Billboard Hot 100 Highlights January 3rd, 2017

Merry Christmas. Even though the chart's dated in January. I guess my present is I don't have to listen to as much of Revival as I was expecting. So yay. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights December 30th, 2017

Last chart to be dated as 2017. The end of an era. Also Camila or something. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights December 23rd, 2017

Yes I am a day late with this. Work was killing me last night and I just didn't feel like doing this when I got back. Mostly because it looked like a pretty bad week. But was it? Let's find out. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights December 16th, 2017

So...Desiigner's back. Didn't expect that to happen this week. Also Christmas music is returning to the charts, so prepare your butts for that. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights December 9th, 2017

I don't even know what's going on anymore. Taylor debuted a song you can't stream and just...let's just go. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights December 2nd, 2017

The 2018 chart year has begun and it starts with a huge return for Eminem. But was it all good? Let's find out. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights November 25th, 2017

Welcome to another late edition of Highlights, where it's the last week of the Billboard year and I need to finish a script tonight too. But still, I do this because it's the part of Tuesday I enjoy the most. Enough rambling. Taylor. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights November 18th, 2017

In which Offset officially becomes the most popular member of Migos. Things just got interesting. Maybe. We'll see. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights November 11th, 2017

So, instead of getting to enjoy some songs from Niall Horan's excellent debut album, it looks like I have to sit through half of that Future/Young Thug album. Because Future gets album bombs regardless of quality. Hooray. Also Taylor Swift. Hooray. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights November 4th, 2017

Must've been a slow week this time. I'm not thrilled that Chris Brown has the highest debut but at least we don't get RiceGum's embarrassing idubbbz diss track. Bleh. Count them blessings. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights October 28th, 2017

Back in the season of charity singles? Guess it makes sense, since the hurricanes just won't stop. I am glad someone is trying to help Puerto Rico. Though we'll talk about the single's quality later. For now, we also have to deal with the fact that we gave Post Malone a number 1 hit. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights October 21st, 2017

This pic doesn't exact fill me with confidence that this was a good week. That and the fact that we have a mini-bomb from A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Ho boy...

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights October 14th, 2017

Seems Post Malone wouldn't stop being a big deal, with a returning entry and deep cut charting in an otherwise kinda slow week. Joy. We'll deal with that as it comes, though. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights October 7th, 2017

Welcome to the month of Halloween, I guess. Not really. But what could be scarier than Post Malone and 21 Savage in the Top 10, am I right? Heh. Well, we'll get there. Slow week. Highlights.

Every Song on Billboard's 2005 Year End List Scored

I did 2005 lists with Matt from In The Furnace recently. You can find the worst list here and the best list here. And here are my ratings out of 5 for each song, along with my personal lists for those interested.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights September 30, 2017

Sam Smith returns and I don't know how to feel yet. Never liked him to begin with but I'll give it a shot. Also this chart date is one day after my 23rd birthday. Celebrate. Charts.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights September 23, 2017

The reign of Taylor Swift continues with yet another Top 5 single. Hooray. These are gonna be a fun two months. But for now, Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights September 16th, 2017/17 Album Review/Luv Is Rage 2 Album Review

We uh...we've got a problem here. An easily predicted problem, but a problem nonetheless. Double album bomb from artists I don't like and Despacito having its shot at beating the number 1 record taken away from it. Joy. But let's see if there's something to salvage from this anyway. 

I'll be giving 17 and Luv Is Rage 2 reviews at the bottom. My song rankings will only include the returns and new entries not from these albums.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights September 9th, 2017

So uh...this was a weird week. Wanna talk about? I don't...

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights September 2nd, 2017

Sparse week? Works for me. Still getting used to my new daily work schedule but the highlights shall live on! HIGHLIGHTS!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights August 26th, 2017

Drake is off the Hot 100 for the first time in 8 years. And what did we get in its place? A song that supports the release of a murderer. Well, let's see what else happened. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights August 19th, 2017

The end of Closer and the end of Meek Mill. For the most part. We got a surprising amount of new songs sweeping in to take their places. Also pretty good week for country. This is gonna be a weird week. Highlights.

Top 20

1. Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (1)
2. Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller (2)
3. Unforgettable by French Montana ft. Swae Lee (6)
4. That's What I Like by Bruno Mars (3)
5. Believer by Imagine Dragons (5)
6. I'm The One by DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne (4)
7. Attention by Charlie Puth (9)
8. There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes (8)
9. Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran (7)
10. Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt (10)
11. Congratulations by Post Malone ft. Quavo (11)
12. Redbone by Childish Gambino (13)
13. Humble. by Kendrick Lamar (12)
14. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B (28)
15. Slow Hands by Niall Horan (18)
16. Strip That Down by Liam Payne ft. Quavo (16)
17. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (15)
18. Bank Account by 21 Savage (21)
19. Stay by Zedd & Alessia Cara (14)
20. XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert (17)

Fell Off Top 20

22. Now Or Never by Halsey (19)
23. Mask Off by Future (20)

Big Gains (10+)

14. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B (28)
31. Loyalty. by Kendrick Lamar (64)
34. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man (55)
47. Do I Make You Wanna by Billy Currington (58)
48. What Ifs by Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina (63)
50. Drinkin' Problem by Midland (60)
51. No Promises by Cheat Codes ft. Demi Lovato (68)
54. Thunder by Imagine Dragons (69)
56. Flatliner by Cole Swindell (67)
63. Heartache On The Dance Floor by Jon Pardi (73)
64. Young Dumb & Broke by Khalid (82)
73. Reminder by The Weeknd (100)
80. Down by Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane (90)

Moderate Gains (5 - 9)

26. Rake It Up by Yo Gotti ft. Nicki Minaj (32)
32. Praying by Kesha (38)
37. Love Galore by SZA ft. Travis Scott (46)
42. Small Town Boy by Dustin Lynch (49)
46. Versace On The Floor by Bruno Mars (53)
52. 1-800-273-8255 by Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid (57)
53. It's A Vibe by 2 Chainz ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhene Aiko (62)
59. No Such Thing As A Broken Heart by Old Dominion (66)
65. Most Girls by Hailee Steinfeld (72)
66. Crew by GoldLink ft. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy (74)
69. Somebody Else Will by Justin Moore (76)
76. Glorious by Macklemore ft. Skylar Grey (85)
79. First Day Out by Tee Grizzley (84)
83. 4 AM by 2 Chainz ft. Travis Scott (88)
86. It Ain't My Fault by Brothers Osborne (93)

Big Losses (10+)

44. 2U by David Guetta ft. Justin Bieber (29)
55. Malibu by Miley Cryus (42)
62. Whatever You Need by Meek Mill ft. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign (51)
67. Bad Liar by Selena Gomez (54)
74. Back To You by Louis Tomlinson ft. Bebe Rexha (40)
84. What's My Name by China Anne McClain (61)
96. Heavy by Linkin Park ft. Kiiara (45)

Moderate Losses (5 - 9)

19. Stay by Zedd & Alessia Cara (14)
57. My Girl by Dylan Scott (52)
95. God, Your Mama, And Me by Florida Georgia Line ft. Backstreet Boys (89)

Dropouts

• Numb by Linkin Park (34, 11, 33 weeks)
• In The End by Linkin Park (37, 2, 39 weeks)
• Closer by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (39, 1, 52 weeks)
• The Fighter by Keith Urban ft. Carrie Underwood (47, 38, 23 weeks)
• Issues by Meek Mill (77, 77, 1 week)
• Wins & Losses by Meek Mill (79, 79, 1 week)
• 1942 Flows by Meek Mill (83, 83, 1 week)
• Yours If You Want It by Rascal Flatts (87, 71, 10 weeks)
• Imitadora by Romeo Santos (91, 91, 1 week)
• The Story Of O.J. by Jay-Z (95, 23, 3 weeks)
• We Ball by Meek Mill ft. Young Thug (96, 96, 1 week)
• F**k That Check Up by Meek Mill ft. Lil Uzi Vert (97, 97, 1 week)
• Heavy Heart by Meek Mill (99, 99, 1 week)

Returning Entries

75. do re mi by blackbear

New Entries

38. You Da Baddest by Future ft. Nicki Minaj
68. Unforgettable by Thomas Rhett
85. When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs
87. They Don't Know by Jason Aldean
88. Honest by The Chainsmokers
89. The Weekend by SZA
90. New Rules by Dua Lipa
93. Wish I Knew You by The Revivalists
94. Every Little Thing by Carly Pearce
97. Learn To Let Go by Kesha
98. All The Pretty Girls by Kenny Chesney
99. For Her by Chris Lane

New and Returning Entries

1. Wish I Knew You

This is the kind of indie rock that I live for. Pretty heavy blues influences and a singer with a somewhat high but heavy vocal style. Also a bit of retro throwback in there, what with the saxophones and the music video taking place at a dance. School dance? This has been bubbling under forever, and now that it's on I don't want it to go. 2017 could be kind to us with another indie fluke hit. Also, the singer looks like Danny Sexbang. So there's that.

2. Learn To Let Go

Ooh, nice. I am more than okay with Kesha getting her rock on. I hear some Paramore influences in the production choices and guitar melodies, even in Kesha's delivery and vocal effects. And she pulls it off surprisingly well. It's energetic and sounds pretty awesome. This might be my favorite of the Rainbow singles even. I wanna hear that album.

3. New Rules

I was trying to figure out the name of this song last night! I thought I heard it at work! But no, it's because I listened to Dua Lipa's self titled album a couple weeks ago. Whatever. This is great. Energetic tropical house with a weird but sticky drop for a chorus. It's a force to be reckoned with, and it's great. Please make Dua Lipa a thing.

4. They Don't Know

I guess I like Jason Aldean more when he gets rougher. And this is no exception. Lyrically it's about people who have to work hard to get by, which I guess isn't out of the ordinary for country. But it seems alright to me. And the instrumentation is great. Got a cool guitar solo too. Not as good as Lights Come On, but it's up there.

5. Honest

I actually listened to Memories...Do Not Open again yesterday while driving to important job like stuff. Actually took longer to hit the Hot 100 than I expected. I would've chosen It Won't Kill Ya or Young as the next single from the album, but I still like this. And I get what there is to hate about this. The lyrics are dickish in the name of being "honest" and they imply that there's cheating going on. But that doesn't bother me. The lyrics aren't that bad. They really do feel honest to me. I also like the instrumentation a lot, especially with that little guitar bit on the chorus and the chanting choirs in the bridge. It's somber and effective. But Young is better.

6. Every Little Thing

It's a country ballad. You usually get what you see with those, and this is no different. Slow methodical progression with neo-traditional guitars and pianos. Carly Pearce is also a pretty good singer so I can feel the emotion. Doesn't feel that special, but I wouldn't mind it sticking around.

7. do re mi

So I guess this returned because of a Gucci Mane remix? Plus I did hear it on the radio the other day so I guess it's got a second wind. Gucci's verse is filler, making direct reference to Black Beatles because desperate. The song itself has grown on me though. I dig the atmosphere and melodies, even if it's really dickish. Though I would probably enjoy this more as a Mansionz track.

8. The Weekend

Another song that's been bubbling forever. Like Love Galore, this honestly doesn't do much for me. I can see the appeal with its sensual atmosphere and SZA's performance (she's honestly a pretty decent performer), but again, it's just too sloppy for me to really connect with. It feels like a slog, and again, doesn't make me wanna check out her album. Not for me, but not terrible.

9. For Her

I was wondering when this was gonna chart. I didn't really like Fix, and I don't feel much differently about this. Like Fix, it's pretty synthetic and meatheaded, which I can't get into when it comes to country. Also he talks about the girl in the third person, which makes it much less romantic than it wants to be. Anyway, this has been bubbling under for forever so who knows if it's gonna stick around. I hope not.

10. You Da Baddest

He added yet another song to HNDRXX. Ugh. I've since listened to not just all of that album, but the entirety of Future's self titled album too. And to be honest, this is one of the better tracks between those two. Still bad. It's really sloppy and generic, but Future's guest stars kinda help him stay on track and make his songs feel like actual songs instead of fever dreams. Still, this isn't one of Nicki's better performances, as she repeats "hold up" repeatedly toward the beginning of her verse. Plus the whole thing is just more empty luxury and sex rap that I'm already sick of in 2017. Future already got one big hit this year, please don't give him another.

11. Unforgettable

Can't believe I'm saying this, but the best song with this name on the Hot 100 is performed by a member of Rae Sremmurd. This is just gross. A thorough description of a romantic night with a girl. He even admits it's weird he remembers it as well as he does, so why do it? Also, what Coldplay song are you singing? Something Just Like This? I guess it's more country than Craving You, but...Craving You is frankly better. This I do not like.

12. When It Rains It Pours

Wow Luke Combs is a dick. Although the instrumentation and production isn't bad, the writing really brings it down hardcore. It is a very descriptive, passive-aggressive description of how Luke Combs' life got better after his fiancé dumped him. He gets money, beach vacations, girls are flirting with him. And he's certain it's because he doesn't have to see his ex-future mother in law anymore. Actual lyrics from the song. Ugh. I liked Hurricane, but this just makes me feel dirty. But not as dirty as...

13. All The Pretty Girls

I was not looking forward to this. Kenny Chesney gets more and more unbearable the more I hear about him. The title alone makes me feel sick, and the lyrics only add to that. Not to mention the overproduction. I pray this follows the path of the last Kenny Chesney song and falls off immediately.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights August 12th, 2017

Late edition of Highlights! Because the charts were late due to errors. Annoying but glad it got updated sooner rather than later. Looks like we've got some returning Linkin Park song (RIP Chester), as well as a Meek Mill album bomb. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights August 5th, 2017

Oh wow this was a sparse week. Highest debut at 75, four new entries, and mostly returning entries. Though I guess that's to be expected the week after an album bomb. But did we get anything interesting? We'll see. Highlights.

Every Song on Billboard's 2009 Year End List Scored

I put this off for long enough. I don't know why either, it doesn't take that long to whip up. But, it's here. All the scored I gave songs on the 2009 year end list. To tie in with the Worst and Best list videos I made. Click here for the worst list, and here for the best. I'm pretty proud of these videos. Here goes. Each score is out of 5.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights July 29th, 2017/4:44 Album Review

Jay-Z album bomb! Just my luck. Not to mention Kesha and Macklemore return. And...21 Savage. Groan. It's a busy week, and I had to work this morning. Also just my luck.

Gonna be trying something different with this post. I'm going to be ranking all the non-Jay-Z songs first, then reviewing 4:44 track-by-track at the bottom. Like I used to do. I figure it's better this way because it can be hard for me to rank album tracks, especially compared to other songs that aren't in that album. And I will probably be doing this whenever we get a significant album bomb. Not just a third of an album or something like that. And now...

 Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights July 22nd, 2017

Perhaps it's a slow week on the Hot 100 if the highest debut is a Spanish language song? We shall see. Welcome to summer. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights July 15th, 2017

The Fourth of July. A time of freedom, fireworks, and apparently the charts being updated late. Whoops. But better late than never. I was at work so that delayed this even further. Highlights.

Top 20

1. Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (1)
2. I'm The One by DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne (2)
3. Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller (4)
4. That's What I Like by Bruno Mars (3)
5. Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran (5)
6. Believer by Imagine Dragons (11)
7. Humble. by Kendrick Lamar (6)
8. Congratulations by Post Malone ft. Quavo (8)
9. Mask Off by Future (7)
10. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (9)
11. Stay by Alessia Cara (10)
12. Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt (13)
13. Unforgettable by French Montana ft. Swae Lee (16)
14. Redbone by Childish Gambino (14)
15. XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert (12)
16. Issues by Julia Michaels (15)
17. Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur (17)
18. There's Nothing Holding Me Back by Shawn Mendes (19)
19. Now Or Never by Halsey (21)
20. It Ain't Me by Kygo x Selena Gomez (18)

Fell Off Top 20

24. Bad Liar by Selena Gomez (20)

Big Gains (10+)

45. That's My Girl by Dylan Scott (56)
46. The Cure by Lady Gaga (57)
54. Thunder by Imagine Dragons (85)
65. Small Town Boy by Dustin Lynch (75)
72. Do I Make You Wanna by Billy Currington (93)

Moderate Gains (5 - 9)

6. Believer by Imagine Dragons (11)
44. Craving You by Thomas Rhett ft. Maren Morris (53)
60. Loyalty. by Kendrick Lamar ft. Rihanna (69)
73. To The Max by DJ Khaled (78)
74. Love Galore by SZA ft. Travis Scott (81)
76. Yours If You Want It by Rascal Flatts (82)
81. What Ifs by Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina (90)
84. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man (89)
85. Somebody Else Will by Justin Moore (92)
87. Butterfly Effect by Travis Scott (95)

Big Losses (10+)

58. Sign of the Times by Harry Styles (42)
80. How Not To by Dan + Shay (65)
91. Cold by Maroon 5 ft. Future (71)
97. Good Drank by 2 Chainz ft. Gucci Mane & Quavo (70)

Moderate Losses (5 - 9)

38. Swalla by Jason Derulo ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign (31)
41. DNA. by Kendrick Lamar (36)
51. Tunnel Vision by Kodak Black (44)
53. God, Your Mama, And Me by Florida Georgia Line ft. Backstreet Boys (46)
55. Slide by Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean & Migos (49)
57. Feels by Calvin Harris ft. Pharell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean (51)
63. It's A Vibe by 2 Chainz ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhene Aiko (58)
67. Love. by Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari (62)
79. Portland by Drake ft. Quavo & Travis Scott (72)
82. No Promises by Cheat Codes ft. Demi Lovato (77)
83. If I Told You by Darius Rucker (76)
86. Down by Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane (79)
90. Swish Swish by Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj (84)
92. Losin Control by Russ (86)
93. Reminder by The Weeknd (87)
99. Woke Up Like This by Playboi Carti ft. Lil Uzi Vert (94)

Dropouts

• Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara (45, 8, 43 weeks)
• Look At Me! by XXXTENTACION (60, 34, 20 weeks)
• First Day Out by Kodak Black (61, 61, 1 week)
• Relationship by Young Thug ft. Future (83, 83, 1 week)
• My Old Man by Zac Brown Band (88, 68, 4 weeks)
• Nobody Else But You by Trey Songz (97, 92, 3 weeks)
• Subeme La Radio by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Zion & Lennox (98, 81, 6 weeks)
• Real Hitta by Plies ft. Kodak Black (100, 100, 1 week)

Returning Entries

78. Versace On The Floor by Bruno Mars
89. Element. by Kendrick Lamar
98. Shining by DJ Khaled ft. Beyoncé & Jay-Z

New Entries

36. Signs by Drake
68. Don't Quit by DJ Khaled & Calvin Harris ft. Travis Scott & Jeremih
71. No Complaints by Metro Boomin ft. Offset & Drake
88. On Everything by DJ Khaled ft. Travis Scott, Rick Ross & Big Sean
94. Crew by GoldLink ft. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy

New and Returning Entries Ranked

1. Don't Quit

When I saw the track listing for Grateful, I wondered if this song would also be on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. It wasn't, but this would definitely fit on that album. Like most of Harris' recent material, this sounds fantastic. Amazing funk groove thanks to that bass. Travis Scott sounds better than he's ever sounded. And it transitions to Jeremih's part amazingly toward the end. Forget Wild Thoughts. This is the best song I've heard from Grateful so far. Also, fingers crossed for a Calvin Harris album bomb next week.

2. Versace On The Floor

Took it long enough. I thought this was released as a single about a month ago. This is still one of my favorites from 24K Magic for how smooth and exotic is. Though at this point I don't know if I expect it to be a hit. 78 isn't very high and it's been 8 months since the album released. Plus, That's What I Like is still huge.

3. Element.

Ooh, I forgot how cool this song is. Laid back beat but real cool flows. Glad this got a video. Though this wasn't the next single, Loyalty is. That's a good song too.

4. Shining

I haven't relistened to this since it originally charted. Thought it would shrink on me but it's still enjoyable. Mostly for Beyoncé's performance. The beat could be a bit more developed. Also I caught a 21 Savage reference from Jay this time around. C'mon man, you don't have to acknowledge that guy's existence.

5. Crew

Huh. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised by this. The beat's pretty chill and there's some good rapping on this. Mostly from GoldLink, whose technique is way more impressive than Shy Glizzy's slower cadence. Plus Brent Faiyaz has a nice soulful chorus. I dig it. Apparently there's a remix with Gucci Mane too. Can't imagine he adds much. Maybe there to make Shy Glizzy look better.

6. On Everything

OH GOD DON'T LET TRAVIS SCOTT SING IN HIS UPPER RANGE. Seriously, he sounds identical to Lil Yachty on this song, and that's not a good thing. Especially when he sounds so shrill. But things start to pick up with Rick Ross' verse somehow. Didn't like the beat in the beginning, but it got better when it wasn't so stuttery. Can hear the flutes better, and it sounded epic. Big Sean's verse is pretty good too. Decent, but would be better if the chorus wasn't so godawful. I have no idea what's up with that outro though. It could've ended pretty much immediately after the last chorus.

7. Signs

Drake does his typical low-key tropical shtick to diminishing results. Not much new or interesting here. It's not bad, but I'll just take Passionfruit or Marvins Room, both of which this song reminds me of. Also apparently this was done to promote Luis Vuitton or something? Eh. I actually don't mind this so much but I thought Drake was going to take the rest of the year off?

8. No Complaints

Well actually... In which I continue to wonder why Metro Boomin is such an acclaimed producer. The beat is so dull that it relies almost entirely on Offset to sound menacing. Who, by the way, raps a line unfinished and starts it over the next bar. In the chorus. Yeah it also happened on Slide, I don't care. And Drake's there for name recognition and pretty much nothing else. Wasn't this supposed to be about being a thug? Drake isn't a thug.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights July 8th, 2017

Another one! As the saying goes. More Khaled. And probably some other stuff too. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights July 1st, 2017

Another Justin Bieber song for the summer as Katy Perry makes her impact on the Hot 100 this week. Whatever that may be. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights June 24th, 2017

Fifth Harmony comes back with a vengeance. This time without Camila. And probably some other stuff. The upper part of the Hot 100 has been stagnant lately. Bleh. Highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights June 17th, 2017

So we got a Bryson Tiller album bomb? Lovely. I was looking forward to never having to care about this guy again. But with luck, none of this will stick. Bleh. Upper half of the chart has not a lot going on. Also late because work. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights June 10th, 2017

So, looks like the final member of One Direction has stepped up to make their own music. How does it fare? Guess we'll find out. This was a busy week, folks. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights June 3rd, 2017

Miley climbs onto the Top 10 in an otherwise slow week. Oh and Katy Perry's back. Joy. highlights.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights May 27th, 2017

Thanks to Bieber, an awesome Latin pop song hits number 1 on the Hot 100. And I'm betting it's gonna stay there for a bit. The top spot's changed so much these past few weeks that it's probably gonna stay the same for a bit. But for now, highlights

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights May 20th, 2017

Yet another new Number 1 after having the same one for 11 straight weeks. Also the date on this chart is the day I graduate from college. Gonna be exciting. Ho boy. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights May 13th, 2017

Huh. Not sure why it took so long for the charts to update today. Ah well. Anyway, Bruno Mars hits number 1 once more and I couldn't be happier. There's also new Shawn Mendes, but we'll get to that. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights May 6th, 2017

And then there was Kendrick. Glorious, glorious Kendrick. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Top 20

1. Humble. by Kendrick Lamar (3)
2. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran (1)
3. That's What I Like by Bruno Mars (2)
4. DNA. by Kendrick Lamar (New)
5. Mask Off by Future (7)
6. iSpy by KYLE ft. Lil Yachty (6)
7. Stay by Zedd & Alessia Cara (14)
8. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (5)
9. Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (48)
10. XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert (8)
11. Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt (9)
12. Issues by Julia Michaels (12)
13. It Ain't Me by Kygo x Selena Gomez (11)
14. Loyalty. by Kendrick Lamar (New)
15. Congratulations by Post Malone ft. Quavo (19)
16. Element. by Kendrick Lamar (New)
17. Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur (16)
18. Love. by Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari (New)
19. Paris by The Chainsmokers (10)
20. Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie (13)

Fell Off Top 20

21. Tunnel Vision by Kodak Black (15)
22. Sign of the Times by Harry Styles (4)
24. I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk (17)
25. Location by Khalid (20)
26. Bad And Boujee by Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert (18)

Big Gains (10+)

9. Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber (48)
59. Unforgettable by French Montana ft. Swae Lee (74)
73. Cake by Flo Rida & 99 Percent (89)

Moderate Gains (5 - 9)

7. Stay by Zedd & Alessia Cara (14)
80. No Frauds by Nicki Minaj, Drake & Lil Wayne (87)

Big Losses (10+)

22. Sign of the Times by Harry Styles (4)
36. I Don't Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker) by Zayn & Taylor Swift (26)
38. Chained To The Rhythm by Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley (27)
41. 24K Magic by Bruno Mars (30)
43. Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara (31)
47. Can't Stop The Feeling! by Justin Timberlake (33)
49. Mercy by Shawn Mendes (34)
52. Look At Me! by XXXTENTACION (37)
42. Swalla by Jason Derulo ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign (42)
57. Down by Marian Hill (35)
59. Portland by Drake ft. Quavo & Travis Scott (41)
62. Dirt On My Boots by Jon Pardi (45)
66. Now Or Never by Halsey (50)
67. The Fighter by Keith Urban ft. Carrie Underwood (53)
68. Heavy by Linkin Park ft. Kiiara (58)
69. Any Old Barstool by Jason Aldean (52)
70. Shining by DJ Khaled ft. Beyoncé & Jay-Z (59)
71. Party by Chris Brown ft. Usher & Gucci Mane (55)
74. Green Light by Lorde (54)
75. Black by Dierks Bentley (61)
77. The Weekend by Brantley Gilbert (64)
79. Losin Control by Russ (63)
82. God, Your Mama, And Me by Florida Georgia Line ft. Backstreet Boys (68)
83. Call On Me by Starley (65)
84. Moves by Big Sean (67)
85. Fast by Luke Bryan (66)
86. First Day Out by Tee Grizzley (76)
88. Selfish by Future ft. Rihanna (69)
89. Deja Vu by J. Cole (71)
90. Everyday We Lit by YFN Lucci ft. PnB Rock (79)
91. Scared To Be Lonely by Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa (80)
92. Gyalchester by Drake (62)
96. Good Drank by 2 Chainz ft. Gucci Mane & Quavo (82)
97. You Look Good by Lady Antebellum (85)
100. Craving You by Thomas Rhett ft. Maren Morris (81)

Moderate Losses (5 - 9)

19. Paris by The Chainsmokers (10)
20. Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie (13)
21. Tunnel Vision by Kodak Black (15)
24. I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk (17)
25. Location by Khalid (20)
26. Bad And Boujee by Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert (18)
27. Passionfruit by Drake (22)
28. Closer by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (23)
30. Bounce Back by Big Sean (25)
31. Love On The Brain by Rihanna (24)
34. Swang by Rae Sremmurd (29)
40. Rolex by Ayo & Teo (32)
44. Slide by Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean & Migos (36)
45. In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young (40)
56. Redbone by Childish Gambino (49)
64. Hometown Girl by Josh Turner (56)
65. How Far I'll Go by Auli'i Cravalho (60)
81. Yeah Boy by Kelsea Ballerini (73)
95. How Not To by Dan + Shay (86)

Dropouts

• Fake Love by Drake (38, 25 weeks)
• Starboy by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk (39, 30 weeks)
• Don't Wanna Know by Maroon 5 ft. Kendrick Lamar (46, 27 weeks)
• Play That Song by Train (70, 20 weeks)
• Free Smoke by Drake (72, 4 weeks)
• Road Less Traveled by Lauren Alaina (77, 12 weeks)
• The One by The Chainsmokers (78, 2 weeks)
• Draco by Future (83, 8 weeks)
• Blem by Drake (84, 4 weeks)
• Prblms by 6LACK (88, 4 weeks)
• Think A Little Less by Michael Ray (90, 16 weeks)
• Teenage Dream by Drake (91, 4 weeks)
• Bar At The End Of The World by Kenny Chesney (92, 1 week)
• You're Welcome by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (93, 12 weeks)
• Still Got Time by Zayn ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR (95, 2 weeks)
• Subeme La Radio by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Vueno, Zion & Lennox (96, 2 weeks)
• How Far I'll Go by Alessia Cara (98, 19 weeks)
• If I Told You by Darius Rucker (99, 1 week)
• Flatliner by Cole Swindell ft. Dierks Bentley (100, 1 week)

New Entries

4. DNA. by Kendrick Lamar
14. Loyalty. by Kendrick Lamar ft. Rihanna
16. Element. by Kendrick Lamar
18. Love. by Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari
32. Yah. by Kendrick Lamar
33. XXX. by Kendrick Lamar ft. U2
35. Feel. by Kendrick Lamar
37. Pride. by Kendrick Lamar
39. The Cure by Lady Gaga
42. Lust. by Kendrick Lamar
50. Fear. by Kendrick Lamar
54. Blood. by Kendrick Lamar
58. God. by Kendrick Lamar
63. Duckworth. by Kendrick Lamar
76. Good Life by G-Eazy & Kehlani
78. Peek A Boo by Lil Yachty ft. Migos
87. Black SpiderMan by Logic ft. Damian Lemar Hudson
93. Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton
99. The Night We Met by Lord Huron

New Entries Ranked

1. Black SpiderMan

Okay, after hearing this and Everybody, I am totally on board with Logic becoming a serious thing in the mainstream. This guy is awesome. He's so energetic and fun even when spitting about racial issues. It's just beautiful. Fast tempo, gospel influences. This may not have much of a shot at becoming a real hit, but please, please can it be? We need this. Okay, maybe this needed a second verse, but still.

2. Fear.

The longest song on Damn., but with good reason. It's slow, smoky, jazzy, and wonderful. It starts from the point of view of a mother in the slums threatening her child with violence. Then it shifts to other sources of fear as Kendrick grows up. It's a long one, but a good one.

3. DNA.

"There's no way you can debut two songs in the Top 5 within a few weeks." "Hold my beer." Yep. This song also got a music video shortly after the album released, and it is beautiful in its own right. But the song on its own...yeah, it's great. It feels like two songs essentially, with one resembling the voices in Kendrick's head and the second they've seemingly gotten out with those vocal samples in the background. This is twisted, dark, and overall great.

4. XXX.

Kendrick and U2, eh? It's a strange combination, but it does come together in a weird way. It starts as a gritty track about American oppression, but slows down to a jazzy piece. Bono's vocals in this part are a nice touch too. Weird at first glance, but shapes up as one of the most memorable and hard-hitting songs on Damn. 

5. Lust.

Deliciously dark. I don't normally go for bass-heavy tracks that are this minimalist, but something about the way Kendrick does it connects really well. Mostly the voice he delivers and the tension throughout every note. Also includes a shot at the election. Which I'm always okay with.

6. Good Life

G-Eazy and Kehlani make a song for The Fate of the Furious. And I dig it. It's kinda cheesy with its uptempo production and some of the lyrics, but it works for me. Put a smile on my face and from what I can tell, it kinda fits the series. So yeah, definitely my favorite Kehlani song and my favorite G-Eazy song in some time.

7. Duckworth.

The closing track. And a good one at that. Seems like a personal story, which would make sense to end the album on. Low-key somber jazz, but effective nonetheless. Kinda like the rest of the album.

8. Feel.

Full of chill vibes and vicious rapping. I like this a lot. Even with that weird bassy vocal sample in the background. Feel your feels brah. Or something. That's what the song's about I think.

9. Loyalty.

Why haven't Rihanna and Kendrick previously collaborated? I'm sure she's the main reason this hit the Top 20. Another chill track from the album. I like that synthesizer-like vocal sample. Kendrick and Rihanna also have great interplay.

10. Element.

Kendrick asserts his dominance in the rap game with a bassy song with jazzy pianos. Good stuff, for sure. Weird hook though.

11. Blood.

The opening track from Damn., and the one that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It's eerie and weird and short, telling the tale of an encounter with a blind woman that turned ugly quick when she draws a gun. Weird on its own, but an effective album opener.

12. Pride.

A little too sluggish for my liking, but still carries an effective melody. And Kendrick matches it fine. He certainly makes a better case for dreary rapping than many of his contemporaries.

13. God.

One of the weaker songs on the album for its weird, sluggish pace and that hook. Apparently it's supposed to be making fun of Drake. Maybe? Definitely not a bad track though. It's still got a nice beat and lyrics.

14. Yah.

This seems to be the crowd least-favorite on Damn., and I can see that. It's more downtempo and kinda sloppy. But it's chill. Jazzy swing, sounds decent. Good stuff. Essentially an interlude the way I see it.

15. Broken Halos

Slow country ballad by the one and only Chris Stapleton. Good on principal alone, but not the most memorable or special thing I've heard in the genre. We'll see. If this sticks around maybe it'll grow on me.

16. Love.

Probably my least favorite on the track. Not that it's a bad song, but I don't think it's a particularly good fit for Kendrick. Slow and sensual has never really been his thing. Not really feeling it compared to the others.

17. The Night We Met

An indie folk song from two years ago, only now charting because of 13 Reasons Why. Well, it's not like it would chart on its own merits. This isn't bad, but it uses way more reverb than it should. The melodies are pleasant and all, but the reverb makes it hard to get into them. Eh.

18. The Cure

Eh. At this point in her career, the last thing Lady Gaga needs is a mediocre song. And well...yep, this is mediocre. Kinda generic and feels like a step back considering her last album was inspired by blues and country. As a pop singer, she was always best when she was weird and bombastic. This is neither of those things. If this was sung by anyone else, there wouldn't be a reason to care about it. Gaga, just make a rock album.

19. Peek A Boo

Ohhhhhh nooooooo... Who told Lil Yachty he should try to be dark? Because they made a mistake. Migos makes sense with this beat but Yachty absolutely does not. It just sounds so awkward and that hook is so awkward. Also the beat's annoying but I think that was always apparent.

Billboard Hot 100 Highlighs April 29th, 2017

So, my predictions that there would be a Chainsmokers album bomb were incorrect. Suppose I can count my blessings in a way. In the meantime, our fourth One Direction solo career has started and it's already making waves. Best of luck. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights April 22nd, 2017

He may not have hit Number 1, but Kendrick hit and he hit hard this week. Nice. Other than that, looks like a lot of country shifting up. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights April 15th, 2017

And now the fallout. Ed Sheeran may still be at number 1, but a lot of Drake has to have fallen off by now. We can only hope. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights April 8th, 2017

And then there was Drake. And lots of him. By the way, More Life gets a 5/10 from me. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights April 1st, 2017

In 2015, Bruno Mars prevented Ed Sheeran from getting to number 1. Now it's the other way round. Funny how that happens. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!

Billboard Hot 100 Highlights March 25th, 2017

Ed. Sheeran. Yep, saw this coming. Though I did expect there to be some non-Ed Sheeran songs to debut as well. Eh. I've heard the album before and I enjoyed it, so this is looking to be a good week for me already. HIGHLIGHTS TIME!