AI WEEKEND COUNTDOWN!!! 3/16/24

• Doja Cat - Agora Hills (#9): A bit of a surprise exit from the Top 10 for Doja Cat. "Agora Hills" might not have had the same staying power as some of her other hits.
• Jessie Murph/Jelly Roll - Wild Ones (#25): This country collab didn't quite catch fire on the pop charts.
• Victoria Monet - On My Mama (#23): Another song that fell out of the countdown after a few weeks.

High Notes:

• Dua Lipa Reigns Supreme: "Houdini" remains unbeatable for another week, extending its lead at #1 to a whopping 7 weeks!
• Debuts Galore: This week boasted a healthy dose of new music with tracks from Twenty One Pilots, Ariana Grande, Djo, and more making their first appearances.
• Jungkook Soars: The BTS member's "Standing Next To You" jumps an impressive 8 spots, landing at #16. This could be a future contender for the top spot.
• Benson Boone Takes Flight: "Beautiful Things" climbs 5 positions to #7, making Benson Boone an artist to watch.

Song Reviews:

• #30: Twenty One Pilots - Overcompensate (Debut): It's tough to judge Twenty One Pilots without their signature style fully formed. This debut might be a raw gem for fans, but for newcomers, it could leave you wanting more.

  #29: Ariana Grande - we can't be friends (wait for your love) (Debut): Is this a new breakup anthem or the start of a complicated situation-ship? Grande's vocals are on point, but the song needs more development to truly hit home.

  #28: Djo - End of Beginning (Debut): Keep an eye on Djo! Debuts are all about potential, and "End of Beginning" hints at something fresh and exciting in the world of alternative music.

  #27: Madison Beer - Make You Mine (+2): A catchy climb for Madison Beer. This song is pure pop fun, perfect for blasting on a summer drive.

  #26: Usher - Kissing Strangers (+4): Usher's back with a slow-burning R&B track. "Kissing Strangers" might not be groundbreaking, but it's a solid addition to his repertoire.

  #25: girl in red - Too Much (+3): This one's for the heartbreak crew. Girl in red delivers raw emotions with "Too Much," making it a relatable anthem.

  #24: SZA - Saturn (+3): SZA never disappoints. "Saturn" is another dreamy, atmospheric track that showcases her unique vocals and songwriting skills.

  #23: Selena Gomez - Love On (-1): A slight dip for Selena Gomez. "Love On" might be a bit generic compared to some of her other hits.

  #22: Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM (-2): Queen Bey takes a gamble with this track, but it doesn't quite pay off. "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" might not be her strongest effort.

  #21: Tate McRae - greedy (-3): Tate McRae continues to rise, but "greedy" feels a bit repetitive. It's catchy, but doesn't offer much new.

  #20: Jack Harlow - Lovin On Me (-4): Jack Harlow takes a tumble. "Lovin On Me" might not resonate with everyone, especially with its more braggadocious lyrics.

  #19: Teddy Swims - Lose Control (+2): Rising star Teddy Swims heats things up with "Lose Control." This soulful track is a great showcase for his powerful vocals.

  #18: Tyla - Water (-3): "Water" doesn't make a big splash. While Tyla is a talented artist, this song feels forgettable.

  #17: Knox - Me, Myself & Your Eyes (=): A solid effort from Knox. "Me, Myself & Your Eyes" is a pleasant listen, but it might not leave a lasting impression.

  #16: Jungkook - Standing Next To You (+8): Jungkook makes a big leap! This heartfelt ballad showcases his impressive vocal range and could be a hit with BTS fans and beyond.

  Extra: Luke Hemmings - Shakes: This is a bonus track, but it sounds promising. Luke Hemmings might be ready to step out from the shadow of 5 Seconds of Summer.

  #15: Henry Moodie - pick up the phone (+4): A catchy plea for connection. Henry Moodie's "pick up the phone" is relatable and gets you tapping your foot.

  #14: Dua Lipa - Training Season (+12): Dua Lipa soars to new heights! "Training Season" is a powerful anthem about self-improvement and could be a future chart-topper.

  #13: Justin Timberlake - Selfish (+1): A smooth return for Justin Timberlake. "Selfish" is a classic JT slow jam that will please his longtime fans.

  #12: Noah Kahan - Stick Season (-2): A slight stumble for Noah Kahan. "Stick Season" might be a bit mellow compared to some of his other, more upbeat tracks.

  #11: Renee Rapp/Megan Thee Stallion - Not My Fault (+2): This fiery collab is a winner. Renee Rapp and Megan Thee Stallion trade verses with confidence, making "Not My Fault" an empowering anthem.

  #10: AJR - Yes, I'm A Mess (-2): AJR continues to be a party on repeat. "Yes, I'm A Mess" is another quirky, fun track that will get stuck in your head.

• #9: Ariana Grande/Mariah Carey - yes, and? (+2): A powerhouse vocal collaboration that's both fun and empowering.

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• #8: Olivia Rodrigo - get him back! (-1)

  This song by Olivia Rodrigo captures the messy feelings of a post-breakup.

  • Catchy with Mixed Emotions: The song starts with a strong beat and playful intro, hinting at a fun, revenge-fueled anthem. But the lyrics reveal a character conflicted between wanting to get back together and wanting to make their ex jealous. This creates a relatable tension for listeners who've been there.
  • Internal Struggle: The verses paint a picture of a charming but problematic ex. We hear about wild parties, questionable behavior, and ultimately, the reason for the break-up. The chorus flips between wanting revenge and missing the good times.
  • Undecided Heart: The bridge reflects the internal struggle further. The character considers destructive actions ("I wanna key his car") but then backs down, Longing for the good times ("I miss the way he kisses") battles with the disappointment of their friends who knew the ex wasn't good ("I picture all the faces of my disappointed friends").

  Overall: "get him back!" is a catchy song with relatable themes of heartbreak and mixed emotions. The character's indecisiveness might resonate with listeners who are struggling to move on.

• #7: Benson Boone - Beautiful Things (+5): A catchy and uplifting song with a positive message. No wonder it's climbing the charts.

• #6: Kenya Grace - Strangers (=)

  Unfortunately, without listening to the song, I can't provide a full review. However, I can offer some general thoughts based on the title "Strangers."

  • Potential Themes: This title suggests a song about a relationship that has faded or ended. The former lovers might feel distant and disconnected, like strangers, despite a past connection.
  • Emotional Depth: "Strangers" could be a melancholic ballad exploring themes of loss, longing, or acceptance.
• #5: Knox - Not The 1975 (=): Knox holds strong in the Top 5.
• #4: Taylor Swift - Is It Over Now? (-1): A surprise entry from Taylor Swift's vault lands in the Top 5.
• #3: Tate McRae - exes (+1): Up a spot this week, this relatable breakup anthem is clearly resonating with listeners.
• #2: Sabrina Carpenter - Feather (=): A solid pop song that holds its own at #2.
• #1 Dua Lipa - Houdini (=) (7 Weeks at #1): Can anyone dethrone Dua Lipa? Only time will tell, but "Houdini" continues to be a juggernaut.

Overall:

This week's Weekend Countdown was a good mix of established hits and exciting new music. The show continues to be a great way to discover the latest pop trends and hear from your favorite artists. Let's see if Dua Lipa's reign can continue next week!