"It's every generation sends a hero up the pop charts" ---Paul Simon, "Boy in the Bubble"
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| Taylor Swift makes chart history as she sweeps the Top 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, from her new album, The Tortured Poets Department |
I BRING YOU the top 14 on this week's Billboard Hot 100:
- 1, Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone - “Fortnight,”
- 2, Taylor Swift -“Down Bad”
- 3, Taylor Swift - “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
- 4, Taylor Swift -“The Tortured Poets Department”
- 5, Taylor Swift -“So Long, London”
- 6, Taylor Swift - “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys”
- 7, Taylor Swift - “But Daddy I Love Him”
- 8, Taylor Swift ft. Florence + the Machine - “Florida!!!,”
- 9, Taylor Swift - “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”
- 10, Taylor Swift - “Guilty as Sin?”
- 11, Taylor Swift - “Fresh Out the Slammer”
- 12, Taylor Swift - “loml”
- 13, Taylor Swift - “The Alchemy”
- 14, Taylor Swift -“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
So much for her top 10 domination a year or so ago, this is getting ridiculous. While we had an inkling that Taylor Swift would sweep the Billboard Top 10 with songs from her surprise double album The Tortured Poets Department, and to be honest, I also thought maybe she would dominate the second ten as well, by grabbing the top 14 songs this week (and #20 as well, giving her three quarters of the Top 20), it's pretty much evident in the streaming and digital age that Ms. Swift, who always had been popular, has now attained superstar status in the stratosphere.
And do I dare say that she's on a par with The Beatles? Before you start pouncing on me for that comparison, I'm not talking about musical talent, but about the public and media hysteria over everything she does, from her love life to her concert tours, and her every move. Of course, if we had streaming back in 1964, the Fab Four, who set a record that many thought would last forever, with the Top 5 songs on the Billboard chart, chances are the four lads from Liverpool could have at least the top 20. But that's neither here nor there.
At this point, it's safe to call Taylor Swift, the "superstar of the 2020's", even though the decade is slightly less than half over. Say what you will about her music.... much like The Beatles, it has evolved over the years, although it's open to much debate as to whether it has gotten better or worse over time, unlike the Fab Four's evolving as the 1960's progressed.
But it's hard to have predicted that Ms. Swift, who released her first, self-titled album way back in 2006 and started in the country field, could have attained this status and peak popularity (so far), eighteen years later. The same woman who was intimidated by Kanye West at the VMA's stealing the microphone in her acceptance speech for best video who said that Beyonce had the best video. And her appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, showed her as a down to earth performer in touch with her fans. But, while Queen Bey has had quite a career (and has herself been the subject of discussion with her new country album), it seems to have been eclipsed by Taylor. I don't know if nowadays, she can be that down-to-earth person anymore, what with more focus on her at this year's Super Bowl (and her relationship with Travis Kelce) overshadowing the game itself (in spite of the dramatic ending of said game).
While Taylor's success in the 2010's seem to stem from "selling out" country to banal, dumbed down pop songs, her most recent albums have been more balanced, reflecting many styles, and her artistry more rounded. And while I'm not a Swiftie, nor am I jumping on the bandwagon, she has a very long resume of songs. In fact, 29 of them have made the Scenes 'n' Soundwaves 100, since its August 2010 inception, including two of the new ones which enter this week. However, she has never hit the top spot here; her highest was set just last year with "Cruel Summer" reaching #4 on the blog. She has, however scored 12 number ones on the Billboard: with her latest single, "Fortnight", featuring Post Malone leading the debuts this week.
So, aside from music, what is propelling Taylor's popularity? You can start with that she is an empowered woman, setting many examples of positivity to women's issues, but Ms. Swift also has given back to the community and her fans. For example, during the enormously popular Eras Tour last year, she donated to food banks during every tour stop. She also employed local businesses during the tour stops in gave our bonus payments to her crew. Recently, during the celebration Super Bowl victory parade (which featured Kelce), she donated $100,000 to the family of a woman who was shot and died at the parade. She participated in the One World Together at Home special during the COVID-19 pandemic, performing "Soon You'll Be Better" in the special organized by Lady Gaga. She also helped out fellow singer Kesha, in her lawsuit battle against her former producer Dr. Luke.
And yes, I have seen all those friends' memes attacking Taylor, including those "Marked Safe from....". But looking back over history, everyone popular has been drawn through the mud, even going back to the days of The Bee Gees, Elton John, and even the Beatles had their detractors. It comes with the territory.
Altogether, all 31 tracks on the album, plus her long running "Cruel Summer" are on the chart this week: that's about a third of the whole Hot 100. Two of the songs debut here on SNS this week: The single and Billboard #1 "Fortnight", as well as the collaboration with blog faves Florence + the Machine with "Florida!!!"
And finally, I have to add that Taylor is eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 2031. That's just seven years away. Some may cringe at the idea, but, forgetting the tired arguments about whether she is "rock" or not, and certainly by that year it won't matter one bit the way things are headed, she'll be in there. Just saying.
The chart domination is bad news for two artists who were displaced as a result. It robbed Benson Boone of a #1 song, as "Beautiful Things" leads the non-Swift pack at #15 (down from #3), and Hozier, who finally achieved his first #1 song (after coming close ten years ago with "Take Me To Church"), sees "Too Sweet" drop down to #16, becoming the ninth biggest drop from the top spot in Hot 100 history, excluding holiday songs.
SNS 100: "Spring Break Shake" by Starbuck, holds on to the top spot for a third week on the blog chart, fending off a charge from Deb Browning's "Put Your Hand in the Hand" which holds at #2. "Spring Break Shake", is still doing well, being played on 187 stations, including several overseas. It also moves up several beach music charts. Starbuck, which is actually original frontman, lead singer and songwriter Bruce Blackman, got an extra dose of publicity thanks to a YouTube posting by Professor of Rock (Adam Reader), in which Blackman explained the creation of Starbuck's huge 1976 hit, "Moonlight Feels Right", as well as playing an excerpt of it during the interview with Reader. There are, at the end, references to his recent resurgence on the beach charts as well. You can access the video here:
Meanwhile, Deb Browning's take on the gospel-pop classic "Put Your Hand in the Hand" holds at #2. Coincidentally, 54 years ago this week, the hit version by the Canadian pop band Ocean, was also stuck at #2, held there by the monster hit "Joy to the World", by Three Dog Night. Will it hit #1 next week? Complicating matters is the #3 song, "Sunshine and Summertime", another Deb song in collaboration with her singing partner Marlisa Kay Small, which also threatens the top spot. That gives Carolina beach music the top three songs this week for the first time since December 11, 2022 when another pair of Deb Browning songs, "Here Comes Amazon" and "It Don't Get Better Than This" (with the Six Piece Suits) were 1-2, with Rick Strickland's "You're the One For Me" in the #3 position.
Another strong contender is Jalen Ngonda's classic soul infused "If You Don't Want My Love" holding at #4 but very much part of the conversation; any of the top 4 could take the top spot next week. And rounding out the Top Five are the Six Piece Suits' "I Thought You Knew". That's four beach songs in the top five, and to be honest, beach stations should be playing Ngonda's song as well.
Anna Lavigne grabs her ninth straight top ten as "Butterfly" flutters into the #9 spot, while Hozier's 'Too Sweet" becomes his fifth blog top tenner (16-10). Western Massachusetts favorites Eavesdrop garner the Impact award for "Honest" (27-16), The Decemberists get their seventh blog top 20 with "Burial Ground" (21-17), Royel Otis' first in that area with "Murder on the Dance Floor" (22-18), and Mumford and Sons featuring Pharrell Williams' "Good People" (24-20). It's the Mumford gang's seventh blog top 20 and Williams' fourth, which include collaborations with Daft Punk, Robin Thicke and now, the Mumfords.
Big movers include Juliet Callahan's "Don't Phase Me" (36-21), Kacey Musgraves' "Cardinal" (Mover of the Week, 73-40), last week's Top Debut, "On the Game" by The Black Keys, (63-43) and Einsteins Dad's "To the Moon" (76-51).
DEBUTS: Eight new songs this week, including two by Ms. Swift, but the Top Debut goes to "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter, a singer from Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Also an actress, she gained initial fame on The Disney Channel's Girl Meets World and Adventures in Babysitting. She also acted in several other TV shows and Netflix movies. She has been releasing music since 2014, but "Espresso" is her first to reach the blog. It's standard pop, for sure, but it's catchy and infectious with a steady, driving dance beat. More pop music should be like this. It kind of reminds me of Janet Jackson's "Because of Love". The song was in the Hot 100's top 10 last week before Taylor Swift swept it out. But this should be a bonafide hit here. It enters at #66.
The Swift songs enter next, both with featured performers: "Fortnight" with Post Malone, and "Florida!!!" with Florence + the Machine. "Fortnight" is actually the stronger of the two, the song has a cool Lana Del Rey vibe to it, rather haunting and emotional. Taken on its own merits, this is a justified smash. Say what you will about Swift, but her artistry is definitely at work here, definitely not rubbish like "Look What You Made Me To" from a few years back, definitely her low point. "Florida!!!" holds up on its own as well. A bit subdued until the title is repeated. Florence Welch comes in on the second version with her distinctive voice. It will take a few listens to really appreciate it, but it has potential as well.
Maggie Rogers tops the Triple-A chart this week with "Don't Forget Me", and it's squarely in the female indie singer-songwriter lane. Artists of this ilk have done well with me the last year or so, and this should continue the run. Ms. Rogers has been on the chart before, denting it a few times, but this should do well. Introspective indie-folk scores appreciably. Los Angeles indie-poppers The Marias enter with "Run Your Mouth", the song has the pop sensibility. Should be an alternative fixture with a chance at Hot AC. Phillip Phillips made sort of a comeback with "Dancing With Your Shadows" and follows it with "Love Like That". The song was actually released two years ago, but it's getting some Hot AC airplay now. Good song, but to be honest a bit weaker than the prior entry, but still has a chance.
Glass Animals release their new one "Creature in Heaven"; the band's first appearance since breaking the Hot 100 longevity record with the 91-week, Billboard #1 "Heat Waves". The new one is sort of in the same vein, maybe with a little more rock flair to it, but the similar beat. If prior history of follow-ups to alternative crossovers to the big chart is any indication, it should miss the chart completely. So, what else is new? Finally, Ariana Grande's "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)", like the prior "Yes, And?" debuted at #1 on the Hot 100, is an uptempo pop, slightly EDM confection. Her sweet voice powers over the average production. But somehow it works, it's better than "Yes And?" and could make noise here. Thus, there are now five current and recent Billboard #1's on my chart simultaneously, the most in recent memory.
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| Singer-songwriter Charlotte Sessions will be performing some of her original songs at Garwood NJ's Crossroads venue on May 8. |
CHARLOTTE'S SESSIONS: With two blog number ones this year, up-and-coming local talent Charlotte Sessions has definitely made an impression with me. The 22-year-old budding singer-songwriter from my hometown of Roselle Park is diving deep into the music industry in multiple facets. She recently posted that she plans on attending the Songwriting Masters Program at New York University this coming fall. Says Charlotte on her Facebook post: "I can’t wait to embark my journey as a songwriter, artist, musician and collaborator and gain valuable skills needed to thrive in the music industry!"
Local music fans will also get a chance to catch a performance at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ on Wednesday May 8, as part of the 16th edition of Writers 'Round NJ" at the venue. Charlotte will be performing three of her original songs (which no doubt will include her two #1 blog hits). While Ms. Sessions indicated that she'll be on at 9 PM, according to the Writers 'Round NJ post, the doors open at 7. While it doesn't indicate if anyone is playing before her, get there early just in case. Since I missed her performance at last year's Roselle Park Arts Festival due to illness, I will try to be in attendance this time.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
April 28, 2024
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE:  (Single Release) (3 Weeks at #1) |
9 |
|
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
|
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
4 |
4 |
9 |
|
|
5 |
6 |
10 |
|
|
6 |
3 |
10 |
|
|
7 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
8 |
7 |
13 |
|
|
9 |
12 |
7 |
|
|
10 |
16 |
4 |
|
|
11 |
9 |
13 |
|
|
12 |
11 |
18 |
|
|
13 |
14 |
8 |
|
|
14 |
13 |
12 |
|
|
15 |
18 |
10 |
|
|
16 |
27 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  (Single Release) |
5 |
|
17 |
21 |
8 |
|
|
18 |
22 |
7 |
|
|
19 |
10 |
17 |
|
|
20 |
24 |
9 |
|
|
21 |
36 |
3 |
|
|
22 |
26 |
8 |
|
|
23 |
20 |
13 |
|
|
24 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
25 |
17 |
14 |
|
|
26 |
34 |
5 |
|
|
27 |
28 |
9 |
|
|
28 |
23 |
11 |
|
|
29 |
29 |
9 |
|
|
30 |
19 |
12 |
|
|
31 |
25 |
11 |
|
|
32 |
33 |
14 |
|
|
33 |
35 |
8 |
|
|
34 |
37 |
11 |
|
|
35 |
38 |
7 |
|
|
36 |
42 |
6 |
|
|
37 |
40 |
8 |
|
|
38 |
32 |
8 |
|
|
39 |
30 |
12 |
|
|
40 |
73 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  Album: Springtime Daylist |
2 |
|
41 |
44 |
7 |
|
|
42 |
47 |
8 |
|
|
43 |
63 |
2 |
|
|
44 |
56 |
3 |
|
|
45 |
31 |
14 |
|
|
46 |
57 |
3 |
|
|
47 |
46 |
24 |
|
|
48 |
50 |
6 |
|
|
49 |
41 |
21 |
|
|
50 |
51 |
7 |
|
|
51 |
76 |
2 |
|
|
52 |
59 |
5 |
|
|
53 |
39 |
9 |
|
|
54 |
58 |
5 |
|
|
55 |
61 |
4 |
|
|
56 |
62 |
4 |
|
|
57 |
43 |
Rev. Bubba D. Liverance and the
Cornhole Prophets - Something In the Water |
15 |
|
58 |
71 |
3 |
|
|
59 |
45 |
12 |
|
|
60 |
48 |
12 |
|
|
61 |
49 |
7 |
|
|
62 |
75 |
2 |
|
|
63 |
80 |
2 |
|
|
64 |
67 |
3 |
|
|
65 |
81 |
2 |
|
|
66 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  "Espresso" (Single Release) |
1 |
|
67 |
54 |
22 |
|
|
68 |
52 |
21 |
|
|
69 |
69 |
10 |
|
|
70 |
55 |
6 |
|
|
71 |
79 |
3 |
|
|
72 |
82 |
2 |
|
|
73 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
74 |
53 |
9 |
|
|
75 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
76 |
60 |
11 |
|
|
77 |
65 |
16 |
|
|
78 |
68 |
4 |
|
|
79 |
72 |
30 |
|
|
80 |
66 |
25 |
|
|
81 |
89 |
2 |
|
|
82 |
64 |
15 |
|
|
83 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
84 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
85 |
77 |
12 |
|
|
86 |
86 |
3 |
|
|
87 |
70 |
8 |
|
|
88 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
89 |
74 |
19 |
|
|
90 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
91 |
91 |
21 |
|
|
92 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
93 |
78 |
21 |
|
|
94 |
94 |
6 |
|
|
95 |
95 |
3 |
|
|
96 |
83 |
9 |
|
|
97 |
85 |
10 |
|
|
98 |
84 |
6 |
|
|
99 |
87 |
15 |
|
|
100 |
88 |
6 |
Murmurs:
I-42 Band - Looking So Good
Winnetka Bowling League - America In Your 20's
Dua Lipa - Illusion
Eavesdrop - Only One
Lenny Kravitz - Human
Suki Waterhouse - My Fun
Rachel Platten - Girls
Gary Clark ft. Stevie Wonder - What About the Children
Jade Bird - C'est La Vie
Rhonda McDaniel - Better
Orbis Max and Lindsay Murray - Fields
Murmurs:
Songs which are in the queue for future adds onto the Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100
Playlist.
|
|
Songs
with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week
▲Song
garnered most plays on Spotify, for the
month, with a superscript following the symbol if most played for multiple
months; or if a song was among the top 5 most plays for two months. ● Song
among top 5 most plays on Spotify.
Awards given during the last blog of each month. To qualify, the song must be currently or
have peaked in the top 40.
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
Up and Coming: Songs below #40 that are moving up the chart.
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which have
dropped below the top 40 but are still on the SNS 100
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