When Matt and I set out to do the top tunes monthly, we had some expectations about what the lists would look like. Expectations rarely agree with reality and this list is no different. It was surprising to see how slowly the top tunes move.
You feel it when the same songs are on the radio for months at a time, but it’s easy to dismiss that as the ploy of DJs or labels or your mind feeling like more time has passed than it actually has.
But no, songs like Post Malone’s ‘Psycho’ continue to be a fan favorite 3 months after debut. Another surprise was the songs that do manage to shake up the top ten. Songs I would have expected to do so, like ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ or ‘Chun Li’, manage to chart one month and then completely drop off.
And then there are the cultural markers in the top ten. ‘This is America’ is an important song to have on the charts from a historical sense. ‘SAD!’ is back on the charts after the death of the artist.
It’s frustrating, though, to watch these trends. The songs that, in the past quarter, have found a short life on the top ten charts are by far the most interesting. There’s a unique point of view or exciting arrangement.
The space between those tracks are filled with forgettable songs that may not be someone’s favorite, but don’t illicit a strong enough reaction to skip the track. The introduction of streaming in the consideration of the Billboard charts is a positive to be sure, but with auto play and premade playlists, the favor certainly lies with songs that make fine background music.
We have a unique ability to shape the charts with the click of a button, so I urge you readers to please, utilize that skip button and let me stop talking about ‘The Middle.’
#1 NICE FOR WHAT / Drake
Erin - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Turn it up" I don’t see this track going anywhere. It’s light and fun if you don’t listen to the lyrics and feels great to listen to with the windows rolled down. We’ll be seeing this on summer song playlists for years to come.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "My jam" Strongest case for "song of the summer" so far. Omnipresent, feels good, fun, you can dance to it or not dance to it. I love it when that little 808 piece comes in at the three-minute mark. I wonder what it would sound like if the track went on a little more, if that piece would be developed.
#2 I LIKE IT / Cardi B
Erin - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Turn it up" I’m a huge fan of this song, but I am a little surprised this continues to thrive at the top of the charts while Cardi B continues to put out new music, but I’m not mad about it. This songs makes me want to move, and “Oh he’s so handsome what’s his name” is fun to sing along with.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Turn it up" For summer vibe, this is the cut. Love the features, and I'm excited to have another summer with Spanish-language music at the top of the charts. ("Despacito," Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber, 2017.)
#3 BOO'D UP / Ella Mai
Erin - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" While this isn’t a song I would normally be a fan of, definite points for fresh blood on the charts. It’s a nice contrast to some of the other music happening now, and I’m interested in what’s next from Ella Mai.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" I was surprised that this track has been able to edge its way onto the top ten so consistently over the past month. At first listen, I didn't think it was very special aside from the "oh, 'boo'd up-boo'd up' sounds like a heart beat wow cool" moment. Like a lot of slow burners though, ultimately the lush production and throw-back vibe keep me coming back. And her British accent in the outro.
#4 THIS IS AMERICA / Childish Gambino
Erin - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Turn it up" I heard this on the radio for the first time this week, and hearing it out of the context of the music video, or not on demand, was eye opening for me. As a protest song, there’s so much relevance, but if you don’t listen to the lyrics too closely, it’s just a good jam with interesting things happening. I really hope we get more Childish Gambino on the radio.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Turn it up" The video launched this one to the top of the charts. Now, it's up to the song itself to keep it there. And I think it's doing it. Though lacking the technical proficiency of your average Migos track, it has a texture and personality most trap-crossover tracks are missing.
#5 GOD'S PLAN / Drake
Erin - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" A few posts ago I mentioned “I only love my bed and my mama” but I’ve moved onto “I feel good, sometimes I don’t.” What a simple message that’s so relatable. It almost feels silly, but it’s Drake so he gets away with it.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" Drizzy does Drizzy; gets paid.
#6 SAD! / XXXTENTACION
Erin - ⭐️ "Turn it off" There is a debate of whether or not you should allow an artist’s personal life to affect the way in which their work is viewed. Once I know the problematic nature of an artist’s life, it’s hard for me to ignore it. I’m not about this song, I’m not about XXXTentacion. I hope someone deserving can pick up where he left off.
Matt - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" Pretty much a sort of weak song with some very nice hooks. It stretches itself as thin as possible and still falls fully short of three minutes. If this is your style, but you're looking for something with some substance and movement, I would point you to "One Time" by Marian Hill (2015).
#7 THE MIDDLE / Zedd
Erin - ⭐️⭐️ "Leave it on" Zedd has been on the radio for a few years now, but think back – what songs has he touched that you remember? He’s obviously good enough to produce hits, but he doesn’t have the touch to create memorable songs. I don’t mind this song but I don’t like it either. I just wish this invoked some emotion either way with me.
Matt - ⭐️ "Turn it off" Very over this one. I like Zedd's production tone on my car radio, so I've been letting this one slide, but enough is enough.
#8 PSYCHO / Post Malone
Erin - ⭐️ "Turn it off" I looked up the lyrics and basically Post Malone is super rich and won’t date a girl who he ranks as a 4-5. Which, ok, alright, fine. But have you seen his moustache? Yikes. Post Malone doesn’t interest me, but he’s obviously bringing something to the table so I do have to respect it.
Matt - ⭐️ "Turn it off" The success of this guy has me really wondering about what is even going on in the world.
