Friday, March 9, 2018

AT40: Dua Lipa (4) - Week Of March 10, 2018

Hello, fam! I may have a few more surprises in store for you guys. So be on the look-out for that. Right now, I present to you this week's AT40 countdown post. We definitely had a lot of action this week, some for better and some not as much. And because of that, it gives me a lot to talk about. Let's get on with it, shall we? Before we get to this week's fresh 40, here are the songs we're saying good-bye to this week:

  • River by Eminem featuring Ed Sheeran (#23)
  • One Foot by Walk The Moon (#26)
  • There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes (#40) [Spent 1 Week At #1]

The Countdown:
Last Week's #1 Song: New Rules by Dua Lipa
40. Hold Me Tight Or Don't by Fall Out Boy (DEBUT)
39. Attention by Charlie Puth (#38) [–1] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
38. I Fall Apart by Post Malone (RE-ENTRY)
37. Walk On Water by Thirty Seconds To Mars (#39) [+2]
36. 1-800-273-8255 by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid (#35) [–1] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
35. End Game by Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future (#17) [–18]
34. Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons (DEBUT)
33. Strip That Down by Liam Payne featuring Quavo (#32) [–1] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
32. I Miss You by Clean Bandit featuring Julia Michaels (#33) [+1]
31. Beautiful Trauma by P!NK (#36) [+5]
30. What Lovers Do by Maroon 5 featuring SZA (#29) [–1]
29. My My My! by Troye Sivan (#34) [+5]
28. Lemon by N.E.R.D. featuring Rihanna (#31) [+3]
27. I Like Me Better by Lauv (#28) [+1]
26. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man (#24) [–1] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
25. God's Plan by Drake (#37) [+12]
24. Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato (#27) [+3]
23. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato (#22) [–1] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
22. Say Something by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton (#30) [+8]
21. Wait by Maroon 5 (#24) [+3]
20. LOVE. by Kendrick Lamar featuring Zacari (#21) [+1]
19. Thunder by Imagine Dragons (#18) [–1] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
18. Young, Dumb, and Broke by Khalid (#19) [+1]
17. Pray For Me by The Weeknd featuring Kendrick Lamar (#20) [+3]
16. Let Me Go by Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and Watt (#14) [–2]
15. Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello (#15) [=]
14. Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage (#11) [–3]
13. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line (#13) [=]
12. Good Old Days by Macklemore featuring Kesha (#12) [=]
11. The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey (#16) [+5]
10. Bad At Love by Halsey (#9) [–1]
9. Lights Down Low by MAX featuring Gnash (#10) [+1]
8. Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug (#5) [–3] [Spent 7 Weeks At #1]
7. Him & I by G-Eazy featuring Halsey (#7) [=]
6. Wolves by Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello (#8) [+2]
5. Finesse (Remix) by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B. (#6) [+1]
4. How Long by Charlie Puth (#3) [–1]
3. Let You Down by NF (#4) [+1]
2. Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé (#2) [=] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
1. New Rules by Dua Lipa (#1) [=] [4th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran (2nd of 10 Weeks At #1)

Biggest Fall Of The Week: End Game by Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future (–18)

Biggest Rise Of The Week: God's Plan by Drake (+12)

New Entrants
- We have an unwelcome re-entry from I Fall Apart by Post Malone. This is the first time we had a re-entry since I don't know how long. Thus, we only have two new debuts this week.

- To start, we have Fall Out Boy's latest single from MANIA, titled Hold Me Tight Or Don't. This one has been around for a while. In fact, it debuted on the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown two months ago. Looks like the American Top 40 was late with this one, aren't they? Anyway, this is another song in which they're trying something new, much like they did with Young And Menace, which was a mess all around and thankfully didn't take off. They're going for a Latin vibe in this one. I do like the production in a way. The whistling sounds pretty cool. While it's nowhere near their best work thus far, I do think it's still a pretty solid track for the most part.

- For our second debut of the week, we have more Imagine Dragons. This time, they have their latest single off of Evolve, by the name of Whatever It Takes. Right off the bat, this is one of the best songs off of their album. It is more fast-paced than its two predecessors. When looking at the lyrical content, it's basically about succeeding in your goals no matter what. This is something that many of us can relate to because we all have at least one goal that we want to meet. There is a lot going on in terms of the production, mainly because it uses more instruments, whereas Thunder was a little weak with that, despite me still liking it. However, the best thing that I like about this song is easily the powerful chorus. That's where Dan Reynolds shines the most. Overall, it's a step up from Thunder. And judging by its strong sales and radio, this looks poised to be another hit for Imagine Dragons, that which I want to happen.

We're Gonna Blurb The Night Away
- Let's begin with our exits. First off, River I didn't necessarily care for, but I felt like it left pretty early for a song that features Ed Sheeran. It's too bad he can't even help Eminem get a hit like he did in the past. One Foot by Walk The Moon most definitely deserved better than this, especially after the success of Shut Up And Dance back in 2015. It's too bad that these guys are being considered a one-hit wonder. Finally, the exit I'm most saddened about is There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes. This is the first time since June 25, 2016 that we do not have a Shawn Mendes song on the countdown. It was definitely one of the best songs that he had to offer and I was thankful for the success that it had in a short period of time. He does have new music right around the corner from what I heard, so we'll hear more from him soon. But right now, I'll be sad over the song's departure. Farewell, There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back. You will be missed by me.

- Before introducing Attention, Ryan Seacrest mentioned that he covered one of Maroon 5's singles from their latest album. I wondered has he listened to their album, because not very many songs from there are to my liking. But I guess he just wants to cover them just for the fun of it, heh.

- I'm afraid that End Game is near its end with that big drop it took this week. I know I've said this numerous times, but people are just not fond of Taylor's new direction. They much preferred her older singles, such as from 1989 and some of Red. It's a shame that it's going to miss the Year-End list for Billboard.

- Strip That Down needs to go already. This is getting ridiculous. Who is still supporting this? It's a crying shame that it's still on this countdown, yet songs such as For You flopped. I'm just disappointed.

- Speaking of which, none of the singles from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack are taking off. Songs such as For You and Capital Letters are amazing, yet they aren't doing much chart-wise. In fact, the latter has never charted. I guess their success just wasn't meant to be (no pun intended). Oh well. :/

- The fact that I Like Me Better is still somewhat gaining (including the big 7-spot jump it had last week) is pretty darn sad, because it's only been getting worse every time I hear it. Can we not with this song?

- Of course, God's Plan would have a huge jump in its second week. Because of its massive popularity, I unfortunately expect it to stick around for a long while.

- On a positive note, songs such as Beautiful Trauma, My My My!, and Say Something made some big jumps this week. The very latter I'm certain it'll become a proper hit for Justin Timberlake, after the huge flop that was of Filthy. Seeing Chris Stapleton a country crossover hit would be pleasing to see.

- For those who don't like Never Be The Same (including myself), then I've got bad news for you: the music video was released just yesterday. Yeah, folks. I have a bad feeling that it may stick around for a long while, so I'll just have to learn to put up with it.

- In some good news, The Middle is in its third week and already its closing in on the Top 10. I'm sure it'll enter that region next week. It was #1 on the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown, and it looks like the same may ring true here as well, given that it's gaining big on all fronts. That I'm also happy about and it's nice to see Maren Morris have a country crossover hit!

- Finesse has now entered the Top 5 this week! It was only a matter of time until it entered that region. It's one of my favorites off of 24K Magic so far, only behind songs such as the title track and Chunky, the latter which hasn't taken off yet given that it hasn't been chosen as a single. But for now, I'll certainly live with Finesse becoming another huge hit for Bruno Mars.

- Finally, we've come to our #1, in which the lovely Dua Lipa holds the top spot once again. Honestly, I couldn't be more happier about this. Her success story is definitely one of the highlights so far early in the year. And with her successor starting to pick up steam, I have a feeling she may have a shot at being a breakout artist of the year. That would be pleasing to me.

Breakouts/On The Verge:


  • Woman by Kesha featuring The Dap-Kings Horns
  • Friends by Marshmello featuring Anne-Marie
  • Beg by Jack & Jack

Extras/Optional Extras:

  • The Greatest by Sia featuring Kendrick Lamar
  • Where Are U Now by Skrillex and Diplo featuring Justin Bieber
  • Closer by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
  • Talking Body by Tove Lo
  • 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
  • Passionfruit by Drake
  • Best Friend by Sofi Tukker featuring NERVO, Alisa Ueno, and The Knocks
  • One Dance by Drake featuring WizKid and Kyla
  • Cheap Thrills by Sia featuring Sean Paul

Top 20 Review:
0 – Garbage:
20. Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
19. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
18. Lights Down Low by MAX featuring Gnash

1 – Bad:
17. Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello
16. Let You Down by NF

2 – Mediocre:
None!

3 – Decent:
15. Young, Dumb, And Broke by Khalid

4 – Good:
14. Thunder by Imagine Dragons
13. How Long by Charlie Puth

5 – Great:
12. Let Me Go by Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and Watt
11. LOVE. by Kendrick Lamar featuring Zacari
10. Bad At Love by Halsey
9. Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
8. Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
7. Him & I by G-Eazy featuring Halsey
6. Good Old Days by Macklemore featuring Kesha
5. New Rules by Dua Lipa
4. Pray For Me by The Weeknd featuring Kendrick Lamar
3. Finesse (Remix) by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B.

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
TIE: 1. Wolves by Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello
TIE: 1. The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey

Total Score: 75/100 = 75% (C) 

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Rock With You by Michael Jackson (1979)

Most Missed Song: The Sound by The 1975 (This spent only one week on this countdown, which is such a shame because it is divine on all levels.)

#1 Recommendation For The American Top 40: Lullaby by Sigala featuring Paloma Faith

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Chained To The Rhythm by Katy Perry featuring Skip Marley

My Top 5 Picks
TIE: 1. The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey
TIE: 1. Wolves by Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello
3. Finesse (Remix) by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B.
4. Pray For Me by The Weeknd featuring Kendrick Lamar
5. New Rules by Dua Lipa

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
2. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
3. I Like Me Better by Lauv
4. Strip That Down by Liam Payne featuring Quavo
5. I Fall Apart by Post Malone

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
Heavy by Linkin Park featuring Kiiara: Pretty much everything about this is spot on, and who would've thought that Kiiara would redeem herself after the horrible mash-up of a song that is Gold?
Bounce Back by Big Sean: I like the lyrical content about wanting to bounce back (hence the title), but I feel like the production and vocals needs more work. Maybe then, I could like it more.
It Ain't Me by Kygo featuring Selena Gomez: Again, I was impressed with Kygo when he brought in Selena for this one. Everything about this is spot on, as is his latest album, Kids In Love.

42 comments:

  1. Nice post! I’m surprised New Rules is still going strong on here despite starting to fall out of other charts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Also I said do not spoil the #1 for tomorrow. We want to be surprised.

      Delete
  2. What year was the last time there was a re-entry on the At40?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 2011 to be exact. Forget You was the last song to do this. It's a very rare occasion.

      Delete
    2. Wait, if that’s a very rare occurrence and it happened the last time in 2011, we could also have our 8 exit weeks returning since the last one was in 2011.

      Delete
    3. It's possible, but it's not likely at this point, though it would be interesting if that were to happen.

      Delete
  3. Wow. Closer on Extras/Optional Extras?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, it's been on Extras in some of the AT40 countdowns. Thus, it's not surprising at all.

      Delete
  4. But what about the countdown?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sorry, guys. Overslept by a hour. But here's the third set of five:

    35. Lonely Girl
    34. Say Something
    33. Love So Soft
    32. Believer (Yup, it's finally out of the Top 30)
    31. All Falls Down

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What about from #45 to #36?

      Delete
    2. Here you go:

      45. Miss You
      44. What Lovers Do
      43. Sorry Not Sorry
      42. Slow Hands
      41. So Not A Rockstar (Why is this still here?!)
      40. Ahead Of Myself
      39. Sick Boy
      38. There's Something Holdin' Me Back
      37. New Rules
      36. Galway Girl

      Delete
    3. That was a joke. So yeah, it's a typo on purpose.

      Delete
    4. One more week for Believer! Wonder if it'll make it...

      Delete
  6. And here are the songs that left us this week:

    Animal
    What About Us (Adrian will be sad)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here's more of the countdown:

    30. Feel It Still
    29. End Game
    28. Sober Up
    27. This Is Me
    26. Havana
    25. Hold Me Tight Or Don't
    24. My My My!
    23. Finesse
    22. Want You Back
    21. Pray For Me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *sees #28* Wonder if it'll just drop out entirely or be like I'm Ready before it and just linger in the 20's.

      Delete
    2. It better drop out entirely, because I do NOT want to see AJR on the Year-End again.

      Delete
  8. Okay, guys. Here's our second debut. Oh boy...
















    20. Meghan Trainor – No Excuses (DEBUT)

    Yep, she's back and not everyone is happy about it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Do you know what the debuts are?

    ReplyDelete
  10. How about the sixth set of 15?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 20. No Excuses (DEBUT)
      19. River
      18. How Long
      17. Whatever It Takes (Biggest Jump)
      16. Him & I

      Delete
  11. Seventh set:

    15. Wait
    14. I Like Me Better (Ugh)
    13. Beautiful Trauma
    12. Never Be The Same
    11. Lights Down Low

    ReplyDelete
  12. Top 10 Entrants:

    Most Definitely Not Meant To Be (gdi)

    ReplyDelete
  13. 8. Imagine Dragons – Thunder

    You can relax, Adrian.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Eight set:

    10. Meant To Be
    9. Let You Down
    8. Thunder (Adrian will breathe a sigh of relief)
    7. Bad At Love
    6. One Foot

    ReplyDelete
  15. Top 5 Entrants:

    Ed Sheeran – Perfect
    Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello – Wolves

    ReplyDelete
  16. Alright, fam. Here we go...



















    The Middle is #1 again!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good news for you,


    Sober Up has peaked on alternative radio.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wait what? why, Hits 1? I never wanted to be brainwashed by the fact that Animal had to leave....

    ReplyDelete