has had chart action like this. The week of Sept. 10, 2000, was the last week of her run with two separate hits from her greatest hits collection. "Same Script, Different Cast," a former Top 10 hit with Deborah Cox, dropped 6-13, while her duet with George Michael, "If I Told You That," dropped 20-24. This week is even better, as Houston's two chart hits are on the rise. "Million Dollar Bill," co-written by Alicia Keys, enters at No. 38, while the title track of Whitney's new CD, "I Look to You," moves up 2-1. It's Whitney's first time at the top since "Heartbreak Hotel" with Faith Evans and Kelly Price spent a week there in April 1999.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, we have back to back country crossovers by Tim McGraw and George Strait in positions 8 and 9. The last time two country songs crossed to pop's Top 10 was July 13, 2008, when Darius Rucker was No. 3 with "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" and James Otto was No. 9 with "Just Got Started Lovin' You." That was the final week of a six-week concurrent run for those songs.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, we have back to back country crossovers by Tim McGraw and George Strait in positions 8 and 9. The last time two country songs crossed to pop's Top 10 was July 13, 2008, when Darius Rucker was No. 3 with "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" and James Otto was No. 9 with "Just Got Started Lovin' You." That was the final week of a six-week concurrent run for those songs.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Week of Aug. 30, 2009
The group Collective Soul had the No. 1 song a year ago this week with "All That I Know." This week, the group is back at No. 40 with a new tune, "Heart to Heart," a bonus track from their new self-titled release. This time of year is good for the group; 15 years ago, they were in the Top 10 with their debut hit, "Shine."
Going back 10 years ago this week, we find the first week in the Top 10 for "Smooth," the comeback hit for Carlos Santana. This week, Santana returns the favor on a Top 40 comeback for Smokey Robinson. "Please Don't Take Your Love," a collaboration between Robinson and Santana, debuts at No. 37. It's from Robinson's independent release, "Time Flies When You're Having Fun."
In the Top 20, two country crossovers make strong moves. Tim McGraw's latest, "It's a Business Doing Pleasure With You," sprints 15-9, making it his fifth Top 10 hit. (In addition, a number of McGraw songs were popular during the chart's inactivity including "She's My Kind of Rain," "Real Good Man" and "Live Like You Were Dying.") Meanwhile, George Strait moves 17-12 with "Living for the Night," getting closer to his second Top 10 following 2002's "Run."
Going back 10 years ago this week, we find the first week in the Top 10 for "Smooth," the comeback hit for Carlos Santana. This week, Santana returns the favor on a Top 40 comeback for Smokey Robinson. "Please Don't Take Your Love," a collaboration between Robinson and Santana, debuts at No. 37. It's from Robinson's independent release, "Time Flies When You're Having Fun."
In the Top 20, two country crossovers make strong moves. Tim McGraw's latest, "It's a Business Doing Pleasure With You," sprints 15-9, making it his fifth Top 10 hit. (In addition, a number of McGraw songs were popular during the chart's inactivity including "She's My Kind of Rain," "Real Good Man" and "Live Like You Were Dying.") Meanwhile, George Strait moves 17-12 with "Living for the Night," getting closer to his second Top 10 following 2002's "Run."
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Top 40 for Aug. 23
Of this week's four debuts, one is the second posthumous hit for singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg. "Diamonds to Dust" enters at No. 39, 15 months after Fogelberg went to No. 1 with "Sometimes a Song." Fogelberg, who died of cancer in December 2007, is one of two posthumous acts in this week's Top 40; the other is Wayman Tisdale, the smooth jazz guitarist and former basketball player who died of cancer in May. Tisdale's collaboration with country singer Toby Keith, their remake of Barry White's "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up," slides down two to No. 24 this week.
At the top of the charts, an interesting battle is shaping up for the next few weeks. Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You" becomes her fifth consecutive chart-topper, but right behind her are the fast-moving "Smile" by Uncle Kracker and "I Look to You" by Whitney Houston. Both songs have moved into the top three within four weeks on the Top 40.
Colin Hay, the one-time lead singer of the '80s band Men at Work, notches his first solo hit as "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin" enters at No. 40 this week. It's from his new album "American Sunshine."
At the top of the charts, an interesting battle is shaping up for the next few weeks. Colbie Caillat's "Fallin' for You" becomes her fifth consecutive chart-topper, but right behind her are the fast-moving "Smile" by Uncle Kracker and "I Look to You" by Whitney Houston. Both songs have moved into the top three within four weeks on the Top 40.
Colin Hay, the one-time lead singer of the '80s band Men at Work, notches his first solo hit as "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin" enters at No. 40 this week. It's from his new album "American Sunshine."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Week of Aug. 16, 2009
After a few weeks in which only a few songs made significant moves, this week a logjam gives way in the Top 20, and eight songs move five or more positions up the chart. Last week's runner-up, Whitney Houston's "I Look to You," is this week's biggest mover, sprinting 21-9. Between last week's 17-point jump and this week's 12-point leap into the Top 10, that song is an odds-on favorite for No. 1 in the next few weeks.
Its neighbor, "Smile" from Uncle Kracker at No. 8, is also a good bet for a charttopper. Interestingly, the two songs are in the same key and, when played on an iPod with the five-second overlap feature, blend seamlessly from Houston to Kracker.
Among the debuts this week, two newcomers (Will Hoge at No. 40 and Gary Go at No. 38) are joined by a veteran Midwest band that hasn't had a chart hit in almost two decades. Cheap Trick last hit in 1990 with "Wherever Would I Be?" the No. 14 follow-up to its No. 1 hit "Can't Stop Falling Into Love." The band's latest hit, "Miss Tomorrow," comes in at No. 39.
Its neighbor, "Smile" from Uncle Kracker at No. 8, is also a good bet for a charttopper. Interestingly, the two songs are in the same key and, when played on an iPod with the five-second overlap feature, blend seamlessly from Houston to Kracker.
Among the debuts this week, two newcomers (Will Hoge at No. 40 and Gary Go at No. 38) are joined by a veteran Midwest band that hasn't had a chart hit in almost two decades. Cheap Trick last hit in 1990 with "Wherever Would I Be?" the No. 14 follow-up to its No. 1 hit "Can't Stop Falling Into Love." The band's latest hit, "Miss Tomorrow," comes in at No. 39.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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).
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).
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Top 40 for Aug. 2
It's unusual to have two different songs with the same title in the Top 40 at the same time. It happens this week, as the latest from Uncle Kracker, "Smile," enters at No. 37 while Jermaine Jackson's "Smile" moves up one to No. 16. The Jackson song is the latest version of a standard, while the Uncle Kracker song is a new composition that only shares the title.
Prior to this week, the "same-title, different-song, same-week" phenomenon happened at least twice. For three weeks beginning Aug. 27, 1988, two songs titled "Don't Be Cruel" charted -- one a remake of the Elvis Presley hit by Cheap Trick, the other an original that marked the solo debut of Bobby Brown.
Then amazingly, the week of Sept. 15, 1996, this happened not once but twice. The title "Missing You" was in the countdown by Tina Turner (a remake of the John Waite hit from '84) at No. 13 while an original collaboration from Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan was at No. 16. At the same time, two songs debuted with the title "Last Night" -- an R&B ballad by Az Yet at No. 23 and a British soul ballad by Eve Gallagher at No. 24. (The Az Yet song dropped out the next week, keeping this a brief quirk in the record book.)
This week, as Mariah Carey notches her latest Top 10 hit with "Obsessed" moving 12-10, her multioctave rival and one-time collaborator Whitney Houston returns to the charts, with "I Look to You" entering at No. 38. It's the title track from her new album expected to be released in September.
Prior to this week, the "same-title, different-song, same-week" phenomenon happened at least twice. For three weeks beginning Aug. 27, 1988, two songs titled "Don't Be Cruel" charted -- one a remake of the Elvis Presley hit by Cheap Trick, the other an original that marked the solo debut of Bobby Brown.
Then amazingly, the week of Sept. 15, 1996, this happened not once but twice. The title "Missing You" was in the countdown by Tina Turner (a remake of the John Waite hit from '84) at No. 13 while an original collaboration from Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan was at No. 16. At the same time, two songs debuted with the title "Last Night" -- an R&B ballad by Az Yet at No. 23 and a British soul ballad by Eve Gallagher at No. 24. (The Az Yet song dropped out the next week, keeping this a brief quirk in the record book.)
This week, as Mariah Carey notches her latest Top 10 hit with "Obsessed" moving 12-10, her multioctave rival and one-time collaborator Whitney Houston returns to the charts, with "I Look to You" entering at No. 38. It's the title track from her new album expected to be released in September.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Week of July 26, 2009
One of the fun parts of personal charting is to see how songs from disparate musical styles play back to back. That's clear from the five songs in spots 35 through 31 this week. At 35 is the former No. 1 modern rock ballad "Second Chance" from Shinedown. Next up is "Más," the first Spanish-language entry for Nelly Furtado. The Portuguese Canadian performer is a musical chameleon, hitting the charts with pop ("I'm Like a Bird," No. 2, 2001), R&B/hip-hop ("Promiscuous," No. 12, 2006; "Say It Right," No. 3, 2007) and duet ballads with country singer Keith Urban ("In God's Hands," No. 20, 2008) and English pop/soul singer James Morrison ("Broken Strings," No. 1, earlier this year).
At 33 is "Losing My Religion," the dance remake of R.E.M.'s No. 1 song of 1991 by Colton Ford. The former adult film star has placed five songs in the Top 40 in the past two years, with his first, "The Way You Love Me," being his biggest. Given that song's No. 32 peak and this week's 39-33 move, it's likely he'll have a new personal best.
Country singer George Strait debuts at No. 32 with "Living for the Night." It's his second hit to cross over, following "Run," which hit No. 1 in 2002. And at No. 31 is the adult top 40 ballad "Come Home," a collaboration between chart-topping newcomers OneRepublic ("Apologize") and Sara Bareilles ("Love Song"). It moves up six this week.
One last note for this week: Artists have had hits with songs titled "One" (Three Dog Night, U2) and songs titled "The One" (Elton John). But how many artists have had hits with both titles? One (of course!). That would be Mary J. Blige, who debuts this week at No. 40 with her duet with Drake, "The One." A few years back, Blige hit No. 3 with her remake of U2's "One," featuring U2 on the track.
At 33 is "Losing My Religion," the dance remake of R.E.M.'s No. 1 song of 1991 by Colton Ford. The former adult film star has placed five songs in the Top 40 in the past two years, with his first, "The Way You Love Me," being his biggest. Given that song's No. 32 peak and this week's 39-33 move, it's likely he'll have a new personal best.
Country singer George Strait debuts at No. 32 with "Living for the Night." It's his second hit to cross over, following "Run," which hit No. 1 in 2002. And at No. 31 is the adult top 40 ballad "Come Home," a collaboration between chart-topping newcomers OneRepublic ("Apologize") and Sara Bareilles ("Love Song"). It moves up six this week.
One last note for this week: Artists have had hits with songs titled "One" (Three Dog Night, U2) and songs titled "The One" (Elton John). But how many artists have had hits with both titles? One (of course!). That would be Mary J. Blige, who debuts this week at No. 40 with her duet with Drake, "The One." A few years back, Blige hit No. 3 with her remake of U2's "One," featuring U2 on the track.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Top 40 for July 19
This week's No. 1 song is the first in 2009 to move from outside the Top 5. Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning" breaks the logjam that has been at the top of the chart the past few weeks to sprint from No. 7 to No. 1. Last year, only two songs did that trick: Alicia Keys' "Like You'll Never See Me Again" in March (moving 6-1) and Donna Summer's "Stamp Your Feet" (a former No. 1 song that leapt back from 6-1 for a final week) in August.
New to the top 10 this week is "Blame It on the Summer," a comeback hit for Basia. Her first chart hit, "Time and Tide," went to No. 2 in 1988. Her most recent hit was "The Sweetest Illusion," a No. 10 hit 15 years ago (!) in 1994.
Another veteran artist nearing the top 10 is the duo known as the Pet Shop Boys. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe first charted with "West End Girls" in 1986. They've gone to No. 1 three times -- with "What Have I Done to Deserve This" featuring Dusty Springfield (2 weeks, 1988), their remake of the Village People's "Go West" (1 week, 1993) and their Eminem diss "The Night I Fell in Love" (2 weeks, 2002). "Did You See Me Coming?" moves up 17-11 this week.
Speaking of Eminem disses, Mariah Carey's reported response to rap's bad boy, "Obsessed," makes a healthy 21-13 move. Mariah has had eight songs hit No. 1 on my charts (and might have had a ninth, since "We Belong Together" came out during a period when the charts were inactive). Those eight: "Vision of Love,""Love Takes Time," "Emotions," "I'll Be There," "Dreamlover," "Without You," "Anytime You Need a Friend" and her collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day." Her more recent R&B material hasn't scored as highly with me, but "Obsessed" may have what it takes. We'll see in future weeks.
New to the top 10 this week is "Blame It on the Summer," a comeback hit for Basia. Her first chart hit, "Time and Tide," went to No. 2 in 1988. Her most recent hit was "The Sweetest Illusion," a No. 10 hit 15 years ago (!) in 1994.
Another veteran artist nearing the top 10 is the duo known as the Pet Shop Boys. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe first charted with "West End Girls" in 1986. They've gone to No. 1 three times -- with "What Have I Done to Deserve This" featuring Dusty Springfield (2 weeks, 1988), their remake of the Village People's "Go West" (1 week, 1993) and their Eminem diss "The Night I Fell in Love" (2 weeks, 2002). "Did You See Me Coming?" moves up 17-11 this week.
Speaking of Eminem disses, Mariah Carey's reported response to rap's bad boy, "Obsessed," makes a healthy 21-13 move. Mariah has had eight songs hit No. 1 on my charts (and might have had a ninth, since "We Belong Together" came out during a period when the charts were inactive). Those eight: "Vision of Love,""Love Takes Time," "Emotions," "I'll Be There," "Dreamlover," "Without You," "Anytime You Need a Friend" and her collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day." Her more recent R&B material hasn't scored as highly with me, but "Obsessed" may have what it takes. We'll see in future weeks.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Week of July 12, 2009
Not much change near the top of the chart this week, but among the two new songs to the Top 40 is an interesting addition: Jermaine Jackson's "Smile," which he sang at the memorial for his deceased brother, Michael, this week. MTV.com has more background information on the song itself, which originally appeared in a Charlie Chaplin movie.
Though eclipsed by Michael and sister Janet, Jermaine has had a credible chart career as a solo artist. On Billboard's charts, he scored Top 10 hits with his 1972-73 cover of the Shep & the Limelites' hit "Daddy's Home" and with the Stevie Wonder-written "Let's Get Serious" in 1980. On my charts, his most successful hit was also his most recent, "I Think It's Love," which went to No. 1 in 1986. Jermaine and Michael just missed the Top 10 in 1984, hitting No. 11 for three weeks with "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming (Too Good to Be True)." That song wasn't released as a single largely because of squabbling between the Jackson brothers' respective labels (Arista for Jermaine and Epic for Michael).
Back at the top of the chart, Carolina Liar holds behind David Cook for a second week and at No. 2 for a fifth week. The last song to hold that long at No. 2 without hitting the top was David Gates' "Love Is Always Seventeen" in late 1994 and early 1995. Only two other songs have held at No. 2 for five weeks without hitting No. 1 -- Dan Fogelberg's "Hard to Say" in 1981 and Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" in 1985. No song has been runner-up longer.
Though eclipsed by Michael and sister Janet, Jermaine has had a credible chart career as a solo artist. On Billboard's charts, he scored Top 10 hits with his 1972-73 cover of the Shep & the Limelites' hit "Daddy's Home" and with the Stevie Wonder-written "Let's Get Serious" in 1980. On my charts, his most successful hit was also his most recent, "I Think It's Love," which went to No. 1 in 1986. Jermaine and Michael just missed the Top 10 in 1984, hitting No. 11 for three weeks with "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming (Too Good to Be True)." That song wasn't released as a single largely because of squabbling between the Jackson brothers' respective labels (Arista for Jermaine and Epic for Michael).
Back at the top of the chart, Carolina Liar holds behind David Cook for a second week and at No. 2 for a fifth week. The last song to hold that long at No. 2 without hitting the top was David Gates' "Love Is Always Seventeen" in late 1994 and early 1995. Only two other songs have held at No. 2 for five weeks without hitting No. 1 -- Dan Fogelberg's "Hard to Say" in 1981 and Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" in 1985. No song has been runner-up longer.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Week of July 5, 2009
At No. 1 this week is the fast-rising ballad "Permanent" by David Cook, the man who was named "American Idol" for the 2008 season. Cook becomes the second "AI" winner to hit No. 1 on my charts, following season one winner Kelly Clarkson. Her "Never Again" hit the top in 2007. (I took time off personal charting between 2003 and the middle of 2006; during that time, I liked several songs by "AI" winners including Clarkson's "Miss Independent" and "Breakaway" and Fantasia's "I Believe." Those three would likely have gone to No. 1.) Most of the other "AI" champs have failed to make much headway on my surveys, though Jordin Sparks did go to No. 3 last year with "One Step at a Time."
One step below Cook is the group Carolina Liar, holding at No. 2 for a fourth week with "Show Me What I'm Looking For." According to its Web site, the group features Chad Wolf on guitar and lead vocals, Johan Carlsson on keyboards, Rickard Goransson on guitar, Erik Haager on bass, Jim Almgren Gandara and Max Grahn. Apparently, Wolf lived in South Carolina for a time (the bio isn't very well written, so it's not certain); most of the other members of the band are from Scandinavia. In the past two years, no song has spent as much time at No. 2 without hitting No. 1; Leona Lewis took "Run" to No. 2 for four weeks earlier this year before making the top. (Five songs in the past 18 months -- Chris Brown's "Wall to Wall," James Otto's "Just Got Started Lovin' You," Pink's "So What," Blessid Union of Souls' "Could've Been With You" and Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" -- spent three weeks at No. 2 without hitting No. 1). Will Carolina Liar be able to move one more position? We'll see next week.
One step below Cook is the group Carolina Liar, holding at No. 2 for a fourth week with "Show Me What I'm Looking For." According to its Web site, the group features Chad Wolf on guitar and lead vocals, Johan Carlsson on keyboards, Rickard Goransson on guitar, Erik Haager on bass, Jim Almgren Gandara and Max Grahn. Apparently, Wolf lived in South Carolina for a time (the bio isn't very well written, so it's not certain); most of the other members of the band are from Scandinavia. In the past two years, no song has spent as much time at No. 2 without hitting No. 1; Leona Lewis took "Run" to No. 2 for four weeks earlier this year before making the top. (Five songs in the past 18 months -- Chris Brown's "Wall to Wall," James Otto's "Just Got Started Lovin' You," Pink's "So What," Blessid Union of Souls' "Could've Been With You" and Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" -- spent three weeks at No. 2 without hitting No. 1). Will Carolina Liar be able to move one more position? We'll see next week.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
My 40 favorite Michael Jackson songs
Instead of an analysis of this week's chart action, here's a special chart counting down my favorite songs featuring Michael Jackson in a lead or co-star role.
1. Billie Jean -- Michael Jackson
2. Man in the Mirror -- Michael Jackson
3. We Are the World -- USA for Africa
4. I Want You Back -- Jackson 5
5. Who Is It? -- Michael Jackson
6. Say, Say, Say -- Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
7. Beat It -- Michael Jackson
8. Rock With You -- Michael Jackson
9. Black or White -- Michael Jackson
10. Wanna Be Startin' Something -- Michael Jackson
11. You Are Not Alone -- Michael Jackson
12. ABC -- Jackson 5
13. Will You Be There? -- Michael Jackson
14. I'll Be There -- Jackson 5
15. The Love You Save -- Jackson 5
16. I Just Can't Stop Loving You -- Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
17. Human Nature -- Michael Jackson
18. Another Part of Me -- Michael Jackson
19. Stranger in Moscow -- Michael Jackson
20. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) -- Jacksons
21. Dancing Machine -- Jackson 5
22. Scream -- Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
23. Thriller -- Michael Jackson
24. Never Can Say Goodbye -- Jackson 5
25. Torture -- Jacksons
26. The Way You Make Me Feel -- Michael Jackson
27. Off the Wall -- Michael Jackson
28. She’s Out of My Life -- Michael Jackson
29. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) -- Michael Jackson
30. Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming (Too Good to Be True) -- Jermaine Jackson and Michael Jackson
31. Enjoy Yourself -- Jacksons
32. Ben -- Michael Jackson
33. Got to Be There -- Michael Jackson
34. Working Day and Night -- Michael Jackson
35. Unbreakable -- Michael Jackson
36. Blood on the Dance Floor -- Michael Jackson
37. Somebody’s Watching Me -- Rockwell with Michael Jackson
38. Heartbreak Hotel -- Jacksons
39. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough -- Michael Jackson
40. Just a Little Bit of You -- Michael Jackson
1. Billie Jean -- Michael Jackson
2. Man in the Mirror -- Michael Jackson
3. We Are the World -- USA for Africa
4. I Want You Back -- Jackson 5
5. Who Is It? -- Michael Jackson
6. Say, Say, Say -- Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
7. Beat It -- Michael Jackson
8. Rock With You -- Michael Jackson
9. Black or White -- Michael Jackson
10. Wanna Be Startin' Something -- Michael Jackson
11. You Are Not Alone -- Michael Jackson
12. ABC -- Jackson 5
13. Will You Be There? -- Michael Jackson
14. I'll Be There -- Jackson 5
15. The Love You Save -- Jackson 5
16. I Just Can't Stop Loving You -- Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
17. Human Nature -- Michael Jackson
18. Another Part of Me -- Michael Jackson
19. Stranger in Moscow -- Michael Jackson
20. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) -- Jacksons
21. Dancing Machine -- Jackson 5
22. Scream -- Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
23. Thriller -- Michael Jackson
24. Never Can Say Goodbye -- Jackson 5
25. Torture -- Jacksons
26. The Way You Make Me Feel -- Michael Jackson
27. Off the Wall -- Michael Jackson
28. She’s Out of My Life -- Michael Jackson
29. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) -- Michael Jackson
30. Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming (Too Good to Be True) -- Jermaine Jackson and Michael Jackson
31. Enjoy Yourself -- Jacksons
32. Ben -- Michael Jackson
33. Got to Be There -- Michael Jackson
34. Working Day and Night -- Michael Jackson
35. Unbreakable -- Michael Jackson
36. Blood on the Dance Floor -- Michael Jackson
37. Somebody’s Watching Me -- Rockwell with Michael Jackson
38. Heartbreak Hotel -- Jacksons
39. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough -- Michael Jackson
40. Just a Little Bit of You -- Michael Jackson
Friday, June 19, 2009
Top 40 for June 21
Hi, everyone. Thanks for looking at the Music of a Lifetime blog, which focuses on the stories behind each week's chart. I'll update this at least once a week to match the new chart (which is usually posted Thursday night or Friday) -- and possibly more often as interest warrants.
This week's No. 1 song, "Goodbye," is the first chart hit for 19-year-old Kristinia DeBarge. She's the daughter of James DeBarge, keyboardist with the '80s R&B/pop group DeBarge. That group had a half-dozen hits make the top half of Billboard's Hot 100, but none of them hit my chart. ("All This Love," from 1983, got the closest, listed as chartbound for six weeks.) More successful were two of Kristinia's uncles. El (lead singer of the group) hit No. 6 solo with "Who's Johnny?" from the movie "Short Circuit" in 1986 and No. 4 as part of the conglomerate performing with Quincy Jones on "The Secret Garden" in 1990. And her uncle Chico, who was not a member of the group DeBarge, hit No. 24 in 1987 with "Talk to Me."
My tastes in Top 40 music are pretty varied, but this week's chart definitely shows a teen pop/power pop lean. (That's not unusual at the start of summertime!) The only debut song this week, at No. 40, is "Hey," from 17-year-old Mitchel Musso, an actor on the Disney TV series "Hannah Montana." (I wasn't aware of this until a few minutes ago, as the only "Hannah Montana" fans I know are my nieces up in the D.C. area. I heard a snippet on iTunes this week, liked it, downloaded it and charted it.) Mitchel's debut puts him one up on castmate Miley Cyrus, who has yet to make a song that has registered with me enough to chart. Most I find unlistenable; "The Climb" isn't bad, and it's getting airplay in this market (Raleigh-Durham, N.C.), but I find her voice on the unpleasant side of nasal. She's young, though, so I'll keep an open mind, and maybe another single down the line will catch on with me.
One last observation: For someone who does not watch "American Idol," I seem to like the music that comes from its participants. This week, five "AI" vets are on my chart: Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, David Cook, (Chris) Daughtry and Elliott Yamin. Clarkson is by far the most accomplished on my chart; "I Do Not Hook Up," which drops from its peak of No. 13, is her 12th hit. Daughtry isn't too far behind, though, as "No Surprise" becomes his group's seventh hit.
This week's No. 1 song, "Goodbye," is the first chart hit for 19-year-old Kristinia DeBarge. She's the daughter of James DeBarge, keyboardist with the '80s R&B/pop group DeBarge. That group had a half-dozen hits make the top half of Billboard's Hot 100, but none of them hit my chart. ("All This Love," from 1983, got the closest, listed as chartbound for six weeks.) More successful were two of Kristinia's uncles. El (lead singer of the group) hit No. 6 solo with "Who's Johnny?" from the movie "Short Circuit" in 1986 and No. 4 as part of the conglomerate performing with Quincy Jones on "The Secret Garden" in 1990. And her uncle Chico, who was not a member of the group DeBarge, hit No. 24 in 1987 with "Talk to Me."
My tastes in Top 40 music are pretty varied, but this week's chart definitely shows a teen pop/power pop lean. (That's not unusual at the start of summertime!) The only debut song this week, at No. 40, is "Hey," from 17-year-old Mitchel Musso, an actor on the Disney TV series "Hannah Montana." (I wasn't aware of this until a few minutes ago, as the only "Hannah Montana" fans I know are my nieces up in the D.C. area. I heard a snippet on iTunes this week, liked it, downloaded it and charted it.) Mitchel's debut puts him one up on castmate Miley Cyrus, who has yet to make a song that has registered with me enough to chart. Most I find unlistenable; "The Climb" isn't bad, and it's getting airplay in this market (Raleigh-Durham, N.C.), but I find her voice on the unpleasant side of nasal. She's young, though, so I'll keep an open mind, and maybe another single down the line will catch on with me.
One last observation: For someone who does not watch "American Idol," I seem to like the music that comes from its participants. This week, five "AI" vets are on my chart: Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, David Cook, (Chris) Daughtry and Elliott Yamin. Clarkson is by far the most accomplished on my chart; "I Do Not Hook Up," which drops from its peak of No. 13, is her 12th hit. Daughtry isn't too far behind, though, as "No Surprise" becomes his group's seventh hit.
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