So here we are at the midway point of 2019 so I thought it might be fun to look at some of the best hit songs of 2019 so far except because it's mid year and it's not like ARIA follow the lead of the UK and release a mid year chart of the top 100 songs of the year so far so really the basis for this list is...a bit tenuous at best in that the list is based on what is likely going to show up on the year end chart come early January 2020.
Now I do want to stress that just because the songs I am about to write about here make this list, it's not a guarantee that they'll wind up on the year end list. This list isn't a guarantee for year end list appearance.
So far 2019 has by far been a more interesting year to discuss music and pop culture with some songs seeing former stars have another moment of glory, Lil Nas X handed Billy Ray Cyrus his first number one in years with a remix of Lil Nas X's massive hit "Old Town Road" while Oscars momentum saw Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper spend two weeks at number one again this year with "Shallow" and while we got a lot of good songs just not many truly great songs but none the less both the merely good and the great need to be recognised so here's the top ten best hit songs of 2019...so far..
2017 was a horrible, horrible year for this woman, not only did her album fail but she had to watch as Hillary Clinton lost the US presidential election to Donald Trump however she returned this year with a song that while not perfect is her best song in some time...
10. "Never Really Over" by Katy Perry
As I said before, this song is not perfect, Zedd's production is something out of 2017 with the ticking clock and unfortunately it doesn't help Katy Perry's vocal production but I'd argue this song made this list is because of Katy Perry herself, she totally throws herself into selling the song about a relationship that ends and then restarts repeatedly and she knows that even if they do break off, he'll be back again. It's a good song, glad to see Katy Perry back on form.
Speaking of being on form, I am really getting to like this guy and when he is releasing pop/songs like this one...well...I may start becoming a fan...
9. "If I Can't Have You" by Shawn Mendes.
Oh I wish this song was a rock song and Shawn Mendes could develop a throaty guttural presence in his voice because this song needed a seriously wild guitar solo and Shawn just absolutely cutting loose as he sings about his apparent obsessionwwith this girl who, because of his career, he is away from so reads her texts and near obsessively thinks about this girl and no matter how hard he tries to forget her, she is still in his head. The production is interesting to say the least, it sounds like a mix between something that could have been on the last The 1975 album with a touch of Jonas Brothers and yeah the hook does work for what it is.
Oohh boy, you are just going to have to go with me on this one...
8."Sunflower" by Post Malone feat. Swae Lee
I tried desperately hard to deny that this song was any good and ignore that it was any good by trying to convince myself that it was "forgettable garbage" but even that didn't convince me because I got to be honest I like the production on this song a lot, it's melodic enough that suits both Post Malone and Swae Lee (if you squint hard enough, Swae Lee souds like The Weekend) and Post Malone's melodic delivery works. It says enough that Taylor Swift appeared to sample this song for her latest single. Great job Post Malone and Swae Lee!
So this is the latest addition to this list and it comes from a relatively unknown Australian act based in Victoria and may well end up being a more controversial addition this list than "Sunflower" but...
7. "Johnny Run Away" by Tones and I
I can imagine a few people wincing when they see this song here but truth be told, I would take "Johnny Run Away" over a pandering train wreck of a song like "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift every single day of the week largely because of how "Johnny Run Away" handles its advocacy of the LGBT community as it tells the story of how Tones best friend came out as gay to his father at a young age and handling his father's disapproval of his homosexualty and rejection of him. The song is a reminder of the prejudices and judgement that many face not just from the public but even from within their own families
Oh yeah, this kickass song is another reminder that we need more songs in every single genre that tell a story.
So this song being here is more about correcting a pretty terrible oversight when I made my top ten best hits list for 2018 and I somehow left this song off the list so I am going to correct that here and now because it deserves to be here.
6. "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
You know if there was a song on this list that gives me a lump in my throat and makes me look for lame ass excuses as to why I am crying, it happened with "Castle on the Hill" by Ed Sheeran in 2017 and also with "Healing Hands" by Conrad Sewell last year and again this song probably should have made my year end for the fact that Lady Gaga's vocals brought me to tears, she just sounds incredible on this song. Sure, Bradley Cooper plays his role really well and it kind of surprised me how well he fits in the song but this is Lady Gaga's show so when she enters the song, she just completely dominates vocally. Add to that some fantastic production and you have the ingredients for a song that is likely going to go down as a classic of the decade.
This pick is probably going to make people roll their eyes and wonder 'What the hell?" but truth be told I like my stupid pop music, otherwise I wouldn't be a fan of Spice Girls and S Club 7, there's absolutely a place where the lyrics cut as deep as a wet lettuce leaf hitting bare skin and at a time when a stupid song was needed, I think this woman delivered.
5. "Sweet But Psycho" by Ava Max
Okay, first things first, if you are taking this song seriously, can I suggest you stop? "Sweet But Psycho" isn't designed for anyone to take remotely seriously but to sit back and enjoy what is blatantly a ridiculously silly but fun pop song about this crazy woman and the longer the song goes lyrically the more ridiculous it gets however the hooks are great and its more than enough to get past how absurd the song is. It's just a dose of ridiculous pop absurdity that's way too much fun and at times when it feels like every artist is trying way too damn hard to be relatable, this song is the perfect antidote.
You know I feel blessed that this song was a hit in Australia, largelybecause the USA ignored it and it was some of the best work the singer on this song has done in a long time.
4. "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" by Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus
It always stuns me how well Mark Ronson makes music to fit the vocal abilities of the singers imvolved especially on his latest album "Late Night Feelings" with "Nothing Breaks Like A Heart" being the lead single for that album and what a delicious country pop song it is. Miley sounds like she is on her game more so than that EP she dropped some weeks ago. Given this song wasn't a hit in the US, I am very relieved it was a top ten hit in Australia as it deserved to be. Great job, Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus.
I first found out about this teenager back in 2017 when a song of hers appeared on Spotify's New Music Friday playlist and since then she has gone on to become one of the biggest rising stars in pop music since Justin Bieber. and she's on this list.
3, "Bury A Friend" by Billie Eilish
If Billie Eilish doesn't win Best New Artist at the Grammys next year than there's going to be a problem, her album "When We all Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go" is one of the best mainstream album release of 2019 so far and "Bury A Friend" is absolutely one of the reasons why with its industrial sound and a low key catchy hook with Eilish talking to this monster that's under bed, its surprisingly graphic and a tad shocking in its content but that's whole point. Eilish is pushing pop music into darker and very twisted territory with a subtlety that has to be admired.
So it came down to this, an Australian hip hop duo who came up with something close to a rock/hip hop blend or a collaboration between a British soul singer and a American woman fresh out of a all girl pop group and well...
2. "Leave Me Lonely" by Hilltop Hoods
2019 has been the year that I have understood the appeal of Hilltop Hoods and "Leave Me Lonely" with that rock solid guitar and MCs Suffa and Pressure riding the groove of the song as well they rap about not having time to deal with the absolute toxic garbage around them and would rather be left alone in peace. The line "Me and friends, we are not here for your BS" is a lime that I think will probably go down in Australian music folklore. If you haven't checked out Hilltop Hoods new album "The Great Expanse", please take the time to do so because it's excellent.
So we've arrived at number one and for awhile I wasn't certain that this song would be my number one pick for the mid year what with two other songs that you could make valid arguments for the number one spot but after listening to it again, I couldn't deny it...
1. "Dancing With A Stranger" by Sam Smith and Normani
Sam Smith has been doing a LOT right lately, he was fantastic on Calvin Harris's "Promises" last year and now with Normani on 'Dancing With A Stranger". A song where its clear that they are both lonely after a relationship breakdown and aren't enjoying it so they'll head out and try to have a dance with a stranger to find some relief in the melancholy they are both feeling. Now what I also like here is the production, its organic with just enough spare guitar to keep the song moving. I cannot wait to hear what Sam Smith releases next and indeed that debut solo album from Normani. This song is great and deserves to top this mid year list.
Saturday, 6 July 2019
Monday, 1 July 2019
ARIA top ten/ Chart Review: July 1st. The Chart called Senorita at number two,,,ooh la la la
This week was a big one. We got some big new entries including one that disrupted the top ten and some that new arrivals that I wasn't expecting to be honest and the top ten got a shake up...just not at number one because for a tenth week, it's Lil Nas X with "Old Town Road" at number one and its actually digital sales rather than streaming keeping hin there, I can see the end of this song's reign at the top.
However it's facing a stiff challenge from the highest new entry this week that being "Senorita" by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, this is their second collaboration after their 2015 song "I Know What You Did Last Summer" which reached 33 in Australia, "Senorita" is a much more potent track than that song though and it looks to be a player for number one given its strong streaming, get radio traction and digital sales on the move and yeah, things could get interesting.
It's arrival pushed "I Don't Cate" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber back to number three, a song I still don't like at all as Ed Sheeran is capable of so much better and Justin Bieber is still Justin Bieber but its still here because streaming still loves this song.
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish remains at number four while Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" slipped two places to number five, I really don't expect "You Need to Calm Down" to stick around in the top ten for much longer though.
"Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi drops one place to number six, I kind of wish it'd leave the top ten now. Bit tired of it.
We have our second interuption to the top ten at number seven with "Money in the Grave" by Drake feat. Rick Ross which climbed seven places to stake a claim on this slot and yeah I still like this song so hope it hangs around.
It pushed "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance the Rapper and PNB Rock back two places to number eight. I expect this and "I Don't Care" will get a boost when the album drops in a few weeks.
A third interuption to the top ten is Meduza's hit "Piece of Your Heart" feat. Goodboys which climbed two places to number 9. Actually surprised it's taken this long to reach the top ten given it remindds me of "Body" by Loud Luxury feat. Brando.
Finally, Katy Perry is clinging to her place in the top ten at number ten with "Never Really Over".
Gains
So the biggest gain of the week went to Blanco Brown's "The Git Up" which went from 46 to 27 this week! I really do love this song somehow so I don't mind the big climb.
I also don't mind the big gains for "Choir" by Guy Sebastian climbed 13 places to break into the top twenty at number 20. It's a good song but where the hell was this kind of support for "Before I Go", huh, Australia, huh?
Tones and I jump up six places with "Dance Monkey" to 31.
Re-Entry
So somehow "Lovely" by Khalid and Billie Eilish is back at number 45. It's a good song but come on....it's spent nearly a year in the top 50.
Losses.
We had some hefty losers this week but none bigger than :"Me!" by Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie which utterly collapsed from 22 to 37.
"Mother's Daughter" by Miley Cyrus tumbled ten places to 35 as Cyrus EP continues to have very little impact whatsoever.
"Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper went from 28 to 34.
Drop outs
So we lost two big ones this week and they are two songs I really do like a lot but will both make the year end list. "Better" by Khalid and "Dancing with a Stranger" by Khalid.
Halsey's non starter single "Nightmare" is also gone (good riddance) as is last week's debut Sanctury" by Joji.
New Entries
So there were two other new arrivals this week alongside "Senorita" by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello which entered at number 2.
We go all the way to 17 to find Lil Nas X's "Panini" at number 17. The only other new Lil Nas X song to debut off the release of the EP on the wider ARIA Top 100 was "Rodeo" feat Cardi B at 72.
Finally at number 24 is Canadian singer Ali Gatie landing his first ARIA singles entry with "It's You".
So that wraps up the week, its going to get interesting as I get the feeling "Old Town Road" is starting to weaken a little but we'll see.
Charting 1996: June 30th: Crowded House find everything is good for them in top ten
So this is awkward, this week heralds the debut of a song in the top ten by a band who I have come to completely adore yet this is bittersweet because the band also announced they are disbanding but releasing a greatest hits album but we'll get to all that in second because for a second week, it's "Killing Me Softly" by Fugees at number one, this looks to be a look at number one for awhile, folks!.
"Because You Loved me" by Celine Dion is just not a challenger right now even despite being at number two, it's being dominated by "Killing Me Softly"
Then there's a one place rise for the "Theme from Mission Impossible" by Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen to three. Quite decent sales but yet again not enough to challenge the two songs above it.
"Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project drops to number four. Hoping this doesn't fall away too quick though.
Gina G is breaking into the top 5 with a two place gain for "Ooh Aah...Just Little Bit" at number five while "X-Files The (Version Dance) by Triple X remains where it is at number six.
Robert Miles regained lost ground with "Children" up two places to number seven.
"Fastlove" by George Michael drops three places to number eight, it had a good run at number one though.
"Sexual Healing" by Max-A-Million drops one place to number nine and will hopefully drop out of the top ten sooner rather than later.
Finally, Crowded House, who announced they are disbanding but releasing a greatest hits project, have this week's highest debut with a song from that greatest hits album called "Everything is Good For You" in at number ten.
Gains
No Doubt finally break into the top twenty with "Just A Girl" at number 18, up from 21 last week.
Alanis Morissette's "You Learn" got a big boost from 32 to 24 as did Madonna's "Love Don' Live Here Anymore (remix)" up from 34 to 27 and Oasis "Champagne Supernova" which went from 35 to 28.
Australian dance group Eclipse continued their momentum with "Look of Love" up from 43 to 36 and 3T's "24/7" up six places to 34.
Losers
It wasn't a good week for John Farnham with "A Simple Life" down eleven places to 41. Alex Party's "Wrap Me Up" suffering an even worse plunge down from 29 to 42.
DJ Darren Briais vs DJ Peewee Ferris medium sized hit "I Feel It" got knocked back six places to 39. while Gloria Estefan's "Reach" slipped back to 38 from 31.
Also have a slide was OMC's former chart topper "How Bizarre" down from 16 to 22.
New Entries
I've already mentioned Crowded House's "Everything is Good for You" debuting at number ten but we also got "Fool for You" from Monique Brumby in at 44.
After 7's new single "I Like It Like That" in at 49 and finally Collective Soul's "The World I know" wrapping this week's edition of the chart as a new entry at 50.
So that wraps up this week, it looks as though we may have a long term number one here from Fugees but we'll see what happens next week.
However the biggest gain of the week goes to Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" which had a ten place gain to number 37, as I said last week, I fully expect this song to be a top ten hit.
"Because You Loved me" by Celine Dion is just not a challenger right now even despite being at number two, it's being dominated by "Killing Me Softly"
Then there's a one place rise for the "Theme from Mission Impossible" by Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen to three. Quite decent sales but yet again not enough to challenge the two songs above it.
"Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project drops to number four. Hoping this doesn't fall away too quick though.
Gina G is breaking into the top 5 with a two place gain for "Ooh Aah...Just Little Bit" at number five while "X-Files The (Version Dance) by Triple X remains where it is at number six.
Robert Miles regained lost ground with "Children" up two places to number seven.
"Fastlove" by George Michael drops three places to number eight, it had a good run at number one though.
"Sexual Healing" by Max-A-Million drops one place to number nine and will hopefully drop out of the top ten sooner rather than later.
Finally, Crowded House, who announced they are disbanding but releasing a greatest hits project, have this week's highest debut with a song from that greatest hits album called "Everything is Good For You" in at number ten.
Gains
No Doubt finally break into the top twenty with "Just A Girl" at number 18, up from 21 last week.
Alanis Morissette's "You Learn" got a big boost from 32 to 24 as did Madonna's "Love Don' Live Here Anymore (remix)" up from 34 to 27 and Oasis "Champagne Supernova" which went from 35 to 28.
Australian dance group Eclipse continued their momentum with "Look of Love" up from 43 to 36 and 3T's "24/7" up six places to 34.
Losers
It wasn't a good week for John Farnham with "A Simple Life" down eleven places to 41. Alex Party's "Wrap Me Up" suffering an even worse plunge down from 29 to 42.
DJ Darren Briais vs DJ Peewee Ferris medium sized hit "I Feel It" got knocked back six places to 39. while Gloria Estefan's "Reach" slipped back to 38 from 31.
Also have a slide was OMC's former chart topper "How Bizarre" down from 16 to 22.
New Entries
I've already mentioned Crowded House's "Everything is Good for You" debuting at number ten but we also got "Fool for You" from Monique Brumby in at 44.
After 7's new single "I Like It Like That" in at 49 and finally Collective Soul's "The World I know" wrapping this week's edition of the chart as a new entry at 50.
So that wraps up this week, it looks as though we may have a long term number one here from Fugees but we'll see what happens next week.
However the biggest gain of the week goes to Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" which had a ten place gain to number 37, as I said last week, I fully expect this song to be a top ten hit.
Friday, 28 June 2019
ARIA Top 20 ranked (Autumn/Winter?)
So I didn't do an top 20 tanking for autumn like I had been planning to do, largely because I have been rather busy and also the top twenty has seen a lot of songs I have already rated stick around longer than I wanted them to but here we are. Let's launch into this edition from the ARIA chart for week beginning 24th June.
Absolute garbage
20. "The London" by Young Thug feat. J Cole and Travis Scott
I am stunned this song is still in the top 20 largely because it is a mess from a production stand point with autotune smeared all over J Cole's voice and it's not nearly melodic enough for Young Thug while the lyrics where Young Thug talks about taking this girl for dinner and then having her eat semen in the garage, what the actual? This is hot garbage and Travis Scott's hook barely saves it.
19. "Easier" by 5 Seconds of Summer.
Ugh. 5 Seconds of Summer, I was rooting for you, we were ALL rooting for you but you go and come up with this turd of a song that's basically four songs combined and unsurprisingly sounds like an absolute mess? Be better than this, boys.
Bad
18. "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift
Yeah, I might like "Me!" with Brendon Urie more than most people who aren't Taylor Swift fans but this song annoys me, Taylor's almost faux rapping delivery is pretty phoned in and she sounds disinterested and yet again. I won't touch the suggestions that she's using this song to pander hard other than to say I do have friends who are LGBT who say this song and the video makes them a little uncomfortable so yeah...not good.
17. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
Believe it or not, I kind of liked this song when it first come out but after having heard it one too many times, I think its kind of overwrought and twee. The song really doesn't have a lot of depth to it beyond his partner leaving him but there's nothing within the song to show why that might be the case, it's all circled around him which does get kind of pathetic.
16. "No Guidance" by Chris Brown and Drake
This should just be a Drake song because he rides the melody a hell of a lot better than Chris Brown and the glaze of autotone wouldn't be needed at all. Chris Brown shouldn't be getting career rehab, hey music industry, you kicked R. Kelly out, think you forgot to clean Chris Brown out while you were kicking out R Kelly.
15. "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber
Ooh boy, this is gonna be controversial but I just can't stand this song especially when both Sheeran and Bieber are capable of far better than what this washed out mess of a song is and that noise on the end of the chorus while not as grating as the noise Nicki Minaj makes on Megatron, it's still almight annoying.
Meh.
14. "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance The Rapper and PNB Rock
I just really don't care for this song at all. Like some of Ed Sheeran's stuff, it's just there as back ground noise.
13. "Talk" by Khalid
This song frustrates me a fair bit more because it sounds like a Bruno Mars off cut from '24k Magic" and Khalid is at his best when he is moody and the production is darker and more gloomy, it's just way too bright here for me to care about this song. It really should be better than it is.
12. "Sucker" by Jonas Brothers
I am actually sick of this song but it's not that bad even if I find the chorus to be a bit disappointing in terms of the pay off.
11. " SOS" by Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc
I do struggle with record companies cashing in on the popularity of dead artists and "Tim" is one of those albums that probably shouldn't have been released because it does feel like a cash in by some. "SOS" as a song is fine enough, it's not precisely bad or all that good.. I don't care for it eitther way
Decent
10. "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike
Yeah, this song grew on me a bit once I realized that I was hearing things that aren't actually there to complain about. It's a solid pop song so while I don't think it will make my year end best list, it's not bad.
9. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X (Billy Ray Cyrus isn't credited on the ARIA chart)
While it's spent way too long at number one (nine weeks in Australia and will probably get a tenth week, I don't hate this. Yeah the production's clunky but its too ridiculously catchy to be all that hateable.
8. "Piece of Your Heart" by Meduza feat. Goodboys
One of these songs that's a hit in the UK before reaching the Australian charts and it's not hard to see why, it's a decent dance song and reminds me a bit of Loud Luxury's "Body" but unlike "Body", this song seems like its straight out of the school of early 90s dance songs, I honestly don't mind it.
7. "Earfquake" by Tyler the Creator.
So I'll admit to being stunned that this song has stuck around in the top twenty, Tyler has not had the best track record with singles in Australia but I got to say I also don't mind that this song has stuck around because it is one of the better songs off "IGOR"
Good
6. "Money In the Grave" by Drake feat. Rick Ross
I had hope that Drake would drop something good after his team the Toronto Raptors won the NBA title and much to my pleasant surprise, he did drop a good song, It's catchy and the production is pretty solid and adds to the overall mood of the song. Drake's flow is pretty damn great. Not bad!
5. "Never Really Over" by Katy Perry
The return of Katy Perry after the disaster that was "Witness" and I have to be honest even if Zedd's production really does reek of 2017 "Stay" with Alessia Cara, it's the way Katy throws herself into this song that pushes it above being decent into good, she's reallt convincing here unlike on alot of that last album.
4. "Sunflower" by Post Malone feat. Swae Lee
Keeping this short. I still like this song a lot. Glad it's a hit.
Excellent
3. "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
This song is becoming more meme every day but you know what? Billie Eilish gives me faith in pop music that there's someone ready to challenge that conventional pop music structure with stuff thats different which is what "Bad Guy" does so well.
Speaking of conventional pop...
2. "If I Can't Have you" by Shawn Mendes
So I have no idea why I like this song so much, Shawn Mendes really sells it well over some production that really could have done with being a little sharper framing a song about being away from this girl whom he is in love with.
1; "Johnny Run Away" by Tones and I
I'll confess that most of my love of this song comes from the hook sounding like Amy Shark's "Blood Brothers". For those unaware, Tones is an Aussie busker hailing from Victoria and thanks to Triple J is having a break out 2019 with this being one of two songs on the ARIA top 50 this week but "Johnny Run Away" does the whole LGBT line better than Taylor Swift with the song being about her best friend 'coming out' to a disapproving father and talks about the handling of judgement and rejection from in their family and wider world
So for the total score: 51/100
Just a pass mark at the moment. Not too many great songs on the chart I guess but we'll see what happens moving forward
Absolute garbage
20. "The London" by Young Thug feat. J Cole and Travis Scott
I am stunned this song is still in the top 20 largely because it is a mess from a production stand point with autotune smeared all over J Cole's voice and it's not nearly melodic enough for Young Thug while the lyrics where Young Thug talks about taking this girl for dinner and then having her eat semen in the garage, what the actual? This is hot garbage and Travis Scott's hook barely saves it.
19. "Easier" by 5 Seconds of Summer.
Ugh. 5 Seconds of Summer, I was rooting for you, we were ALL rooting for you but you go and come up with this turd of a song that's basically four songs combined and unsurprisingly sounds like an absolute mess? Be better than this, boys.
Bad
18. "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift
Yeah, I might like "Me!" with Brendon Urie more than most people who aren't Taylor Swift fans but this song annoys me, Taylor's almost faux rapping delivery is pretty phoned in and she sounds disinterested and yet again. I won't touch the suggestions that she's using this song to pander hard other than to say I do have friends who are LGBT who say this song and the video makes them a little uncomfortable so yeah...not good.
17. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
Believe it or not, I kind of liked this song when it first come out but after having heard it one too many times, I think its kind of overwrought and twee. The song really doesn't have a lot of depth to it beyond his partner leaving him but there's nothing within the song to show why that might be the case, it's all circled around him which does get kind of pathetic.
16. "No Guidance" by Chris Brown and Drake
This should just be a Drake song because he rides the melody a hell of a lot better than Chris Brown and the glaze of autotone wouldn't be needed at all. Chris Brown shouldn't be getting career rehab, hey music industry, you kicked R. Kelly out, think you forgot to clean Chris Brown out while you were kicking out R Kelly.
15. "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber
Ooh boy, this is gonna be controversial but I just can't stand this song especially when both Sheeran and Bieber are capable of far better than what this washed out mess of a song is and that noise on the end of the chorus while not as grating as the noise Nicki Minaj makes on Megatron, it's still almight annoying.
Meh.
14. "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance The Rapper and PNB Rock
I just really don't care for this song at all. Like some of Ed Sheeran's stuff, it's just there as back ground noise.
13. "Talk" by Khalid
This song frustrates me a fair bit more because it sounds like a Bruno Mars off cut from '24k Magic" and Khalid is at his best when he is moody and the production is darker and more gloomy, it's just way too bright here for me to care about this song. It really should be better than it is.
12. "Sucker" by Jonas Brothers
I am actually sick of this song but it's not that bad even if I find the chorus to be a bit disappointing in terms of the pay off.
11. " SOS" by Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc
I do struggle with record companies cashing in on the popularity of dead artists and "Tim" is one of those albums that probably shouldn't have been released because it does feel like a cash in by some. "SOS" as a song is fine enough, it's not precisely bad or all that good.. I don't care for it eitther way
Decent
10. "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike
Yeah, this song grew on me a bit once I realized that I was hearing things that aren't actually there to complain about. It's a solid pop song so while I don't think it will make my year end best list, it's not bad.
9. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X (Billy Ray Cyrus isn't credited on the ARIA chart)
While it's spent way too long at number one (nine weeks in Australia and will probably get a tenth week, I don't hate this. Yeah the production's clunky but its too ridiculously catchy to be all that hateable.
8. "Piece of Your Heart" by Meduza feat. Goodboys
One of these songs that's a hit in the UK before reaching the Australian charts and it's not hard to see why, it's a decent dance song and reminds me a bit of Loud Luxury's "Body" but unlike "Body", this song seems like its straight out of the school of early 90s dance songs, I honestly don't mind it.
7. "Earfquake" by Tyler the Creator.
So I'll admit to being stunned that this song has stuck around in the top twenty, Tyler has not had the best track record with singles in Australia but I got to say I also don't mind that this song has stuck around because it is one of the better songs off "IGOR"
Good
6. "Money In the Grave" by Drake feat. Rick Ross
I had hope that Drake would drop something good after his team the Toronto Raptors won the NBA title and much to my pleasant surprise, he did drop a good song, It's catchy and the production is pretty solid and adds to the overall mood of the song. Drake's flow is pretty damn great. Not bad!
5. "Never Really Over" by Katy Perry
The return of Katy Perry after the disaster that was "Witness" and I have to be honest even if Zedd's production really does reek of 2017 "Stay" with Alessia Cara, it's the way Katy throws herself into this song that pushes it above being decent into good, she's reallt convincing here unlike on alot of that last album.
4. "Sunflower" by Post Malone feat. Swae Lee
Keeping this short. I still like this song a lot. Glad it's a hit.
Excellent
3. "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
This song is becoming more meme every day but you know what? Billie Eilish gives me faith in pop music that there's someone ready to challenge that conventional pop music structure with stuff thats different which is what "Bad Guy" does so well.
Speaking of conventional pop...
2. "If I Can't Have you" by Shawn Mendes
So I have no idea why I like this song so much, Shawn Mendes really sells it well over some production that really could have done with being a little sharper framing a song about being away from this girl whom he is in love with.
1; "Johnny Run Away" by Tones and I
I'll confess that most of my love of this song comes from the hook sounding like Amy Shark's "Blood Brothers". For those unaware, Tones is an Aussie busker hailing from Victoria and thanks to Triple J is having a break out 2019 with this being one of two songs on the ARIA top 50 this week but "Johnny Run Away" does the whole LGBT line better than Taylor Swift with the song being about her best friend 'coming out' to a disapproving father and talks about the handling of judgement and rejection from in their family and wider world
So for the total score: 51/100
Just a pass mark at the moment. Not too many great songs on the chart I guess but we'll see what happens moving forward
Thursday, 27 June 2019
ARIA top ten/ Chart Review: June 24th. Lil Nas X rides at the top again
So I was expecting this week to feel a little more chaotic than it does. sure we got a disturbance in the top five and the unfortunate arrival of one other song in the top ten but with more disturbances down the track (if you know what was released on Friday than you know what I am talking about) but let's get to the top ten where for a ninth week "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X reigns at number one and its mostly because of digital sales because the song is getting overtaken on streaming by other songs however it could well get a tenth week at the top because of the release of his EP.
That leaves "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber in an awkward place at number two because its getting overtaken on streaming too and probably going to fall back next week with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's track set to impact the top ten next week.
New in at number three is the awkward "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift and yet again this feels as though it won't have the strength to stick around. Seems Taylor singles don't have the longevity they used to but we'll see going forward.
Taylor's arrival pushed "Bad Buy" by Billie Eilish back to number four and "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi back to number 5 (I actually am now thoroughly sick of the latter song) while "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance the Rapper and PNB Rock also went back a place to number 6.
Unfortunately the Drake impact meant the biggest gainer tbis week is in our top ten that being "No Guidance" by Chris Brown feat. Drake up ten places to number 7. Seriously, can we not fall into the music industry's attempt to rehab Chris Brown's career, people?
Anyway, Shawn Mendes went back two places to number eight with "If I Can't Have you" while it's a similar story for "Never Really Over" by Katy Perry to number nine and also for "Sucker" by the onas Brothers rounding out the top ten at number ten.
Gains
So apart from Chris Brown and Drake, Tones and I contiues their break out year with "Dance Monkey" breaking into the top 40 at 37 up from 43 last week.
"Me!" by Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie got a small four place boost to 22 off the back of the release of "You Need to Calm Down".
"Piece of Your Heart" by Meduza feat. Goodboys continues to push toward the top ten jumping three places to number 11.
Guy Sebastian's "Choir" jumped 5 places to 33.
Losses
Biggest loss of the week belong to Birds of Tokyo which went from 31 to 39.
Halsey's "Nightmare" continues to be a non starter down from 27 to 34.
It's been big in the UK but "Vossi Bop" by Stormzy is slipping down in Australia, it dropped six places to 40.
Avicii's "SOS" (feat. Aloe Blacc) dropped from 9 to 16.while "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike dropped 5 places to 15.
Finally, "Better" by Khalid fell from 42 to 49 but that song pretty much has secured it's place on the year end list.
Drop Outs
Speaking of securing places on the year end list, former number one "7 Rings" by Ariana Grande is gone and will safely make the year end. It was followed out by 2018 chart topper "Be Alright" by Dean Lewis (fine with that song being gone if I am going to be honest).
I don't mind that "So Am I" by Ava Max is also gone as I never cared for it to begin with.
Two songs that debuted last week are also gone to round out the drop outs with "Beer never broke my Heart" by Luke Combs and "Haute" by Tyga feat. J. Balvin and Chris Brown. Good riddance to the latter.
New Entries
So beyond Taylor Swift, we got a couple of new entries outside the top ten with Drake teaming up with Rick Ross for "Money in the Grave" landing at number 12 - a song that I actually don't mind tbh. Hope it sticks around.
Flume has brought London Grammar on board for "Let You Know" debuting at number 31.
A song that has a few critics excited is Joji's "Sanctuary" which has entered at numbee 42.
Finally, a song that is probably going to be huge because it rides the coat tails of "Old Town Road" but is still quite the fun song is "The Git Up" by Blanco Brown at number 45. I do like it.
So that wraps up the week and with Shawn and Camila, Lil Nas X and maybe Nicki Minaj all likely to debut songs next week, it's going to be a busy one. The chart updates at 5pm AEST on Saturday.
.
That leaves "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber in an awkward place at number two because its getting overtaken on streaming too and probably going to fall back next week with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's track set to impact the top ten next week.
New in at number three is the awkward "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift and yet again this feels as though it won't have the strength to stick around. Seems Taylor singles don't have the longevity they used to but we'll see going forward.
Taylor's arrival pushed "Bad Buy" by Billie Eilish back to number four and "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi back to number 5 (I actually am now thoroughly sick of the latter song) while "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance the Rapper and PNB Rock also went back a place to number 6.
Unfortunately the Drake impact meant the biggest gainer tbis week is in our top ten that being "No Guidance" by Chris Brown feat. Drake up ten places to number 7. Seriously, can we not fall into the music industry's attempt to rehab Chris Brown's career, people?
Anyway, Shawn Mendes went back two places to number eight with "If I Can't Have you" while it's a similar story for "Never Really Over" by Katy Perry to number nine and also for "Sucker" by the onas Brothers rounding out the top ten at number ten.
Gains
So apart from Chris Brown and Drake, Tones and I contiues their break out year with "Dance Monkey" breaking into the top 40 at 37 up from 43 last week.
"Me!" by Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie got a small four place boost to 22 off the back of the release of "You Need to Calm Down".
"Piece of Your Heart" by Meduza feat. Goodboys continues to push toward the top ten jumping three places to number 11.
Guy Sebastian's "Choir" jumped 5 places to 33.
Losses
Biggest loss of the week belong to Birds of Tokyo which went from 31 to 39.
Halsey's "Nightmare" continues to be a non starter down from 27 to 34.
It's been big in the UK but "Vossi Bop" by Stormzy is slipping down in Australia, it dropped six places to 40.
Avicii's "SOS" (feat. Aloe Blacc) dropped from 9 to 16.while "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike dropped 5 places to 15.
Finally, "Better" by Khalid fell from 42 to 49 but that song pretty much has secured it's place on the year end list.
Drop Outs
Speaking of securing places on the year end list, former number one "7 Rings" by Ariana Grande is gone and will safely make the year end. It was followed out by 2018 chart topper "Be Alright" by Dean Lewis (fine with that song being gone if I am going to be honest).
I don't mind that "So Am I" by Ava Max is also gone as I never cared for it to begin with.
Two songs that debuted last week are also gone to round out the drop outs with "Beer never broke my Heart" by Luke Combs and "Haute" by Tyga feat. J. Balvin and Chris Brown. Good riddance to the latter.
New Entries
So beyond Taylor Swift, we got a couple of new entries outside the top ten with Drake teaming up with Rick Ross for "Money in the Grave" landing at number 12 - a song that I actually don't mind tbh. Hope it sticks around.
Flume has brought London Grammar on board for "Let You Know" debuting at number 31.
A song that has a few critics excited is Joji's "Sanctuary" which has entered at numbee 42.
Finally, a song that is probably going to be huge because it rides the coat tails of "Old Town Road" but is still quite the fun song is "The Git Up" by Blanco Brown at number 45. I do like it.
So that wraps up the week and with Shawn and Camila, Lil Nas X and maybe Nicki Minaj all likely to debut songs next week, it's going to be a busy one. The chart updates at 5pm AEST on Saturday.
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Charting 1996: June 23rd Fugees Killing the Chart Softly with Roberta's song.
So I didn't see this coming, we have a new number one and it's not from any of the songs that I thought were destined to challenge "Fastlove" by George Michael for the top spot, the new number one is a cover of Roberta Flack's 1973 single "Killing Me Softly" by Fugees, now this has all the potential to be a huge song because it did some fantastic sales numbers.
Had Fugees not busted in, Celine Dion would be sitting at number one with "Because You Loved Me" but that had to settle for a two place climb to number two pushing "Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project back to number three.
A big climber within the top ten this week is the "Theme from Mission Impossible" by Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen which jumped five places to number four.
It was a case of downward momentum for the rest of the top ten though as former number one "Fastlove" by George Michael slipped back to number five as it looks to gracefully head down, it followed Triple X "X Files Theme (Version Dance)" as that tumbled three places to number six and "Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit" by Gina G stuttered down two places to number 7.
The second cover inside the top ten "Sexual Healing" by Max-A-Million dropped two places to number eight, 'Children" by Robert Miles dropped two places to number nine and "Until It Sleeps"
by Metallica down two places to number ten.
Gains
Everything But the Girl have one of the biggest gainers of the week with "Walking WOunded" up ten places to 36 while Madonna's "Love Don't Live Here Anymore (remix)" surged from 49 to 34.
Losses
Not too many big losses this week with a nine place fall for Mark Snow's version of "The X-Files Theme" as it went to 39 a nd the ten place dive for "Salvation by The Cranberries to 44.
The Prodigy slipped to 49 from 41 with "Firestarter"
New Entries
So outside of Fugees debuting at number one, what else new turned up this week We have to go all the way to 32 to find the latest single from "Jagged Little Pill" called "You Learn" by Alanis Morisette, a song that is pretty excellent.
Mark Morrison finally shows up on the Australian charts after dominating overseas with "Return of the Mack" at number 47.
Kadoc have arrived at station number 48 with "The Nighttrain" while Ash are pointing at numbe 50 with "Goldfinger.
All in all a pretty short wrap for this week with the new number one being the big story, will be interesting to see how much longevity it has.
Had Fugees not busted in, Celine Dion would be sitting at number one with "Because You Loved Me" but that had to settle for a two place climb to number two pushing "Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project back to number three.
A big climber within the top ten this week is the "Theme from Mission Impossible" by Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen which jumped five places to number four.
It was a case of downward momentum for the rest of the top ten though as former number one "Fastlove" by George Michael slipped back to number five as it looks to gracefully head down, it followed Triple X "X Files Theme (Version Dance)" as that tumbled three places to number six and "Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit" by Gina G stuttered down two places to number 7.
The second cover inside the top ten "Sexual Healing" by Max-A-Million dropped two places to number eight, 'Children" by Robert Miles dropped two places to number nine and "Until It Sleeps"
by Metallica down two places to number ten.
Gains
Everything But the Girl have one of the biggest gainers of the week with "Walking WOunded" up ten places to 36 while Madonna's "Love Don't Live Here Anymore (remix)" surged from 49 to 34.
Losses
Not too many big losses this week with a nine place fall for Mark Snow's version of "The X-Files Theme" as it went to 39 a nd the ten place dive for "Salvation by The Cranberries to 44.
The Prodigy slipped to 49 from 41 with "Firestarter"
New Entries
So outside of Fugees debuting at number one, what else new turned up this week We have to go all the way to 32 to find the latest single from "Jagged Little Pill" called "You Learn" by Alanis Morisette, a song that is pretty excellent.
Mark Morrison finally shows up on the Australian charts after dominating overseas with "Return of the Mack" at number 47.
Kadoc have arrived at station number 48 with "The Nighttrain" while Ash are pointing at numbe 50 with "Goldfinger.
All in all a pretty short wrap for this week with the new number one being the big story, will be interesting to see how much longevity it has.
Thursday, 20 June 2019
ARIA Singles top ten/chart review: 17th June. A surprise new arrival in top 50 as top ten mostly static
This week was weird. The top ten was mostly completely static apart from something that could be seen coming a mile away but we got some new arrivals that I didn't predict at all.
So let's start with the top ten where for an eighth week "Old Town Road" rules the roost thanks to digital sales because it is losing ground on streaming which is where "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber is gaining strength given it is ruling streaming right now as it sits at number two on the ARIA chart.
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish looks to have started to tire after two weeks at number one earlier this year, it should be overtaken by stronger songs over the next few weeks including a few songs to probably debut in the top ten next week.
Same could be said for "Someone You Loved' by Lewis Capaldi stuck at number 4 and "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance The Rapper and PNB Rock.
Sheeran released the tracklist for his collaborations album which features Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Cardi B and Camila Cabello amongst others. It already sounds a bit yikes if I am to be honest.
Back to the chart though which is where we find Shawn Mendes steady at number six with "If I Can't Have You". Honestly I expected this song to be gone from the top ten a few weeks ago. I am surprised that it is still here.
As I am surprised with the staying power of Katy Perry's "Never Really Over" which remains at number seven, its been doing some solid numbers on sales and streaming which is a good sign for her going forward.
The Jonas Brothers dropped "Happiness Begins" recently which is why "Sucker" is back in the top ten at number eight with a four place rise.
"SOS" by Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc remains steady at number nine while falling two places to number ten is "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike . These are the two songs that are most likely to fall out of the top ten when Taylor Swift and Drake inevitably turn up next week. (rolls eyes)
Gains
The biggest gain of the week was a case of continued momentum with "Piece of My Heart" by Meduza and Goodboys whch jumped from 23 to 14.
OneRepublic are up six places to 30 with "Rescue Me" because the charts aren't already filled with enough generic pop music as it is.
Miley Cyrus's "Mother's Daughter" jumped four places to 21 while "Johnny Run Away" by Tones and I is up four to 13.
Losses
The good news is that the ephemerally irritating "I'm So Tired" by Lauv and Troye Sivan was the biggest loser of the week dropping to 45 from 34.
the b
Another song I am kind of happy to see going is the desperate attempt to copy the "Sweet But Psycho" formula by Ava Max with "So Am I" down ten to number 40.
Halsey continues to have a nightmare on the chart right now with "Nightmare" down 6 slots to 27.
Drop Outs
We lost some huge songs this week with "Sweet but Psycho" by Ava Max, "Without Me" by Halsey. "Lovely" by Khalid and Billie Eilish (again" and "Walk me Home" by Pink. Both "Sweet but Psycho" and "Without Me" should make the year end list comfortably.
We also lost "Just Us" by DJ Khaled and SZA which is not a surprise considering the massive tantrum that DJ Khaled continues to throw with "Homicide" by Logic feat. Eminem and "Summer Days" by Martin Garrix feat. Macklemore and Patrick Stump following it out of the top 50.
New Entries
So Drake is back on the ARIA singles chart but he has teamed up with Chris Brown for a song from Brown's upcoming new album "Indigo" called "No Guidance" and it's the highest debut of the week at number 17. Looks like the music industry wants to continue to rehab Chris Brown's career which is unfortunate to say the least.
We have another posthumous song from Avicii charting courtesy of rthe release of "TIM" with "Heaven" in at number 20.
The Chainsmokers have finally landed a song from rheir new project "World War Joy" (shit album name) teaming up with Bebe Rexha for "Call You Mine" at number 32.
While I am still furious Australia did Guy Sebastian a dirty with the excellent "Before I Go" noy being a hit, his new single "Choir" has debuted at number 39 and it looks like it might genuinely have some traction moving forward.
Tones and I have landed a second song on the ARIA singles chart with "Dance Monkey" in at number 43.
The new entry which left me stunned was that of American country artist Luke Combs whose single "Beer Never Broke My Heart" has entered at 44 which is due to the release of his recent EP. I kind of hope "Even Though I'm Leavin'" will also chart sme point...much better than "Beer Never Broke My Heart"
Finally because not one new song involving Chris Brown is enough. "Haute" by Tyga feat. J Balvin and Chris Brown turns up at 50. Gross.
Next week is going to be a wild one with Taylor Swifr and Drake expected to swing into the top ten and who knows what other chaos will unfold, find out on Saturday at 5pm.
So let's start with the top ten where for an eighth week "Old Town Road" rules the roost thanks to digital sales because it is losing ground on streaming which is where "I Don't Care" by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber is gaining strength given it is ruling streaming right now as it sits at number two on the ARIA chart.
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish looks to have started to tire after two weeks at number one earlier this year, it should be overtaken by stronger songs over the next few weeks including a few songs to probably debut in the top ten next week.
Same could be said for "Someone You Loved' by Lewis Capaldi stuck at number 4 and "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran feat. Chance The Rapper and PNB Rock.
Sheeran released the tracklist for his collaborations album which features Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Cardi B and Camila Cabello amongst others. It already sounds a bit yikes if I am to be honest.
Back to the chart though which is where we find Shawn Mendes steady at number six with "If I Can't Have You". Honestly I expected this song to be gone from the top ten a few weeks ago. I am surprised that it is still here.
As I am surprised with the staying power of Katy Perry's "Never Really Over" which remains at number seven, its been doing some solid numbers on sales and streaming which is a good sign for her going forward.
The Jonas Brothers dropped "Happiness Begins" recently which is why "Sucker" is back in the top ten at number eight with a four place rise.
"SOS" by Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc remains steady at number nine while falling two places to number ten is "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike . These are the two songs that are most likely to fall out of the top ten when Taylor Swift and Drake inevitably turn up next week. (rolls eyes)
Gains
The biggest gain of the week was a case of continued momentum with "Piece of My Heart" by Meduza and Goodboys whch jumped from 23 to 14.
OneRepublic are up six places to 30 with "Rescue Me" because the charts aren't already filled with enough generic pop music as it is.
Miley Cyrus's "Mother's Daughter" jumped four places to 21 while "Johnny Run Away" by Tones and I is up four to 13.
Losses
The good news is that the ephemerally irritating "I'm So Tired" by Lauv and Troye Sivan was the biggest loser of the week dropping to 45 from 34.
the b
Another song I am kind of happy to see going is the desperate attempt to copy the "Sweet But Psycho" formula by Ava Max with "So Am I" down ten to number 40.
Halsey continues to have a nightmare on the chart right now with "Nightmare" down 6 slots to 27.
Drop Outs
We lost some huge songs this week with "Sweet but Psycho" by Ava Max, "Without Me" by Halsey. "Lovely" by Khalid and Billie Eilish (again" and "Walk me Home" by Pink. Both "Sweet but Psycho" and "Without Me" should make the year end list comfortably.
We also lost "Just Us" by DJ Khaled and SZA which is not a surprise considering the massive tantrum that DJ Khaled continues to throw with "Homicide" by Logic feat. Eminem and "Summer Days" by Martin Garrix feat. Macklemore and Patrick Stump following it out of the top 50.
New Entries
So Drake is back on the ARIA singles chart but he has teamed up with Chris Brown for a song from Brown's upcoming new album "Indigo" called "No Guidance" and it's the highest debut of the week at number 17. Looks like the music industry wants to continue to rehab Chris Brown's career which is unfortunate to say the least.
We have another posthumous song from Avicii charting courtesy of rthe release of "TIM" with "Heaven" in at number 20.
The Chainsmokers have finally landed a song from rheir new project "World War Joy" (shit album name) teaming up with Bebe Rexha for "Call You Mine" at number 32.
While I am still furious Australia did Guy Sebastian a dirty with the excellent "Before I Go" noy being a hit, his new single "Choir" has debuted at number 39 and it looks like it might genuinely have some traction moving forward.
Tones and I have landed a second song on the ARIA singles chart with "Dance Monkey" in at number 43.
The new entry which left me stunned was that of American country artist Luke Combs whose single "Beer Never Broke My Heart" has entered at 44 which is due to the release of his recent EP. I kind of hope "Even Though I'm Leavin'" will also chart sme point...much better than "Beer Never Broke My Heart"
Finally because not one new song involving Chris Brown is enough. "Haute" by Tyga feat. J Balvin and Chris Brown turns up at 50. Gross.
Next week is going to be a wild one with Taylor Swifr and Drake expected to swing into the top ten and who knows what other chaos will unfold, find out on Saturday at 5pm.
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