Derek Talks Music Charts (DTMC) Volume 1.1
Hello there!
It’s Monday, February 22nd, and Billboard has released their Hot 100 preview of the week, listing the top 10 most consumed songs across radio, streaming sites (Apple Music, Spotify, etc.), and sales (iTunes Store, physical CDs, etc.). Let’s break down the top 10 one by one!
10. positions — Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande really knows how to create a radio hit, and with radio carrying this song, “Positions” haven’t really left the top echelons on the chart. Personally, this song is just ok. It’s a serviceable intro to her positions era, but nothing momentous like “No Tears Left To Cry” or “thank u, next.”
9. Levitating — Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby
The 5th single (3rd in the US) from Future Nostalgia proves to the world that Dua is here to stay. While I prefer the original, DaBaby gives this song the energy it needed to be a catchy radio hit. Ironically, it’s declining in radio support, and its position in the top 10 is, rather, bolstered by its strong streaming power.
8. Go Crazy — Chris Brown & Young Thug
This song is ok. Just ok. Radio is the only reason why this song is doing well. Why is Chris Brown still relevant?
7. Mood — 24kGoldn featuring iann dior
Another just ok song, but I do see the appeal I guess. I myself found it good, then immediately annoying after a 3rd listen. I do like seeing younger artists breaking it big, however. Side note: how do you categorize this song? I can’t seem to do it myself.
6. Save Your Tears — The Weeknd
The Weeknd continues his dominance on the charts with his latest single (and one of the best from After Hours). I feel really bad for the song since “Blinding Lights” is still so big, so I don’t think this song will ever reach its true potential. However, it makes me happy that his great song is doing so well on its own.
5. Up — Cardi B
“Up” is Cardi B’s follow-up to “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion, and… well… I don’t know how to feel. It’s good, but I feel underwhelmed for whatever reason. Maybe “WAP” was just such a cultural moment that this just felt… eh? At any rate, Cardi B seems to grasp the winning formula as her recent entries all hit the top 20.
4. Blinding Lights — The Weeknd
Can you ever have too much of a good thing? Today, I’m here to answer yes. This undeniable bop is also super overplayed and The Weeknd is just milking everything he can out of this song. Like seriously, it’s still in the top 10 after more than a year. Come on, Abel. It’s time for another song to shine (*coughs, “Save Your Tears”).
3. Calling My Phone — Lil Tjay featuring 6LACK
I’ll be honest, I’m not familiar with either one of these artists’ work, but it seems to be a standard rap track (on the better side in terms of quality) and it’s the first top 10 single for both of the artists on this track, so kudos to them.
2. 34+35 — Ariana Grande
Hi, Ariana radio hit #2. Nice to see you. Where’s your twin? Ya know, the remix featuring Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion? Not here? Welp…
In all seriousness, despite the remix fizzing out as quickly as it came, this song is actually one of my favorites from positions. The lyrics are kinda nonsensical though.
- drivers License — Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo, bless you. This song is amazing and deserves all the love that it has received. It’s so wonderful to see a young artist around my age command such a large audience. I mean, this girl broke records that established artists take years to accomplish. I really hope Olivia does not become a one-hit-wonder because she is so talented.
Thanks for tuning in! What is your favorite song out of these 10? Which song do you hate the most? Let me know down in the comments (or not, that’s fine too) and I’ll catch you around. Till next time.
I can be contacted by email at dpwong2@gmail.com. If you have any questions, inquiries, or suggestions, don’t hesitate in contacting me. I read all emails, even if I don’t reply to them (though 99% of the time I will reply). Thanks again and have a lovely day, wherever you are on this planet.
-Derek
