Chart Critiques: AT40 with Ryan Seacrest

[Ponderous Man]

Sept 7, 2011 7:23:49 GMT -5 jaxxalude said:

Sept 6, 2011 16:44:58 GMT -5 Ponderous Man said:

Josh Joel, so what you're saying is that the majority of the songs on the countdown absolutely suck. That was a pretty useless critique.

For the love of me, I will never get this if-you-don't-have-anything-good-to-say-then-don't-say-it mentality when it comes to passing judgement on arts! You know, giving us reasons why we should NOT listen to anything can be just as helpful as a recommendation. If only because it might save the reader some precious time. Of course, in the end to each its own.

Jaxxalude, I was just observing Josh Joel's critique. That's all. As Conan O'Brien would say, "Keep cool, my babies. Keep cool."

[jaxxalude]

And I was just observing how pernicious that mindset can be. I'm cool, baby!

[Josh Joel's Top 40]

AT40 October 1, 2011

Dropper: RAIN OVER ME - PITBULL FEAT. MARC ANTHONY - Great match based on their backgrounds as noted being "Latin Caribbean duet". Decent song.

40: BETTER WITH THE LIGHTS OFF - NEW BOYZ FEAT. CHRIS BROWN - These guys decided to expand their horizions experiment with other genres such pop and rock. This one falls under electro hop and it doesn't look like it will get past #40. Great song.

39: TIL THE WORLD ENDS - BRITNEY SPEARS - Didn't make #1, but it's an unforgettable song. Kesha and Max Martin had a hand in writing this song. Won an MTV Award for Best Pop Video. Decent song.

38: ON THE FLOOR - JENNIFER LOPEZ FEAT. PITBULL - Huge worldwide hit making it to #1 in 18 countries. Although it missed #1 in the US it did make it to the top 5 on AT40 and still hanging on..Great song.

37: DYNAMITE - TAIO CRUZ - This song is his biggest American hit, obviously in it's 64th week in the survey. Dr.Luke one of the biggest producers today had a hand in producing this song. Huge burn-out song but decent.

36: FORGET YOU - CEE LO GREEN - Angry song about materialism that is often experienced by the victims of love's demise. A high burn-out there but a brilliant song overall. Yes, it took just listening to the song's lyrics, but the whining bridge still hits a nerve or two.

35: THE SHOW GOES ON : LUPE FIASCO - First pop hit for the Chicago native who first broke into the Urban market back in 2006 with "Kick, Push". Reportedly the song's release and recording wasn't him, it was the record label's idea to produce perhaps a "radio-friendly" smash. If you listen carefully you can hear the "Float On" sample by Modest Mouse, their #1 Alternative smash. Decent song.

34: BLOW - KE$HA - One of Dr. Luke's biggest produced hits this year appropriate for a care-free weekend night out just as well. Brilliant song.

33: S&M- RIHANNA - Highly metaphorically charged song that made it to #1 is about giving the finger to media and then some "haters". Great song.

32: MR. KNOW IT ALL - KELLY CLARKSON - This is likely to secure that #1 spot both Hot AC and Mainstream. It's currently at #17 on the AT40 Hot AC charts. It is also IMO her best song both lyrically and musically. This is dedicated to all "haters" in general believing that they just know the answer to just about everything without getting to know the person. It is what I call "prejudgement". Fantastic and an empowering song.

31: HELLO - MARTIN SOVEIG & DRAGONETTE - First hit for both acts in the USA and huge in Europe. Song about not taking "hellos" from anyone too seriously. Brilliant song.

EXTRA: FASTER - MATT NATHANSON - I have always respected his music and he is one of few artists that actually records quality music. Hopefully this finally cracks the top 40, it is already a hit on Hot AC. Brilliant vocals and song.

OPTIONAL EXTRA: THKS FR TH MMRS - FALL OUT BOY - I'm sure a lot of us have been in the same situation when you still sleep you're ex every now and then, though the relationship has long ended. Yes, it happened with me only when I was younger. Now I think that it's just rubbish...

30: KEEP YOUR HEAD UP - ANDY GRAMMER- Uplifting song there by a new artist in the top 40. I love its rhythmic edge and it's a brilliant song overall.

29: E.T. - KATY PERRY FEAT. KANYE WEST - One of five #1 singles from her LP "Teenage Dream". Great song.

28: MOTIVATION - KELLY ROWLAND FEAT. LIL WAYNE - First big solo Urban #1 hit for her but apparently too "urban" for "Mainstream". In 2002 - 2003 she did even better at Mainstream with "Stole" but poorly at Urban, and that song was pop-leaning and too "poppy" for Urban radio.

27: MR. SAXOBEAT - ALEXANDRA STAN - I can see a large number of Latin-Americans jamming to this with continued growth of immigrants in the USA. I work with a hand full of them so we can jam to this in one accord! This is one of a few Romanians to successfully make the US Pop Top 40. I think the most recent one was by Edward Maya with "Stereo Love". Both songs are just fantastic and were extremely huge in Europe.

26: TAKE OVER CONTROL - AFROJACK FEAT. EVA SIMMONS - One of the best exports (the song) out of Holland. First hit on AT40 by this DJ as the lead artist. Brilliant song.

25: WITHOUT YOU- DAVID GUETTA FEAT. USHER - Taio Cruz and Usher also had a hand in writing this song. Usher performs this song quite remarkably and he sounds absolutely flawless. Decent song.

24: JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH - BLACK EYED PEAS - Hot Depeche Mode cover! (Just jiving) This song has been certified double platinum here in the US. Great song.

23: NOTHING - THE SCRIPT - This is their 4th AT40 appearance and this is performing moderately decent with a song about not having "dialogue" with an ex in a intoxicated state even though he wanted to. Decent song.

22: THE EDGE OF GLORY - LADY GA GA - A pray in mind that every single soul on this Earth gets that feeling inside of their heart and soul before departing. Life is way too short. Decent song.

21: IT GIRL - JASON DERULO - Second hit from the "Future History" CD, and it's a pop R&B ballad but much more "poppy". Decent song.

OPTIONAL EXTRA: BEAUTIFUL - CHRISTINA AGUILERA - One of her best self-empowering songs ever and it's timeless showcasing her vocal abilities.

20: ROLLING IN THE DEEP - Huge hit for this soulful British singer that is the industry's "it girl" for record buyers around the world. Great song.

19: IF I DIE YOUNG - THE BAND PERRY - A song living life to the fullest and cherish the ones that are close to you. I am going to give the lead singer named Kimberly Perry of this family act "kudos"for writing such a brilliant song lyrically. The vocals are annoying as can be because it sounds so "whiny", so I'm going to say "no".

18: PRETTY GIRLS- IYAZ FEAT. TRAVIE MCCOY - Mindless but a rather catchy Pop R&B song that is performing decently on the charts. It is his third AT40 hit and second biggest. I can jam to this - Great song.

17: IN THE DARK - DEV - Back at #40 we heard The New Boyz and now at #17 we have another song produced by The Cataracs. This is her second and biggest AT40 hit. Great song.

16: SOMEONE LIKE YOU - ADELE - This is her biggest hit in the UK reaching #1, believe it or not her big U.S. hit just missed that pole position over there peaking at #2. I heard this on the BBC Official Radio One chart first a few months ago. She co-wrote it with Dan Wilson and it's a bit moving. Good song, but it's not for me.

15: HOW TO LOVE - LIL WAYNE - One of his biggest hits in couple of years both Pop and Urban about opening up. This is well written, at the same time I just don't like his performance so that's another "no".

14: YOU & I - LADY GA GA - Robert "Mutt" Lange a veteran to the biz who worked with Def Leppard, Billy Ocean, Bryan Adams, and his ex-wife Shania Twain to name a few helped produce this song. The production is just great, but I'm just not feeling the song so much.

13: TONITE TONITE - HOT CHELLE RAE - This is their biggest hit so far in their career. I'm so glad that it made the top ten. It's definitely catchy at best. Brilliant song.

12: YOU MAKE ME FEEL..- COBRA STARSHIP FEAT. SABI - This song may end up reaching the top ten on AT40, but it won't match the success of their annoying song "Good Girls Go Bad". Produced by Englishman Steve Mac who also produced Susan Boyle's #1 U.S. album. Third AT40 hit - Fantastic song

11: GOOD LIFE - ONEREPUBLIC - #1 Hot AC smash there. Great song.

BREAKOUT: SEXY AND I KNOW IT - LMFAO- Sexy sexy song with that electro accent. Great song and looking to become this act's third top 40 hit.

OPTIONAL EXTRA : HEY BABY - NO DOUBT - Great choice for a request song there. #1 hit way back in 2001 when Casey Kasem announced it on AT40. Fantastic song.

10: CHEERS (DRINK TO THAT) - RIHANNA - This song sample's Avril Lavigne's smash "I'm With You". Great weekend or perhaps weekend warm-up song for many listeners. Maybe if someone else was singing this I could actually stomach it, so I'm going to say "no".

09: GIVE ME EVERYTHING - PITBULL FEAT.NAYER, NE-YO, & AFROJACK - Appropriate club banger that recently secured that #1 spot currently peaking on the Hot AC charts in the top 30. Decent song.

08: STEREO HEARTS - GYM CLASS HEROES FEAT. ADAM LAVINE - This is their 2nd biggest hit on AT40 and top tener as well. The first was their #1 "Cupid's Chokehold". Great song.

07: PUMPED UP KICKS - FOSTER THE PEOPLE - Former #1 Alternative hit and heading for the same at Pop. Great song.

06: PARTY ROCK ANTHEM - LMFAO FEAT. LAUREN BENNETT & GOON ROCK - First big hit for this American act and it was huge in Europe first months prior. Decent song.

05: SUPER BASS - NICKI MINAJ - Huge top ten smash for this young female rapper on both Pop and Urban. This is one of two songs in the countdown produced by Kane Beatz and the other was back at #35 by Lupe Fiasco. No.

04: MOVES LIKE JAGGER - MAROON 5 FEAT. CHRISTINA AGUILERA - This is currently #1 up from #4 at Hot AC noted as the biggest leap to #1 on that chart. Here at Pop it is headed in that direction. Great song.

03: LAST FRIDAY NIGHT (T.G.I.F) - KATY PERRY - Record breaking #1 hit from her "Teenage Dream" set. Decent song.

OPTIONAL EXTRA: WHERE IS THE LOVE - BLACK EYED PEAS FEAT. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - One of their best songs and it was an instant #1 on my personal chart. Fantastic song.

02: LIGHTERS - BAD MEETS EVIL FEAT. BRUNO MARS - first hit for this super rap duo headed for #1, but I doubt that they'll get there before Maroon 5 even though they've made an incredible leap to the runner- up spot. Great song.

01: I WANNA GO - BRITNEY SPEARS - It's true what they say "If it ain't broke don't try and fix it". Max Martin helped produce this song like her first biggie "Baby One More Time". Decent song.

[blackbowl68]

Here is my critique of the AT40 show for the week ending 10/29/2011. (CHR version) Heard on WHTZ.
To my understanding, the chart used is based on airplay of only radio stations that carry the show.

Droppers:
(39) FASTER - MATT NATHANSON - Really haven't heard this one. I'll save any comments.
(38) S&M - RHIANNA - RiRi's good-girl-gone-bad image solidified with this song. Fair.
(29) PRETTY GIRLS - IZAY featuring TRACIE McCOY - Pretty good song that radio gave up on too soon.

40: GOOD FEELING - FLO RIDA (debut) - Not bad, but Flo doesn't feature much on this track. Who's the singer?
39: NOT OVER YOU - GAVIN DeGRAW (debut) - Good song. Apparently more people like him than those that punched him out last month.
38: DEDICATION TO MY EX (MISS THAT) - LLOYD featuring ANDRE 3000 & LIL WAYNE (debut) - Good song; A little eerie groove.
37: TAKE OVER CONTROL - AFROJACK featuring EVE SIMONS (30) - Pretty good song. Guess the public wasn't feeling it.
36: F@(K YOU (FORGET YOU) - CEE-LO GREEN (36) - Can't believe this is STILL getting sizable airplay a year & a half later. Still a great throwback record!
Rosie O'Donnell Soundbite
35: CRIMINAL - BRITNEY SPEARS (35) - RC did not announce this song AT ALL! Anyway, strong follow-up for her.
34: FLY - NICKI MINAJ featuring RHIANNA (40) Song that demonstrates why RiRi is a popular "hook" girl.
33: LOVE YOU LIKE A LOVE SONG - SELENA GOMEZ & the SCENE (33) Sounds a little dull. Not something with a strong grasp.
32: DYNAMITE - TAIO CRUZ (37) Great song, but can we lay off this track a bit? (68 wks !) His new song is getting some buzz.
AT40 BREAKOUT: DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH - NICOLE SCHERZINGER - has potential, let's see how kind time is.
31: THIS CITY - PATRICK STUMP featuring LUPE FIASCO (34) - This sounds Top 10 bound! Great song; great hook. Lupe actually helps strengthens this track. Eat it up!
30: THE EDGE OF GLORY - LADY GAGA (28) Great song...it deserved to be a hit. Congrats Gaga.
29: E.T. - KATY PERRY featuring KANYE WEST (31) OK song. Thought it would've fallen off by now. Kanye's presence is pleasant but eerie.
AT40 EXTRA: NEVER GONNA LEAVE THIS BED - MAROON 5 - Great song for the band, but not a spectacular top 40 hit.
Demi Lovato Soundbite
28: JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH - BLACK EYED PEAS (26) - Like this far & away better than thrie previous hit.
27: BETTER WITH THE LIGHTS OFF - NEW BOYS featuring CHRIS BROWN (27) - Surprisingly catchy tune. Hope it continues to surge.
Coldplay Interview Part 1: Origin of current album title
26: ROLLING IN THE DEEP - ADELE (25) Splendid number! Contender for #1 song of the year. Wait & see.
25: HOW TO LOVE - LIL WAYNE (23) The song that shows this lil punk is growing & becoming a force to be reckoned with. Despite the auto-tune, it's still a great song.
Coldplay Interview Part 2: Rihanna collaboration
24: KEEP YOUR HEAD UP - ANDY GRAMMER (24) Very catchy song with a positive message. How rare is that!
23: WE FOUND LOVE - RHIANNA featuring CALVIN HARRIS (32) This song seemingly came outta nowhere & now is top 10 bound. Sounds forceful.
22: TONIGHT TONIGHT - HOT CHELLE RAE (18) Catchy number perfect for pop radio.
21: NOTHING - THE SCRIPT (22) Not too crazy about this one. It does sound strong, though.
20: MR. SAXOBEAT - ALEXANDRA STAN (21) I'm really starting to love this hot dance track. Hope it goes top 10!
19: MR. KNOW-IT-ALL - KELLY CLARKSON (20) OK song. Waiting for a happy song by her.
18: GOOD LIFE - ONEREPUBLIC (16) Excellent song destined to be a classic for years to come.
17: IT GIRL - JASON DeRULO (17) Another song that is far better than an artist's previous single.
16: CHEERS (DRINK TO THAT) - RHIANNA (11) This could've been another top 10 for RiRi had they waited a few weeks on the new single. She just dominates the Avril Lavigne sample here.
Salma Hayek Telephone Interview Part 1: Puss 'n' Boots movie
15: SEXY AND I KNOW IT - LMFAO (19) I'm LMFAO at this cheesy song!
14: LAST FRIDAY NIGHT (T.G.I.F.) - KATY PERRY (8) Rather pleasant song for pop radio. Her fifth #1 from Teenage Dream.
Salma Hayek Telephone Interview Part 2: fighting with hubby
13: SUPER BASS - NICKI MINAJ (13) - Sizable hit that's great to hear.
12: GIVE ME EVERYTHING - PITBULL featuring NE-YO & AFROJACK (12) - This song is growing on me. This is gonna be a lasting classic.
11: I WANNA GO - BRITNEY SPEARS (7) - For me, this song is good, but a little below average. It will remain one of her biggest hits.
SUBWAY BUZZ SONG: IT WILL RAIN - BRUNO MARS - Great potential hit. Proof of a new superstar on the horizon.
10: IN THE DARK - DEV (14) - Pretty catchy song on par with "Like a G6."
Usher Telephone Interview Part 1: Justin Beiber Christmas Album
9: WITHOUT YOU - DAVID GUETTA featuring USHER (15) - Great song that is Top 5 bound.
8: YOU AND I - LADY GAGA (10) - Everytime I hear this, I always think it's a Carrie Underwood country song. Great mimic octopus.
Usher Telephone Interview Part 2: Justin Beiber's artist development.
7: PARTY ROCK ANTHEM - LMFAO featuring LAUREN BENNETT & GOONROCK (9) - dance club favorite. Far better than their follow up release.
AT40 SLEAZE: BIG TIME RUSH new single.
6: LIGHTERS - BAD MEETS EVIL featuring BRUNO MARS (5) - Every part works here; any missing piece kills this record. This holds up.
5: YOU MAKE ME FEEL... - COBRA STARSHIP featuring SABI (6) - Catchy number. Song seems to be the prototype of many hits of the day.
4: PUMPED UP KICKS - FOSTER THE PEOPLE (3) - Cool song thats pleasant to hear. A little against the grain, but great in its own right.
3: STEREO HEARTS - GYM CLASS HEROES featuring ADAM LEVINE (2) - Song is essentially "Cupid's Chokehold" sideways, but I like this better than the older record. Just missed knocking Adam's group out of #1 but could still rebound.
AT40 LISTENER REQUEST: BOOM BOOM POW - BLACK EYED PEAS
2: SOMEONE LIKE YOU - ADELE (4) Great song; great follow-up. I have heard 3 mixes of this; all work for me. AT40 played the ballad version.
1: MOVES LIKE JAGGER - MAROON 5 featuring CHRISTINA AGULIERA (1) Surprise hit in its 4th week on top! Not the typical type of song for either artist. I like it. Hope it stands the test of time.

SYNOPSIS:

[Deleted]

Thanks God that song by Kesha whoever is out of the 40. What a way of making a mediocre hit lasting in the charts when everybody probably has forgotten the act that sings the track. I hate when AT40 has a song for ages in the low part of the charts just in order people dont disconnected with the act´s material. It sounds so record company desire.

[Josh Joel's Top 40]

Oct 30, 2011 7:51:13 GMT -5 blackbowl68 said:

Here is my critique of the AT40 show for the week ending 10/29/2011. (CHR version) Heard on WHTZ.

16: CHEERS (DRINK TO THAT) - RHIANNA (11) This could've been another top 10 for RiRi had they waited a few weeks on the new single. She just dominates the Avril Lavigne sample here.
Salma Hayek Telephone Interview Part 1: Puss 'n' Boots movie

First off, thank you for posting your modern AT40 critique, it was a pleasure to read. You know, two appalling things happened this morning. One I tried to re-record AT40 from both my local station via HD radio and then from my XM radio which happens to be from Z100. I set a timer for the XM one and somehow it failed, not sure what happened. Then at the same time I missed the first hour from KDWB here in Minneapolis, so that's no good. Good news is that I have a decent copy of the show from a generous poster. Yesterday I recorded the show myself from KIIS fm and it was fine, but it was more than once it got "stream rolled" not from a commercial but an extra song during the commercial break. They've been doing that for the past couple of weeks, so I may not record from them any longer and this was directly from my XM radio.

About that song please look at my critique above, the song did indeed peak at #10, just barely making the top ten to begin with.

[Deleted]

One thing I'd add, I think Without You is #1 bound. Not just top 5.

[blackbowl68]

My chart critique of American Top 40 With Ryan Seacrest

Mainstream Top 40 for the week ending April 7, 2012

PERSONAL: Since so many were commemurating the anniversary of the Beatles chart feats in April 1964, a review of the current chart is in order.

DROPPERS:
N****S IN PARIS - JAY-Z & KANYE WEST (37)
SORRY FOR PARTY ROCKING - LMFAO (35)

40: SOMEONE LIKE YOU - ADELE (39) Remorseful ballad about a past love. Nice piano and vocals.
39: BREATHING - JASON DeRULO (40) A little overproduced, but still got a bit of gas.
38: TALK THAT TALK - RIHANNA featuring JAY-Z (38) She sounds like she's trying too hard here.
37: SOMEONE THAT I USED TO KNOW - GOTYE (DEBUT) New artist with very sparse sound that top 40 was waiting for.
36: RUMOUR HAS IT - ADELE (DEBUT) 4th consecutive hit from 21 that sounds very upbeat.
35: PRINCESS OF CHINA - COLDPLAY featuring RIHANNA (32) Not as good as their previous hit,"Paradise," but RiRi kinda saves this track from oblivion.
AT4O BREAKOUT: THE MOTTO - DRAKE featuring LIL WAYNE - I was bored to tears by this one. Doesn't sound a big hit in the wings.
34: A THOUSAND YEARS - CHRISTINA PERRI (34) It's not bad, but far from great.
33: GIVE ME EVERYTHING - PITBULL featuring NE-YO & AFROJACK (33) Bonafide classic for years to come, but as much as I love this song, it needs to leave the chart. This may a testament to its popularity at radio.
Lily Collins Interview: meaning behind father Phil's hit "Sussudio."
32: STEREO HEARTS - GYM CLASS HEROES featuring ADAM LEVINE (29) Sounds like "Cupid's Chokehold Part 2."
31: YOU MAKE ME FEEL... - COBRA STARSHIP featuring SABI (31) I would never recognize this one by the first half minute. Sounds too generic.
AT40 EXTRA: TATTOO - JORDIN SPARKS - Former American Idol winner with great 2008 song she was not trying to oversing.
30: SO GOOD - B.O.B. (36) This one sounds better than most. About as powerful as "Empire State of Mind."
AT40 SLEAZE: American Reunion movie
29: LOVE YOU LIKE A LOVE SONG - SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE (24) This one's a bit mediocre, but is very distinctive.
28: PARTY ROCK ANTHEM - LMFAO featuring LAUREN BENNETT & GOONROCK (27) This is definitely an anthem, and will be a 21st century classic!
AT40 BREAKOUT: LIGHTS - ELLIE GOULDING - British songtress with great potential hit.
27: WITHOUT YOU - DAVID GUETTA featuring USHER (25) Song really brings out the best of Usher's vocals.
26: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY - KATY PERRY (21) Her 5th #1 hit in a row, but not that crazy about this one.
Adam Levine Interview: Rumours of a supergroup.
25: MOVES LIKE JAGGER - MAROON 5 featuring CHRISTINA AGULIERA (23) Here's one that has grown on me. Pairing based on their work on "The Voice."
24: DRIVE BY - TRAIN (24) Why is it this popular AC group has lately putting out so many records with "jive talking" in it? It's selling, but formula shows signs of wearing thin.
23: BROKENHEARTED - KARMIN (28) Singer sounds like a cross between Jessie J & Nicki Minaj. Song will likely only be a medium sized hit.
22: WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL - ONE DIRECTION (30) Chart move is telling of how big these boys are gonna be. Great song.
21: NOT OVER YOU - GAVIN DeGRAW (17) It's average. Good 2 hear, but nothing to shout at the moon for.
AT40 EXTRA: TIL THE WORLD ENDS - BRITNEY SPEARS - Highly overproduced and overplayed song.
20: SEXY AND I KNOW IT - LMFAO (18) Very eerie number that belongs in a porn movie soundtrack.
19: IT WILL RAIN - BRUNO MARS (15) A killer record. Just as good as "Grenade."
18: TURN UP THE MUSIC - CHRIS BROWN (19) Wow! I didn't even know this song was actually climbing the pop charts! Radio plays more of his song with Pitbull. Very generic.
17: WILD ONES - FLO RIDA featuring SIA (22) It's a great song. Just wish he wouldn't rely so much on additional female vocals.
Mike D Interview: Is Jersey Shore in jeopardy?
16: STARSHIPS - NICKI MINAJ (16) This sounds MUCH better than "Super Bass." Hope it reaches the Top 10.
15: TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT - OUTASIGHT (14) Great midtempo song. I find this one easy on the ears (for today's music, that is.)
AT40 SUBWAY FRESH BUZZ: NAKED - DEV & ENRIQUE IGLESIAS - I hear a huge dance club hit, but not a big top 40 hit. We'll have to wait & see.
14: FEELS SO CLOSE - CALVIN HARRIS (13) Great song (though I'm not sure if those are his vocals since he is a DJ.) Seacrest stated he turned down a chance to work with Lady Gaga. Next song makes up for that.
13: WE FOUND LOVE - RIHANNA featuring CALVIN HARRIS (10) IMO, this is one of very few songs I knew was going to #1 THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT. Song is currently her biggest hit.
12: TAKE CARE - DRAKE featuring RHIANNA (12) Here is RiRi again with the Canadian rapper/singer. Has a nice hook, but a little bit eerie.
11: WE ARE YOUNG - fun. featuring JANELLE MONAE (20) Week's biggest mover that's been downloaded like hotcakes. My only gripe is there are too many tempo changes. Possible contender for #1.
AT40 EXTRA: THE WAY YOU MOVE - OUTKAST featuring SLEEPY BROWN - Technically it's part of the third 2-sided single to top the Hot 100. Great funk jam.
10: YOUNG, WILD & FREE - WIZ KHALIFA & SNOOP DOGG featuring BRUNO MARS (11) Song re-enters the Top 10. Very fun, likable track.
9: GOOD FEELING - FLO RIDA (8) Some may prefer "Levels," Flo rida's flow made this the better song. Etta James is captured well in both numbers.
AT40 BREAKOUT: BOYFRIEND - JUSTIN BEIBER - Not sure about #1, but this will likely become his biggest hit to date.
8: INTERNATIONAL LOVE - PITBULL featuring CHRIS BROWN (7) IMO, this song put Chris Brown back on the playing field. Cool song by both artists.
7: DOMINO - JESSIE J (4) The British Katy Perry with her biggest hit. Nuff said.
Tara Reid Interview Part 1: American Reunion movie
6: PART OF ME - KATY PERRY (9) Now here's the real deal, and with a moderate release.
Tara Reid Interview Part 2: American Reunion movie
5: A** BACK HOME - GYM CLASS HEROES featuring NEON HITCH (6) Not as good as their previous hit, but fairly enjoyable.
4: GLAD YOU CAME - THE WANTED (5) Another contender for #1. Pretty good song for British outfit.
3: SET FIRE TO THE RAIN - ADELE (2) Yes, we all know she has a great voice, and it shows on this former #1.
AT40 EXTRA: ALL THE RIGHT MOVES - ONEREPUBLIC - Strong pop single that should've gone top 10.
2: TURN ME ON - DAVID GUETTA featuring NICKI MINAJ (3) Like his hit with Usher, David brings out the best of Nicki Minaj.
1: STRONGER (WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU) - KELLY CLARKSON (1) Oh, c'mon, Kelly, don't be like Billy Joel. Take pride in your biggest hits like this one.

SYNPOSIS: I am seeing signs of another British Invasion coming; this time led by the ladies.

[Deleted]

What an epic fail of Ryan on AT40 Hot AC this weekend presenting Adele in at number 9.



Presenting Rumour Has It and sounding really Set Fire To The Rain.

[Hervard]

May 19, 2012 11:16:08 GMT -5 @jcaragon said:

What an epic fail of Ryan on AT40 Hot AC this weekend presenting Adele in at number 9.



Presenting Rumour Has It and sounding really Set Fire To The Rain.

"An Everlasting Love", anyone?

[blackbowl68]

Chart Critique for American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest
CHR Countdown for the week ending 6/16/2012

PERSONAL: I was able to see my dad this week, but not on Father's Day. I haven't done this in a while for the current show, so here I go.

DROPPERS:
HONESTLY - HOT CHELLE RAE (40) I haven't listened to the whole show in a while so I missed this one.
DANCE AGAIN - JENNIFER LOPEZ featuring PITBULL (31) I heard this maybe once or twice on the show, but I'm a little rusty on this one too.

40: ONE THING - ONE DIRECTION (debut) Follow-up single for British quintet. Similar sounding song.
39: EVERYBODY TALKS - NEON TREES (38) Sounds a bit blaring. Hard to follow.
38: DRANK IN MY CUP - KIRKO BANGS (debut) Didn't hear this one clearly (I was distracted during its play)
37: WITHOUT YOU - DAVID GUETTA featuring USHER (37) Great song that's still holding its ground at pop radio.
36: INTERNATIONAL LOVE - PITBULL featuring CHRIS BROWN (35) Great collaboration that each performer drives home.
35: LET'S GO - CALVIN HARRIS featuring NE-YO (39) Future megahit in the vein of #37.
Charlize Theron Interview: Role in Pormethus
34: YOUNG HOMIE - CHRIS RENE (33) Decent slow song despite sounding like a Mike Posner impersonator.
33: GOOD FEELING - FLO RIDA (28) Club banger that is proving to be a durable classic.
32: PARTY ROCK ANTHEM - LMFAO featuring LAUREN BENNETT & GOONROCK (32) Pundits may disagree, but this IS becoming an anthem. Still on the chart nearly a year after hitting #1.
31: HOW WE DO (PARTY) - RITA ORA (34) Singer is trying to be tough but it's not quite working. Modest hit potential.
AT40 BREAKOUT: CHASING THE SUN - THE WANTED - Sounds catchier than first hit IMO, but time will tell.
AT40 REQUEST: DON'T SPEAK - NO DOUBT Song I'm kinda tired of due to extensive Hot AC airplay.
30: SEXY AND I KNOW IT - LMFAO (30) Sounds like another hit record but nonetheless a decent party song.
29: WE FOUND LOVE - RHIANNA featuring CALVIN HARRIS (29) A rather simple song with potent message and slamming euro groove. Former #1 and likely to be considered her biggest hit.
28: WIDE AWAKE - KATY PERRY (36) Week's biggest mover; the follow-up to "Part Of Me." Song's mystique will make it a hit alone.
AT40 ON THE VERGE: TONGUE TIED - GROUPLOVE - Ok song. Another entry in the boyband explosion of the day.
27: SET FIRE TO THE RAIN - ADELE (27) Great song that showcases the voice of this British lass. Former #1 hit.
26: TURN ME ON - DAVID GUETTA featuring NICKI MINAJ (25) Guetta gives this hip hop star a chance to showcase her versatility. Dance floor favorite.
AT40 SLEAZE: Rock Of Ages actress Julie Hanoff
25: WE RUN THE NIGHT - HAVANA BROWN featuring PITBULL (26) A little bit too out there for me. Not easy to grab onto.
24: TAKE CARE - DRAKE featuring RHIANNA (23) Slow groove for this pair. Better than their first collaboration.
23: A$$ BACK HOME - GYM CLASS HEROES featuring NEON HITCH (21) Not as good as "Stereo Hearts," but still a sizable hit.
Joe Jonas Interview about next artist (his ex-girlfriend)
22: GIVE YOUR HEART A BREAK - DEMI DOVATO (22) Another song she's due that hasn't gotten its full due.
21: THE FIGHTER - GYM CLASS HEROES featuring RYAN TEDDER (24) Better song than previous hit thanks to guest vocalist.
AT40 REQUEST: GOOD GIRLS GO BAD - COBRA STARSHIP featuring LAYTEN MEISTER - Impressive hit.
20: FEELS SO CLOSE - CALVIN HARRIS (18) Decent club banger.
19: TITANIUM - DAVID GUETTA featuring SIA (20) Not as good as the other hits he has on this week's chart.
AT40 EXTRA: YOUNG, WILD & FREE - WIZ KHALIFA featuring SNOOP DOGG & BRUNO MARS - One of the better hip hop tracks to make the charts these days. Former top 10 hit.
18: PART OF ME - KATY PERRY (16) Though top 10 at AT40, song is BB Hot 100 charttopper. Very strong.
17: BACK IN TIME - PITBULL (17) Fell in love with this first time I heard it. Samples "Love is Strange" by Mickey & Sylvia with boombastic results.
16: LIGHTS - ELLIE GOULDING (19) Enthusiastic number but not a killer jam.
15: STRONGER (WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU) - KELLY CLARKSON (15) Sleeper hit of the year. Great message song about perseverance.
14: RUMOUR HAS IT - ADELE (14) Fourth time does not look to be the charm for this rather retro number.
13: DRIVE BY - TRAIN (13) Hot AC group continues to try a gangsta feel on us. Not as good as "Hey Soul Sister."
12: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN - RHIANNA (12) After two modest chart records, Riri changes gears and makes a winner here.
11: BOYFRIEND - JUSTIN BEIBER (11) His best record to date but now caught in a chart jam.
10: BROKENHEARTED - KARMIN (10) Pretty good hip hop based pop record. Sounds like a clean cut version of Ke$ha.
9: SCREAM - USHER (9) Another popping club banger from the versatile performer. Could we be witnessing the next King of Pop?
AT40 DOUBLE PLAY: BURN - USHER - Slow R&B jam from 2004 when he was a player.
Jada Pinkett Smith interview about project involving kids.
8: GLAD YOU CAME - THE WANTED (7) The one that started it all for the British boy band. Former AT40 #1 that's gonna be a classic.
7: PAYPHONE - MAROON 5 featuring WIZ KHALIFA (8) Lyrically a better song than "Moves Like Jagger," but sonically not as good.
Tom Cruise interview part 1: Rock Of Ages role.
6: WILD ONES - FLO RIDA featuring SIA (4) I made a really wild discovery of this song...it's a smash!
Tom Cruise interview part 2: Rock of Ages role.
5: WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL - ONE DIRECTION (5) First hit for this British boy band sensation. Time will tell if they continue to take the world by storm.
4: CALL ME MAYBE - CARLY RAE JEPSEN (6) If her recent performance with Jimmy Fallon can't send this record to #1, nothing will.
3: STARSHIPS - NICKI MINAJ (3) The song that triggered the diss heard round the world last week.
AT40 REQUEST: BE WITHOUT YOU - MARY J. BLIGE - Soul sister was still killing 'em in 2006 with this mid-tempo jam. Has a more traditional sound than what she started with a decade earlier. Also starring in Rock Of Ages.
2: WE ARE YOUNG - FUN. featuring JANELLE MONAE (2) Former #1 that will become a bonafide 21 century pop classic.
1: SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW - GOTYE featuring KIMBRA (1) Another song that seemingly came out of nowhere and took America by storm. Tune is in its 3rd week on top and will likely grab a 4th.

SYNOPSIS: It looks like America is about to experience another British Invasion. Just don't expect them to sound like the groups from the 1960s.

PS.: I wish all the dads of the world, especially the ones that do good by their children, a Happy Happy Father's Day!

[mkarns]

Jun 17, 2012 13:27:38 GMT -5 blackbowl68 said:

HONESTLY - HOT CHELLE RAE (40) I haven't listened to the whole show in a while so I missed this one.

You'd have to have tuned in early to hear it, as it charted for only the last two weeks and those at #40. It was also a Breakout/On the Verge extra for a week or two. Should've done better.

AT40 ON THE VERGE: TONGUE TIED - GROUPLOVE - Ok song. Another entry in the boyband explosion of the day.

Doesn't sound to me at all like a "boyband", whether you mean the late 90s/early 2000s acts or more recent ones like Wanted or One Direction. Besides, one of the group members is female.

4: CALL ME MAYBE - CARLY RAE JEPSEN (6) If her recent performance with Jimmy Fallon can't send this record to #1, nothing will.

It's at #1 on the current Mediabase tracking, so I bet it'll be atop AT40 soon.

[Deleted]

The number 1 song on AT40 , both editions, the newest by Maroon5, has different edit in each show, while the hit radio edition plays the version with the rapper, the hot ac plays the version without the rapper.

I hate when AT40 cleans the part of higher than the empire state on We are young by Fun.

[Josh Joel's Top 40]

My critique of "Modern Top 40" hits with no R&B and Hip Hop crossovers. Zippo deluxe! I'm not really complaining though, but I certainly was ten years ago. To sum it all up, it appears that mainstream music is getting back to where it should be. I enjoy R&B and hip hop quite a bit, at the same time I also want to find a channel that's will play some pop/rock songs just as well. 2012 in my honest opinion so far is one of best years in top 40/mainstream and the best in the Ryan Seacrest era so far.

Droppers:

Part Of Me - Katy Perry - Of all of her consecutive top ten hits, this is the only one that missed the pole position peaking at #3 at AT40. Great song.

Both Of Us - B.O.B. featuring Taylor Swift - B.O.B.'s sophomore album didn't seem to produce any major hits, as both of his songs missed the top ten. I'm not too crazy about Taylor Swift, so this sort of ruined it for me.

40: One More Night - Maroon 5 (New) - I like this song much more than their former #1 smash "Payphone". It would've been chart history if the latter would've spent just one more week at #1 - making a chart "bookend" appearance.

39: Too Close - Alex Clare (40) - First top 40 smash for this Englishman from London. Yeah, he did date the late Amy Winehouse. He is another up and coming brilliant blue-eyed soul singer.

38: Boyfriend - Justin Bieber (26) - I tried to get into this song because the beat is totally awesome and it was produced by Mike Posner. To justify it all -it's a terrible song and I own it in my collection. Nothing against Bieber, I'm sure he's much more better songs than this..watch. By the way it's this week's "free faller", ha ha!

37:Some Nights - fun.(New) - I like this more than their first hit coming up later. It has similaries and some lyrical samples from "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas, "Cecilia" by Simon & Garfunkel and "99 Luftballons" by Nena respectively.

36: Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock (35) - It's been here for 65 weeks, to beat "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz it will need to stick around for two more months. I really don't foresee this happening really..

35: Now Or Never - Outasight (36) - Second top 40 hit for this Yonkers, NY native. Decent song

34: Drive By - Train (32) - 8th AT40 hit for the band now at #34. I prefer their hits from the last decade such as "Calling All Angels" and "Drops Of Jupiter".

33: I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz (34) - He's come a long way. This is his 4th top 40, he first hit the top 40 in 2003 with "The Remedy" in major way. Many folks thought that he was a one hit wonder. Come 2008, he hits #1 with "I'm Yours" and it became his 2nd top ten hit. "Geek In The Pink" never did make the AT40 chart, but it peaked at #34 on Mediabase chart which of course excludes the recurrents. This isn't really my cup of tea, I prefer many others by him.

32: How We Do (Party) - Rita Ora (24) - First American top 40 hit for this English singer signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation records. Great song.

On The Verge: Settle Down - No Dobut - Great comeback song for the band, I can see this succeeding at Hot AC especially. It may also be a surprise top 5 smash at Top 40.

31: Good Feeling - Flo Rida (31) - One of three acts in the survey that have also charted on the Urban chart. We have six songs in the countdown from these "Urban" acts and not one of them made the Urban Top 40. Thus, as I mentioned before there are no "Urban" crossovers.

Optional Extra: Paparazzi - Lady Ga Ga - One of six of her first hits to make it to #1. She is now in 2nd place for an act to place the most consecutive #1 songs with their first top 40 hits. Mariah Carey still ranks #1 with ten. "Alejandro" was the heartbreaker peaking at #4.

30: As Long As You Love Me - Justin Bieber featuring Big Sean (39) - I absolutely love this song because it really shows off his vocal abilities with some dubstep influences. This is hot and it's "originally" in clean form. Big Sean said that he doesn't have to swear daily, so doing this project for him was a piece of cake.

29: Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - Kelly Clarkson (29) - Great message, I love it, but not the record so much. I prefer Britney Spear's 2000 smash of the same title, after all it was a personal chart #1 for me. Ha! ha!

28: Tongue Tied - Grouplove (33) - This song really really deserves to chart higher, this record is freaking awesome! It's their first top 40 hit. One of the members of this foursome comes from a musical family, Ryan Rabin is the son of Yes guitarist Trevor.

27: Dark Side - Kelly Clarkson (38) - The biggest mover this week and this song has a fantastic message. Take someone for who they are and not what you want them to be...

26: Brokenhearted - Karmin (27) - A small rebound there, but it's still not a top ten smash like I had hoped for it to be. First hit for this male/female engaged duo that I don't foresee as being the next Captain and Tennille, Sonny and Cher, Ashford & Simpson or Timbuk 3... Well the latter only had one top 40 hit, bust still..

25: Back In Time - Pitbull - Samples "Love Is Strange" by Mickey & Sylvia. Taken from the movie "Men In Black 3". It should've been a top ten smash for it's so darn catchy but it peaked at #15. Brilliant song!

Extra: Rumour Has It - Adele - Second top 40 hit with the British, Canadian, and Australian spelling of the word "rumour" in the song title, the first was back in 1987 by Bananarama called "I Heard A Rumour" (#4). I was hoping that this would become her 4th #1 hit in a row, but it's just not as strong the others. Great song nonetheless.

24: The Fighter - Gym Class Heroes featuring Ryan Tedder - I'm not Gym Class Heroes fan but I love Ryan Tedders voice that he brings to this song. Unfortunately this song missed the top ten it peaked at #13 a month ago, it could've been their 3rd top ten smash.

On The Verge : Only One - Sammy Adams - Rapper from Boston with a song that is also included in AT&T's 2012 Summer Olympics commercial. Great song.

23: Everybody Talks - Neon Trees (28) - Great proof that pop/rock has returned to the mainstream. It's nice little alternative/pop/rock ditty, but not as strong as their other big hit titled "Animal". It gets quite a bit of airplay here in Minneapolis.

22: Chasing The Sun - The Wanted (23)- This really isn't as hot as "Glad You Came", but it's decent.

21: Glad You Came - The Wanted (19) - Nice catchy electro pop ditty there that gets stuck in your head. I prefer One Direction when it comes to music from boybands nowadays.

Optional Extra: Fighter - Christina Auguilera - Man, I thought that she was a pop/R&B singer (at the time)! Huh, I was wrong, she's just an artist that can perform anything. This song is great example of a great pop/rock song with an empowered message which what I like the most about the song.

20: Good Time - Owl City and Carly Rae Jespen (21) - I love this song. I literally purchased this from ITunes for a little over a buck, y'know. Owl City has definitely returned to the charts with his second top 40 AT40 appearance. Yeah, that's right "Vanilla Twilight" missed the countdown.

19: Wild Ones- FloRida featuring Sia (14) - Not really my cup of tea but the vocals are nice by Australian singer Sia Furler. It's the title track to his latest LP.

18: We Are Young - Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe (13) - Great song that was inspired by one specific drunken night that lead singer Nate Ruess experienced. I'm sure a lot of us have been there and done that, right? I know I have...LOL A song with a similar title made the AT40 almost 28 years ago by the late Dan Hartman and he took it all the way to #25 titled "We Are The Young", follow-up to his monster hit "I Can Dream About You".

Breakout: Pound The Alarm - Nicki Minaj - She's keeps coming up with infectious hits with a techno-dance sound and it seems to be working for her. Although I'm not a huge fan of hers, I prefer her "pop-leaning" songs especially when she's actually singing. This woman does have a great voice, now. It should be in the countdown next week.

17: One Thing - One Direction (15) - After peaking at #15 last week the British band slips two notches to #17 with their 2nd top 40 hit. I personally like this 10X more than their recent top ten hit "What Makes You Beautiful". I prefer One Direction because it seems to me that their sound is in the direction of a pop/rock sound rather than the trendy electro dance sound that's worked for acts such Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, The Wanted, FloRida and more.

16: We Run The Night - Havana Brown featuring Pitbull (17) - What you are hearing is the 'Red One" remix, the original version does not feature Pitbull. It had also topped the American dance charts. Brilliant song - it could as well peak right here at #16 or #15 however. As we speak it losing more than a couple hundred spins as we speak, I was routing for top ten territory.

15: Whistle - FloRida (22) - Second song in the top 40 to include the word "whistle" in the song title, the first was back in 2005 "There It Go (The Whistle Song)" by Juelz Santana, that's as far as I know. If I missed one or two please feel free to mention it. I'm sure that "thebestmusicexpert" can shed some light. Good song.

14: What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction (12) - Voted as the Best British Single on the BRIT Awards. It really should've been a number one pop airplay hit for it's one best pop-rock songs of 2012 lyrically and musically really. One of eight #1 Dance Songs in the countdown.

13: Want U Back - Cher Lloyd (16) - It's a bigger hit here in the USA than in her native UK where it reached only #25 which is purely based on sales and downloads. Decent song.

12: Blow Me (One Last Kiss) - P!nk (20) - First top 40 hit for this young lady in about a year. Her last appearance was with her #1 smash "Perfect (Pretty Please)". Decent song.

11: Starships - Nicki Minaj (11) - Great song! One of two top ten hits as a lead artist on the label.

Optional Extra: Forget You - Ceelo - I wasn't ready to hear this again, it should've stayed in the archives. At the same time he's a great musician and he seems to be just everywhere (on TV ads and more). I hope he comes up with some better *songs*.

10: Give Your Heart A Break - Demi Lovato (09) - After getting as high as #9 last week, she slips a bit to #10 with her first top ten hit. Great song.

09: Let's Go - Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo (10) - Second top ten smash for this Scottish DJs. It makes him the latest solo Scottish singer to make the American Top Ten. The others include KT Tunstall, Annie Lennox, Rod Stewart, the late Gerry Rafferty ("Baker Street"), and Donovan. Decent song.

08: Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye featuring Kimbra (06) - Recent #1 smash for this Belgian born Australian. Biggest hit for a solo Australian-based male singer since Rick Springfield's 1981 smash "Jessie's Girl". His next single "Feel Better" is set to be released as a single here in the USA next month. I heard it and it's departure from this sound, in fact it has that retro-Motown sound. I think it's a brilliant piece yet at the same time I'm not so sure about the audience's reception due to the latest tending sounds.

07: Titanium - David Guetta featuring Sia (08) - Fourth top ten hit for Mr. Guetta and second top ten appearance for Australian Sia. The first was the one we heard with FloRida back at #19 on "Wild Ones".

06: Scream - Usher (07) - This may peak here at #6. I told you about the "crossovers", this is *not* by any means an "Urban" crossover hit in fact it did not even make that chart from the get go! Decent song.

05: Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jespen (04) - Love this song, it's so freaking infectious! It's just everywhere isn't it? First chart single in the USA and first #1 as well. Great job!

04: Lights - Ellie Goulding (05) - It's #1 on the airplay charts as we speak (both Mediabase and BDS). It's not a surprise because of the trending numbers within the last couple of weeks as far as spins are concerned. What did surprise me though is the feedback I've gotten from people around me. A few months ago one of my employees was totally into the song and he has a great ear for hit records it's not even funny. Good song, but not for me at the moment.

03: Where Have You Been - Rihanna (03) - She is not likely to make it to #1 and it doesn't bother me because I am not a fan of hers. Decent song.

Optional Extra: Umbrella - Rihanna featuring Jay Z - Great song! One of a few songs that I actually enjoy listening to by this talented Barbadian singer, though once again I'm not such a fanatic of hers. This song performed quite well at pop and urban. At pop it got as high as #2.

02: Payphone - Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa (01) - After a month at the top this song falls to #1. Nine years ago they were on AT40 with their first top 40 hit titled "Harder To Breathe". And back at #40 we heard their brand new single that I prefer over this one called "One More Night".

01: Wide Awake - Katy Perry (02) - Yeah, she broke a her string of seven number one hits in a row with a heartbreaker that peaked at #3 and has dropped from the survey titled "Part Of Me". Now this hit makes it her 9th trip to the top! Great song!

Note:

I expect these hits to hit the survey next week:

Pound The Alarm - Nicki Minaj
Settle Down - No Doubt

[blackbowl68]

Josh, thanks for keeping up the critiques going on this thread. I think it's surprising few realize there are fans of the current show on this site that also like the classic show. (myself included) We need to keep this one more active. I am due for one very soon.

As far as the disparaging lack of R&B/hip-hop crossovers, it seems the same artists are putting out different records for each market simultaneously, causing different degrees of appeal.