I WASN'T QUITE SURE what to write about this week. Billboard's Hot 100 top 10 have the same songs as last week (what else is new?), there's snow on the way here in Conway SC, we're a little over a week away from the Super Bowl, and there, of course is political controversy that involves a certain rock star from New Jersey who released a new protest song. Oh, and there's a new #1 song on the SNS 100.
And while I don't intent to dig deep over any of these subjects (except, perhaps for the snow I may as well be shoveling), there is the need to comment on something.
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| Bruno Mars' "I Just Might" spends a second week at #1 on the Hot 100. On the SNS 100 it moves 21-8 garnering Top 20 Impact of the Week honors. |
SO, OVER ON THE BILLBOARD HOT 100, Bruno Mars spends a second week in the top spot with "I Just Might". And while, as I said, the top ten has the same songs, there IS a bit of jumbling among the top five. Olivia Dean's "Man I Need" moves 4 to 2, pushing "The Fate of Ophela" and "Golden" each down a notch.
As I mentioned above, we're a little over a week from the Super Bowl with the controversial halftime performance slated to be by hip-hop artist Bad Bunny. While others have dismissed him because he was critical of the current administration and that he is from Puerto Rico and his lyrics in Spanish, my gripe is that we've had a slew of hip-hop artists play the big game in recent years. It's been over 20 years since, for example a country music star headlined. Of course, hip-hop, has, for a couple decades (at least) been the most popular genre, hence it makes sense that many from that musical style be picked to perform.
But, according to a recent Billboard article, mainstream pop music overtook hip-hop as the most dominate genre in the year 2025, based on the songs that made the top ten last year. Of course, with the stagnation that permeated that region of the Hot 100 during those twelve months, whatever songs were up there, didn't move. And definitely songs like "Die with a Smile", "Golden", "Ordinary", "Birds of a Feather" "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and "Lose Control" were anything but hip-hop, encompassing mainstream pop, K-pop, country, and R&B. While there were, of course, hip-hop songs, namely by Kendrick Lamar (who headlined the half-time show last year, and whose "Luther" was the only hip-hop song in the year-end top 10), they were pretty much taking a back seat to other forms of music.
I mentioned several weeks back that a group called Turning Point USA was preparing an "alternative" show to compete with that of the main event. However, any lineup on that behalf hadn't been announced, and even now, less than two weeks before the big game, no performers have been mentioned, only that "multiple performers" were to appear. The organization, created in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination last year, were to announce who will play just days before the event.
This is sort of a "full circle" of sorts, back when marching bands, troupes like "Up with People" and similar shows took place, when channels like MTV would put on alternative programs like Beavis and Butthead and Celebrity Death Match, or Fox with a special edition of In Living Color during the halftime show.
But speaking of controversy, there, in case you haven't looked at social media lately is the situation in Minnesota regarding federal ICE agents, who killed Alex Pretti. I will let you read the stories yourself as this issue once again is very divided, and what is true depends on what you read, sadly which isn't the same in this day and age. But the issue I want to discuss is the latest release by Bruce Springsteen, "Streets of Minneapolis".
I have not heard the song, but Springsteen has been very vocal about his views on the subject and fully supports the left side of the argument that the murder was uncalled for, and condemned President Trump. His concerts have pretty much turned into a political rally, that has caused division among the concert-goers.
A while back, after the George Floyd situation, I had recounted the various protest songs over the decades, and suggested that, rather than these celebrities gripe about political situations, they should put it in song. Springsteen, of course, has done both.
While I haven't heard the song yet, I have noticed that it is #1 on the current iTunes chart. As you may know, Springsteen has never had a #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100; he came close in 1984 with "Dancing in the Dark" which reached #2. Could "Streets of Minneapolis" sneak into a #1 debut on the Hot 100, over fifty years since he had his first chart entry with "Born to Run"?
It will be interesting to watch but remember that digital downloads are small compared to streaming numbers or even radio airplay. I can't see radio touching this, except for maybe rock or Triple-A stations. Kelly Clarkson's recent single "Where Have You Been" hit #2 on the Billboard digital songs chart but never charted on the Hot 100. And The Beatles "Now and Then", much talked about by everyone, entered at #7 but dropped off the chart two weeks later. Springsteen's last Hot 100 entry was "Working on a Dream", #95 in 2008, but had "bubbled under" a few times after that. His last top ten? The similarly named "Streets of Philadelphia" in 1994.
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| The duo of Rick Strickland (R) and Lesa Hudson score their second #1 as a duo with "Every Road" |
SNS 100: Okay, back to the friendly confines of the Scenes 'n' Soundwaves 100 chart, where we have a new #1 song, "Every Road" by Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson. It's the duo's second blog topper, following "Got it Right (The First Time)" back in 2023. It's Strickland's third #1 overall, having also hit the top in 2022 with "You're the One for Me". North Tower's "Pretty Lady", which held the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks, moves back up from #5 to #2 as it continues to top several beach charts; it currently has a 20-week run at the top on Pat Gwinn's At the Beach chart. Could it return to the top? It's possible. The Jay Vons' "Keep on Moving", #1 for the past couple of weeks, drops to #3, "Dark Angel" by Anna Lavigne top #4, while Durand Jones and the Indications' "Don't You Know" drops from 2 to 5.
The two big movers into the top 10 are Brooke Combe's "How Can I Tell You? (To Love Me More)" garnering Mover of the Week honors (18-7), with the current national #1, Bruno Mars' "I Just Might" grabbing Impact accolades jumping from 21 to 8. The only other new song in the top 20 is Starbuck's "Robusto" (23-15).
DEBUTS: Another good crop of new music this week, led by "I Just Don't Want You (To Say Goodbye)" by The Womack Sisters. If that sounds like a vintage R&B group, you can be forgiven. This is actually a new song and by a new group that does have strong soul and R&B roots. Their uncle is, indeed, Bobby Womack of "Looking for a Love" and "Woman's Gotta Have It", among many others and a 2009 inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Oh, and their grandfather? The legendary Sam Cooke. As for the song, it's a bone-chilling soul and blues concoction that would be perfect for an after-hours slow dance and has a 1960's vibe. I am a sucker for these kinds of songs, and it should do well here. Thanks to Spotify recommending this after playing the Brooke Combe song, we have another of our growing list of retro soul trending on the SNS 100. I know I say this too much, but this would be an awesome "smooth song" for beach music stations. But what do I know? Maybe someday, they'll play stuff like this. It debuts at #47.
Continuing with the retro soul sound is the latest from MT Jones, "I Don't Understand". This one has elements of 60s soul as well as early 70's Philadelphia vibes. The follow-up to "Why I Cry" should result in another hit for the Liverpool singer-songwriter. It enters the chart at #56.
Next is the latest from premier beach contingent Rivermist, with "At the End of the Day" entering at #58. After the Latin-infused "Lady of the Island", the band returns to their good-time, bouncy beach style present on many of their songs. The band has steadily pumped out hit after hit, and this should continue their streak.
Next is "Where Is My Husband" by RAYE. The song is doing very well on the Hot 100, #13 this week and enters here at #68. This is in center pop lane, but the singing and texture of the song, rather dramatic, continues the positive trend in pop. The artist, whose real name is Rachel Agatha Keen, had been referred to on the Kelly Clarkson Show many times. She hails from London, England.
Next is the latest from Jersey indie duo The Cynz, "Love's So Lonely". More alt-indie heaven with vocals expressly sung by lead singer Cyndi Lawson. Next is Harry Styles first single in three years, "Aparture". Starting with a eerie intro and continuing throughout the song, this one has sort of a dark tone, sort of a departure for the first One Direction member. Different enough to make some noise.
Also, "Die on this Hill", currently in the top 20 on the Hot 100, by Sienna Spiro, is next at #79. Another in the pop and soul lane, this is a nice ballad with awesome vocals. It has jazz overtones; she wsa inspired by the likes of Etta James and Frank Sinatra. Finally, we get back to the beach on our shores with Jennifer Licko's "(Meet Me At) The Shag Pad". Another with soul overtones (the basis of beach music, of course). Another about life here on the Grand Strand. Already on a couple beach charts, this should be a smash. While this is definitely beach music, Jennifer seems to have roots in many places and genres. She's lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but also has lived in London, and sings Scottish and Celtic music to boot. She can do it all. But you can catch her right here on February 9 doing her Celtic thing at Flynn's Irish Pub in North Myrtle Beach.
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This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
4 |
NUMBER ONE:  RICK STRICKLAND and LESA HUDSON (Single Release) |
10 |
|
2 |
5 |
20 |
|
|
3 |
1 |
12 |
|
|
4 |
3 |
13 |
|
|
5 |
2 |
12 |
|
|
6 |
6 |
15 |
|
|
7 |
18 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  "How Can I Tell You? (To Love Me More)" (Single Release) |
3 |
|
8 |
21 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  Album: The Romantic |
3 |
|
9 |
8 |
11 |
|
|
10 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
11 |
12 |
11 |
|
|
12 |
14 |
10 |
|
|
13 |
13 |
11 |
|
|
14 |
16 |
10 |
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|
15 |
23 |
4 |
|
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16 |
11 |
19 |
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|
17 |
7 |
15 |
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18 |
15 |
14 |
|
|
19 |
19 |
10 |
|
|
20 |
10 |
11 |
|
|
21 |
24 |
13 |
|
|
22 |
30 |
4 |
|
|
23 |
26 |
9 |
|
|
24 |
17 |
14 |
|
|
25 |
22 |
16 |
|
|
26 |
20 |
14 |
|
|
27 |
33 |
4 |
|
|
28 |
34 |
5 |
|
|
29 |
27 |
11 |
|
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30 |
29 |
18 |
|
|
31 |
36 |
5 |
|
|
32 |
31 |
9 |
|
|
33 |
44 |
2 |
|
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34 |
41 |
3 |
|
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35 |
51 |
2 |
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36 |
49 |
3 |
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|
37 |
28 |
15 |
|
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38 |
38 |
10 |
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39 |
40 |
4 |
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|
40 |
37 |
20 |
|
|
41 |
25 |
9 |
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|
42 |
32 |
17 |
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43 |
48 |
4 |
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44 |
56 |
3 |
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45 |
43 |
4 |
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46 |
45 |
4 |
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|
47 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  "I Just Don't Want You to Say Goodbye" (Single Release) |
1 |
|
48 |
35 |
16 |
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|
49 |
39 |
9 |
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50 |
50 |
24 |
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51 |
53 |
4 |
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52 |
54 |
3 |
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53 |
55 |
4 |
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54 |
59 |
4 |
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|
55 |
62 |
3 |
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|
56 |
--- |
1 |
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|
57 |
71 |
2 |
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|
58 |
--- |
1 |
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|
59 |
46 |
HUNTR/X
- Golden |
21 |
|
60 |
70 |
3 |
|
|
61 |
67 |
4 |
|
|
62 |
74 |
2 |
|
|
63 |
66 |
8 |
|
|
64 |
69 |
3 |
|
|
65 |
42 |
14 |
|
|
66 |
61 |
13 |
|
|
67 |
73 |
3 |
|
|
68 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
69 |
65 |
The
Tams - My True Love● |
27 |
|
70 |
76 |
3 |
|
|
71 |
79 |
2 |
|
|
72 |
58 |
13 |
|
|
73 |
57 |
15 |
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|
74 |
94 |
2 |
|
|
75 |
--- |
1 |
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|
76 |
47 |
9 |
|
|
77 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
78 |
52 |
18 |
|
|
79 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
80 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
81 |
60 |
22 |
|
|
82 |
72 |
30 |
|
|
83 |
63 |
19 |
|
|
84 |
82 |
2 |
|
|
85 |
86 |
2 |
|
|
86 |
84 |
2 |
|
|
87 |
64 |
4 |
|
|
88 |
77 |
24 |
|
|
89 |
68 |
21 |
|
|
90 |
81 |
30 |
|
|
91 |
90 |
2 |
|
|
92 |
91 |
9 |
|
|
93 |
75 |
13 |
|
|
94 |
87 |
31 |
|
|
95 |
99 |
12 |
|
|
96 |
78 |
10 |
|
|
97 |
88 |
18 |
|
|
98 |
80 |
15 |
|
|
99 |
83 |
15 |
|
|
100 |
98 |
30 |
Murmurs:
The Chelsea Curve - Rally 'Round
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|
Songs
with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week
●Songs garnering 25 plays
on Spotify (“Scrobbles”) according to Last.Fm (effective October 2024) ▲ Songs garnering 50 plays.
Songs
on the SNS 100 are included on the following public Spotify playlists
Scenes
‘n’ Soundwaves Top 40: Contains songs in positions 1-40 on the SNS
100
Scenes
41-100 and Newbies Songs in Positions 41-100 on the SNS 100 plus
new additions
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which had been in
the top 20 and/or songs on the chart 25 weeks or more, that have dropped off
the SNS 100.
(Rob Sheldon
is a music fan who has followed music trends the past 60 years, and covers new
and classic music, specializing in pop, rock, alternative, beach, soul and
country genres). He can be contacted
at rsheldonx4804@gmail.com
