Week of January 23

Five debuts this week, anchored by contemporary Christian artist Brandon Heath at No. 40 with his first chart hit, "Leaving Eden." A much more veteran Christian singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, debuts two notches higher with "Wonder (Not Far Away)." That's his 15th song to hit the charts, including collaborations with Jim Brickman and with Stephen Curtis Chapman. ("I Will Be Your Friend" hit two separate times, in 2000 and last year.) "I Will Be Your Friend" is one of his two biggest hits on my charts, going to the top last spring; his other No. 1 was "Love Me Good" in 1998.

James Blunt notches his fourth chart hit with "There She Goes Again" while The Script follows "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" with "Walk Away." But the top debut belongs to the Zac Brown Band at No. 35. "Colder Weather" is the band's bid for a third consecutive No. 1 after the success of "Free" last summer and "As She's Walking Away," featuring Alan Jackson, in the fall.

Country artists did well this week, not only with the week's top new entry but also with the No. 1 and 2 songs. Rascal Flatts earns its first No. 1 pop hit with "I Won't Let Go," while Tim McGraw moves 3-2 with "Felt Good on My Lips." He first went to the top with "Please Remember Me" in 1999 and most recently in 2007 with "If You're Reading This."