Hello, fam! So just yesterday, I found out that there’s another type of sport called Pesäpallo. It’s just like baseball, except it’s a lot different. I haven’t actually watched those games yet, but I’m sure it’s a lot more exciting. I never mentioned this to anyone, but I did go to a Braves game at the new stadium last month. It was a fun experience. Hopefully someday, I get a chance to go back. Right now, let’s get on to another topic: the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown! I have some things that are worth talking about. Before we get to this week’s fresh 45, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Alessia Cara – Out Of Love (#42)

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Jonas Brothers – Sucker
45. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings (#44) [–1]
44. Jordan McGraw – Flexible (#43) [–1]
43. Billie Eilish – When The Party’s Over (#45) [+2]
42. Bazzi – Paradise (#37) [–5]
41. Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE – Happier (#38) [–3] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
40. Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo – Close To Me (#39) [–1]
39. Post Malone – Wow. (#40) [+1]
38. TWENTY ØNE PILØTS – Chlorine (#41) [+3]
37. NOTD, Felix Jaehn, Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku – So Close (#35) [–2]
36. Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (#34) [–2] [Spent 8 Weeks At #1]
35. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired… (#32) [–3]
34. Billie Eilish – Bury A Friend (#36) [+2]
33. The Chainsmokers featuring Kelsea Ballerini – This Feeling (#31) [–2] [Spent 7 Weeks At #1]
32. Andy Grammer – Don’t Give Up On Me (#28) [–4]
31. Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored (#29) [–2]
30. Alec Benjamin – Let Me Down Slowly (#30) [=]
29. Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump – Summer Days (#27) [–2]
28. P!NK – Walk Me Home (#26) [–2]
27. Kaskade featuring Meghan Trainor – With You (#33) [+6]
26. Dan + Shay – Speechless (#19) [–7]
25. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger (#25) [=]
24. Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar (#21) [–3]
23. Ciara – Thinkin Bout You (#14) [–9]
22. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy (#23) [+1]
21. MAX featuring Quinn XCII – Love Me Less (#24) [+3]
20. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime (#17) [–3]
19. Ava Max – So Am I (#20) [+1]
18. Alec Benjamin – If We Have Each Other (#22) [+4]
17. Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down (DEBUT)
16. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved (#15) [–1]
15. Katy Perry – Never Really Over (#16) [+1]
14. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix) (#12) [–2]
13. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier (#13) [=]
12. Halsey – Without Me (#10) [–2] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
11. Jonas Brothers – Cool (#11) [=]
10. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It (#7) [–3] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
9. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me (#9) [=]
8. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho (#8) [=]
7. Khalid – Talk (#18) [+11]
6. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care (#5) [–1]
5. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME! (#2) [–3]
4. Jonas Brothers – Sucker (#1) [–3] [Spent 13 Weeks At #1]
3. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love (#4) [+1]
2. Halsey – Nightmare (#6) [+4]
1. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (#3) [+2] [1^st Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Panic! At The Disco – Say Amen (Saturday Night) (4^th And Final Week At #1)

Biggest DRRRRRRROP!!! Of The Week: Ciara – Thinkin Bout You (–9)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Khalid – Talk (+11)

New Entrants:
– With ME! currently on a downward spiral elsewhere, we get another single from Ms. Taylor Swift entering the countdown this week. She brings us You Need To Calm Down, which is taken from her upcoming album titled Lover. So, there were rumors about a possible collaboration with Katy Perry heading into its release. At first, I got excited. But then we found out that it was actually a solo single, which meant that there really was no collaboration. However, they did posted pictures of them making up while being dressed up in fast food costumes. It would’ve been cool if they actually did a collaboration together. But anyway, enough about that. Let’s get on to my opinion of the song. I liked ME! from the very first listen because I found it to be catchy, even though the lyrics weren’t amazing. I can’t really say that about her successor. I do think the lyrical content is slightly better than that of its predecessor and I get what the song is trying to offer. But she doesn’t really deliver with her vocal performance and I’m not quite feeling the beat here. I did kinda liked Reputation even though it wasn’t as good as 1989. I won’t say too much about her new album just yet as we’re only two songs in. Taylor is definitely a talented singer and she shows it in the majority of her music that I love. But You Need To Calm Down just doesn’t do it for me, both in terms of her vocal performance and the production. While it’s in blue for now, it’s definitely closer to red than it is green.

Billie Jean Is Not My Blurber
– In terms of our exit this week, I did find Out Of Love to be a decent ballad and is better than Trust My Lonely, which wasn’t really a good song in my book. Seeing as Alessia Cara can’t seem to get another hit elsewhere, I wasn’t shocked to see this one not last long.

– Before introducing 7 Rings, Spyder Harrison mentioned that Ariana Grande has a new tattoo inspired by Jim Carrey. I’m guessing she has watched a lot of his movies back in the day.

– Although I don’t totally love Bazzi – Paradise, it’s having a terrible run on the countdown, what with it dropping for the third week in a row. Something tells me it’ll not be very long with us.

– Before introducing Wow., Spyder Harrison mentioned that Post Malone did a performance while wearing a Dolly Parton outfit and everyone loved it. Heck, even Dolly herself would be proud. That was pretty cool.

– Before introducing Chlorine, Spyder Harrison mentioned that TWENTY ØNE PILØTS had a street named after them, though it was only temporary. I guess they wanted a place where fans can hang out for a while.

– This week marks the one-year anniversary for High Hopes! It was this time last year that the song made its debut and it would eventually go on to become a major hit elsewhere. Believe it or not, it actually debuted at #34. I thought it might hold on the week of its anniversary. But it decided to drop instead. Heh, I guess the voters didn’t want it to hold.

– Remember that sudden, massive jump that Thinkin Bout You had last week? Yeah, that seems like a distant memory. It’s right back to square one as it dropped last week. I won’t be shocked if it ends up leaving within a few weeks.

– I kinda wish that Love Me Less would start dropping at the very least. There’s really not a whole lot to the song that’s seriously worth caring about at all, and Quinn XCII’s verse isn’t helping.

– You know what? I’ve actually started to come around to love So Am I. Sure, I won’t say it’s quite as good as Sweet But Psycho, but it’s something I enjoy for the time being.

– I’m a little surprised to see Cool holding a spot in its second week, but I’m okay with it since it’s not a good song. I’ll bet it’s only here because Hits 1 has started to fall in love with the Jonas Brothers. Not helping is that the song has slowly gained back some momentum. Hopefully, it doesn’t last long.

– Nightmare has reached a new peak at #2 because of course, Hits 1 loves Halsey, and so do I. It’s a solid song that has grown on me for the past few weeks. But I know there are a lot of people who will not be happy about it being in the Top 5.

– On that note of the Jonas Brothers, Sucker has finally been dethroned from the #1 spot for the first time in what seems like forever. If I Can’t Have You takes the crown this week. It’s refreshing to see something different at #1 for a change. I’m still in love with the song overall, so I’ll take it. Shawn Mendes has definitely impressed me with his latest music.

Hit-Bound:

• Blanco Brown – The Git Up (DEBUT)
• P!NK – Hustle
• In Real Life – Crazy AF
• Lizzo – Truth Hurts
• SHAED – Trampoline (DEBUT)
• Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita
• The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine
• AJR – 100 Bad Days
• Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me
• Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
• OneRepublic – Rescue Me
• Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
• Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
• Public – Make You Mine
• Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On

Entrant Reviews:
– Kicking things off on Hit-Bound this week is a country song that is currently gaining momentum at this moment. Blanco Brown brings us The Git Up. I talked about this one briefly when it was on the YouTube 15 last week. I’m still not exactly sure what to think of it yet. The guy’s voice is okay. But I do like the production and the beat. Not much else I can about it. One thing’s for sure, though: it’s better than Old Town Road in every way.

– We have a new group called SHAED who bring us their debut single titled Trampoline. This is pretty cool for the most part. I like Chelsea’s voice in the song. I think she is unique. I also like the beat and the instrumentation. I’m hoping it ends up debuting soon.

Best Hit-Bound Entrant Of The Week: SHAED – Trampoline

Hit-Bound Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
15. Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me

1 – Bad:
14. AJR – 100 Bad Days

2 – Mediocre:
None!

3 – Decent:
13. In Real Life – Crazy AF
12. Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
11. Blanco Brown – The Git Up
10. Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
9. The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine

4 – Good:
None!

5 – Great:
8. P!NK – Hustle
7. SHAED – Trampoline
6. Public – Make You Mine
5. OneRepublic – Rescue Me
4. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
3. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
2. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On Hit-Bound:
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita

Overall Grade: 57/75 = 76% (C)

Most Missed Hit-Bound Dropout: Kungs featuring Ephemerals – I Feel So Bad

My Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita
2. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
3. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
4. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
5. OneRepublic – Rescue Me

YouTube 15:

• Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
• Ali Gatie – It’s You
• Zara Larsson – All The Time
• Post Malone – Wow.
• Ashley O – On A Roll 
• Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
• Sebastian Yatra featuring Jonas Brothers, Daddy Yankee, and Natti Natasha – Runaway 
• Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
• Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
• Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
• Nicki Minaj – MEGATRON 
• Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
• Marshmello featuring Kane Brown – One Thing Right 
• Khalid – Talk
• Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita

Song Reviews:
– More of Zara Larsson is very nice, as she brings us All The Time. Earlier this year, she gave us Ruin My Life, which I thought was solid. I can pretty much say the same about her new single. I love the production and Zara sounds amazing with her vocals. Overall, this is divine and I would argue that it’s better than her predecessor.

– Taken from the Netflix series Black Mirror, Miley Cyrus plays a character whose name is Ashley O, and she sings On A Roll. I’m not exactly sure what to think of this one. I think she sounds good in the chorus and I kinda like the production. That’s all I have to say, though I much prefer Mother’s Daughter over this song.

– Next, we have Sebastian Yatra who collaborates with Jonas Brothers, Daddy Yankee, and Natti Natasha in Runaway. The Latin vibe here is pretty cool. I like the verses overall and the production is pretty good. Overall, it’s a fun song.

– Nicki Minaj is back with her new single titled MEGATRON. I’m not exactly sure why she decided to call the song after a character from Transformers, but this is not bad for the most part. Nicki showcases her rapping skills and I like the beat here. It’s not as good as what she’s done before, but I like this for the time being.

– Finally, we have more of Marshmello with his latest single called One Thing Right. The song is another example of how much Marshmello has evolved for the worse. I’m not feeling the production for the most part, mainly because it tries to mix with country and trap together and it doesn’t work out. Kane is a good singer and I think he sounds good in the song. But it’s really the production that brings it down for me. My thoughts on this are similar to Happier. While I’ll say it’s much better than a certain song that shall not be named, it’s still pretty mediocre. Seriously, this is the same guy that made Ritual and collaborated with Selena Gomez in Wolves, which was my #2 favorite song of 2018. His latest singles (except for Here With Me and a few others) have just been disappointing and not very appealing to me overall.

YouTube 15 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
15. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
14. Post Malone – Wow.

2 – Mediocre:
13. Khalid – Talk
12. Marshmello featuring Kane Brown – One Thing Right

3 – Decent:
11. Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
10. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care

4 – Good:
9. Ali Gatie – It’s You
8. Ashley O – On A Roll

5 – Great:
7. Sebastian Yatra featuring Jonas Brothers, Daddy Yankee, and Natti Natasha – Runaway 
6. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
5. Nicki Minaj – MEGATRON
4. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
3. Zara Larsson – All The Time
2. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The YouTube 15:
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita

Overall Grade: 55/75 = 73% (C)

Most Missed YouTube 15 Song: Halsey featuring Lauren Jauregui – Strangers

My Top 5 YouTube 15 Picks
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita
2. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
3. Zara Larsson – All The Time
4. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
5. Nicki Minaj – MEGATRON

Hits 1 Weekend Countdown Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
20. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
19. Jonas Brothers – Cool

2 – Mediocre:
18. Khalid – Talk
17. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

3 – Decent:
16. Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
15. Alec Benjamin – If We Had Each Other
14. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier
13. Halsey – Without Me
12. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
11. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love

4 – Good:
10. Jonas Brothers – Sucker

5 – Great:
9. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime
8. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It
7. Halsey – Nightmare
6. Ava Max – So Am I
5. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho
4. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me
3. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
2. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over

Overall Grade: 73/100 = 73% (C)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (1983)

Most Missed Countdown Song: Ariana Grande featuring The Weeknd – Love Me Harder

#1 Recommendation For Hits 1: Cheryl – Let You

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Tie between Meghan Trainor – Let You Be Right (#28), Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry (#5), and Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey – The Middle (#3)

My Top 5 Picks
1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over
2. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You
3. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
4. Dan + Shay – Speechless
5. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
2. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings
3. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired…
4. Jordan McGraw – Flexible
5. Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift – Babe: I think this was a nice collaboration overall. And it was nice to see Taylor Swift going back to her roots in this one.
The Wrecks – James Dean: Everything about this one is just spot on. The song reminds me a lot of I Love Rock ‘n Roll from The Arrows, which I love.
Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes: It was one year ago that Hits 1 picked up on this single. I still love it even though it has worn on some. It was nice to see this one become Brendon Urie’s biggest hit.
Meghan Trainor – Let You Be Right: I may not like her current representation on the countdown. But this one was actually solid. I find this, along with All The Ways, to be a lot better than her predecessor.
Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J. Balvin – I Like It: I may not have liked this at first. But I kinda started to come around to it. Even though the lyrics weren’t good, I liked the Latin vibe.

Hello, fam! Yeah…I can’t seem to come up with anything creative to say for my introduction. But the AT40 countdown post is out on time and that’s all that matters. MAX is the guest host for Ryan Seacrest this week as he is on vacation for a while. We’re at the halfway mark of 2019. Let’s hope that we things continue to get better as we approach the second half of the year. Before we get to this week’s fresh 40, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Love Lies by Khalid featuring Normani (#40) [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Sucker by Jonas Brothers
40. Medicine by Jennifer Lopez featuring French Montana (DEBUT)
39. Youngblood by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#38) [–1] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
38. Love Me Less by MAX featuring Quinn XCII (#39) [+1]
37. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake (#36) [–1]
36. So Close by NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku (#32) [–4]
35. Just Us by DJ Khaled featuring SZA (#37) [+2]
34. Happier by Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE (#33) [–1] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
33. Speechless by Dan + Shay (#35) [+2]
32. Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande (#30) [–2] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
31. Wake Up by Travis Scott featuring The Weeknd (#31) [=]
30. Close To Me by Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo and Swae Lee (#27) [–3]
29. Walk Me Home by P!NK (#29) [=]
28. Sunflower by Post Malone featuring Swae Lee (#24) [–4]
27. All My Friends by AJ Mitchell (#28) [+1]
26. Better by Khalid (#22) [–4]
25. Truth Hurts by Lizzo (#34) [+9]
24. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco (#20) [–4] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
23. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG (#25) [+2]
22. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid (#18) [–4] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
21. Never Really Over by Katy Perry (#26) [+5]
20. Easier by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#21) [+1]
19. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow (#19) [=]
18. Cross Me by Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock (#23) [+5]
17. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish (#17) [=]
16. Without Me by Halsey (#15) [–1] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
15. Nightmare by Halsey (#16) [+1]
14. Cool by Jonas Brothers (#13) [–1]
13. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco (#14) [+1]
12. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande (#11) [–1] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
11. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande (#10) [–1]
10. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish (#12) [+2]
9. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes (#9) [=]
8. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie (#7) [–1]
7. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber (#8) [+1]
6. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max (#4) [–2]
5. Talk by Khalid (#6) [+1]
4. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (#5) [+1]
3. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani (#3) [=] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
2. Wow. by Post Malone (#2) [=]
1. Sucker by Jonas Brothers (#1) [=] [8^th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Psycho by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign (2^nd of 4 Weeks At #1)

Biggest Fall Of The Week: Tie between So Close by NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku, Sunflower by Post Malone featuring Swae Lee, Better by Khalid, High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco, and Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid (–4)

Biggest Rise Of The Week: Truth Hurts by Lizzo (+9)

New Entrants:
– We get the return of Jennifer Lopez who is collaborating with French Montana in their single titled Medicine. Right off the bat, I find this to be very enjoyable. Jennifer is a talented singer and she uses her voice well here. I like the verse we get from French Montana. The production is solid all around and I love the beat. It may not be as good compared to what she’s done in the past. But it’s better than Dinero, which wasn’t to my liking.

Think You Need Some Blurbs
– Okay, so we finally say goodbye to Love Lies this week. The song had an incredible run as it was a #1 hit on this countdown. I enjoyed the song while it lasted. The song will be missed, at least by me.

– Sicko Mode is still here for whatever reason…

– We get the big jump from Truth Hurts by Lizzo. This song has been gaining momentum across the board despite it being out for two years. Yeah, this is going to end up becoming a big hit for her.

– Entering the Top 20 this week along with Easier is Cross Me, which certainly does not make me happy. It has proven to be one of my least favorite singles from Ed Sheeran. Hopefully, it’s momentum dies down soon. But with his new album coming out next month, who knows how long this’ll stay?

– Much to the dismay of some people, we get Bad Guy by Billie Eilish in the Top 10. It’s a cool song, mainly because of the beat and Billie shows her potential as far as her vocal performance goes. It’s nice to see it become a big hit for her and I consider it better than what she has on her album.

– Talk has made its way into the Top 5, which isn’t pleasing. It’s weak compared to what Khalid has done recently. I’m sure this’ll end up at #1, something which I don’t want.

Breakouts/On The Verge:

• Chlorine by TWENTY ØNE PILØTS
• Summer Days by Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump
• Call You Mine by The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha
• Find U Again by Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello

Extras/Optional Extras:

• Yeah! by Usher featuring Lil’ Jon and Ludacris
• I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! At The Disco
• Don’t Call Me Up by Mabel
• Low by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
• Happy by Pharrell
• Here With Me by Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES
• I’m So Tired… by Lauv featuring Troye Sivan
• Lights Down Low by MAX featuring Gnash
• Dark Horse by Katy Perry featuring Juicy J
• Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande

Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Garbage:
20. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
19. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
18. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande
17. Cross Me by Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock

1 – Bad:
16. Wow. by Post Malone
15. Cool by Jonas Brothers

2 – Mediocre:
14. Talk by Khalid

3 – Decent:
13. Without Me by Halsey
12. Easier by 5 Seconds Of Summer
11. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber

4 – Good:
10. Nightmare by Halsey
9. Sucker by Jonas Brothers

5 – Great:
8. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco
7. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish
6. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max
5. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
4. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie
3. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow
2. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani
1. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes

Total Score: 61/100 = 61% (D–)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ by Michael Jackson (1982)

Most Missed Song: Treasure by Bruno Mars

#1 Recommendation For The American Top 40: Let You by Cheryl

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande (#6)

My Top 5 Picks
1. Never Really Over by Katy Perry
2. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes
3. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow
4. Speechless by Dan + Shay
5. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
2. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
3. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG
4. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake
5. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
All Night by Big Boi: Yes, I am aware that Big Boi was part of Outkast. But everything about the song just doesn’t work for me. I may have liked most of Outkast’s music. This one…not so much.
Better Now by Post Malone: I would argue that it’s one of Post Malone’s better songs. But I consider his current representation to be even better.
Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B: While it’s nowhere near Maroon 5’s best, at least it’s better than the majority of Red Pill Blues, which was not good aside from What Lovers Do. And did I mention the cool music video that featured celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres?

Hello, fam! It’s been a while since I’ve done a Top 10. So, Ariana Grande is celebrating her 26^th Birthday this week. So, I would like to wish her a Happy Birthday today! She has been a big favorite of mine ever since she started making music. She is incredibly talented and she has a beautiful voice. To celebrate, I’ll be counting down my Top 10 favorite songs from her. It was pretty difficult for me to create my personal list given that I loved the majority of her music. But after thinking long and hard, I was able to finish it. And now, it is time for me to present you my Top 10 favorite songs from the one and only, Ariana Grande!

10. Side To Side (featuring Nicki Minaj) (from Dangerous Woman (album))

9. Beauty And The Beast (featuring John Legend) (from Beauty And The Beast Movie Soundtrack)

8. Bang Bang (featuring Jessie J and Nicki Minaj) (from My Everything)

7. No Tears Left To Cry (from Sweetener)

6. One Last Time (from My Everything)

5. Break Free (featuring Zedd) (from My Everything)

4. Problem (featuring Iggy Azalea) (from My Everything)

3. Love Me Harder (featuring The Weeknd) (from My Everything)

2. Breathin’ (from Sweetener)

1. Into You (from Dangerous Woman)

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Those were my personal favorite songs from Ariana Grande! What is your favorite song from her? Let me know in the comments below. Thank you as always for taking the time to read this. You guys are awesome! I hope everyone here has a good day!

Hello, fam! For my 200,000 Pageview Special, I have decided that I’ll be doing a Q&A. I know I previously announced one earlier, but I scrapped it. So I’m doing a brand new one. You can ask me questions about anything. The link to submit is right here. I do hope to have it out soon. As far as the countdown went, we made history this week. I’ll have more to say about it in a moment. Before we get to this week’s fresh 45, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• BTS featuring Halsey – Boy With Luv (#37)
• Dan + Shay – Tequila (#45)

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Jonas Brothers – Sucker
45. Billie Eilish – When The Party’s Over (#42) [–3]
44. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings (#44) [=]
43. Jordan McGraw – Flexible (#43) [=]
42. Alessia Cara – Out Of Love (#40) [–2]
41. TWENTY ØNE PILØTS – Chlorine (#32) [–9]
40. Post Malone – Wow. (#39) [–1]
39. Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo – Close To Me (#41) [+2]
38. Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE – Happier (#21) [–17] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
37. Bazzi – Paradise (#33) [–4]
36. Billie Eilish – Bury A Friend (#34) [–2]
35. NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku – So Close (#38) [+3]
34. Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (#24) [–10] [Spent 8 Weeks At #1]
33. Kaskade featuring Meghan Trainor – With You (DEBUT)
32. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired… (#28) [–4]
31. The Chainsmokers featuring Kelsea Ballerini – This Feeling (#31) [=] [Spent 7 Weeks At #1]
30. Alec Benjamin – Let Me Down Slowly (#30) [=]
29. Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored (#29) [=]
28. Andy Grammer – Don’t Give Up On Me (#36) [+8]
27. Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump – Summer Days (#27) [=]
26. P!NK – Walk Me Home (#17) [–9]
25. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger (#20) [–5]
24. MAX featuring Quinn XCII – Love Me Less (#19) [–5]
23. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy (#18) [–5]
22. Alec Benjamin – If We Have Each Other (#22) [=]
21. Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar (#9) [–12]
20. Ava Max – So Am I (#25) [+5]
19. Dan + Shay – Speechless (#13) [–6]
18. Khalid – Talk (#23) [+5]
17. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime (#16) [–1]
16. Katy Perry – Never Really Over (#14) [–2]
15. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved (#26) [+11]
14. Ciara – Thinkin Bout You (#35) [+21]
13. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier (#11) [–2]
12. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix) (#12) [=]
11. Jonas Brothers – Cool (DEBUT)
10. Halsey – Without Me (#10) [=] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
9. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me (#5) [–4]
8. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho (#8) [=]
7. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It (#7) [=] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
6. Halsey – Nightmare (#6) [=]
5. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care (#15) [+10]
4. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love (#4) [=]
3. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (#3) [=]
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME! (#2) [=]
1. Jonas Brothers – Sucker (#1) [=] [13^th Week At #1] (New Record!)

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Panic! At The Disco – Say Amen (Saturday Night) (3^rd of 4 Weeks At #1)

Biggest DRRRRRRROP!!! Of The Week: Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE – Happier (–17)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Ciara – Thinkin Bout You (+21)

New Entrants:
– We have two not very good songs entering the countdown this week. First, Meghan Trainor makes her return and she collaborates with EDM artist Kaskade in their latest single titled With You. Last time, she gave us All The Ways, which I thought was a great song overall and probably one of the best she has released in a while. I came into her new song with pretty decent expectations thinking it was going to at least be good. But after hearing the song in its entirety, it ultimately just didn’t capitalize for me. Meghan doesn’t sound good here. I can’t really think of any part where she stands out. I don’t like the production work by Kaskade either. It reminds me of I Wanna Know in a way. While the drop isn’t too bad, the rest is just underwhelming. Yeah, this is a disappointment overall.

– Then, we have more of the Jonas Brothers with Cool. At #11, this song is the second highest debut ever in Hits 1 Countdown history, surpassing I Don’t Care which had that distinction a month ago. Initially, I found this to simply be okay. But with time, I started to realize it really wasn’t that good of a song. The lyrics are no good. It’s basically them bragging about how cool they are (hence the title) and some other stuff. Not something I want to hear. The instrumentation is okay and the vocals are as well. But they’re the only bright spots in the mediocre song. So yeah, I hoping it doesn’t stay for too long. But because it’s Hits 1 and they’re in love with these guys, who knows when this will leave?

Best Debut Of The Week: Jonas Brothers – Cool

Get Up Everybody And Blurb
– So, we begin the week with two exits. First off, Boy With Luv was not good for the most part and it showed me why I didn’t buy into the BTS hype. It’s a good thing it didn’t last very long. Tequila, on the other hand, I did love and it was nice to see it get recognition on Hits 1. Farewell, Tequila. You last long and hard on the countdown. It was getting pretty close to lasting a year, something that a certain song is about to do next week.

– Wow guys, epic fail there. Spyder mentioned that Chlorine was down 9 spots to #49, when it’s actually at #41 this week. Yo, Spyder! This ain’t the Top 50, man; it’s the Top 45 Songs in North America!

– On that note, it’s nice to see Happier have the Biggest DRRRRRRROP!!! Of The Week. That indeed does make me happier. Now, it’s time to get it off the countdown for good.

– High Hopes has finally dropped out of the Top 30 for the first time in what seems like forever. It’s getting close to the one-year mark. Will it last another week?! We’ll see what happens.

– Before introducing Never Really Over, Spyder Harrison mentioned that Katy Perry was able to make up with Taylor Swift by dressing up as a Happy Meal. Ooh, that’s pretty creative. I wonder did she come up with that idea?

– I’m not all that thrilled about Someone You Loved jumping in the Top 20. I don’t hate this as much as the others do, but something about his voice just doesn’t appeal to me. But I guess it could worse.

– Thinkin Bout You takes a insanely shocking jump into the Top 20 this week. At first, I thought the song would be over seeing it dropped pretty big last week. Guess not. Though, I’m not complaining as I still like the song. We’ll see how long it lasts.

– Predictably, I Don’t Care enters the Top 5 this week. Normally, I would say this has a shot at #1. But given our current #1 (which I’m about to get to in just a bit), I’m not so sure. Not that I’m complaining since I Don’t Care really isn’t that amazing of a song, but it’s certainly not bad.

– Finally, we’ve come to our #1. And with that, the Jonas Brothers have now officially broken the record for most weeks at #1 with Sucker. The record was previously held by Taylor Swift – Shake It Off, Walk The Moon – Shut Up And Dance, and Adele – Hello, with each having 12 Weeks. So, congrats to them for breaking the record! I still kinda like the song even though it’s not quite as good as what they had previously. I don’t think the record will be broken anytime soon.

Hit-Bound:

• Lizzo – Truth Hurts
• AJR – 100 Bad Days
• Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
• Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
• P!NK – Hustle
• Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
• Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita (DEBUT)
• The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine
• Push Baby – Mama’s House
• Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
• Public – Make You Mine
• Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me
• Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
• OneRepublic – Rescue Me
• In Real Life – Crazy AF

Entrant Reviews:
– Shawn Mendes collaborates with Camila Cabello in their new single that kinda came out of nowhere, by the name of Señorita. They previously did I Know What You Did Last Summer back in 2015, which wasn’t anything special. But Señorita is a much different story. The song is interesting in so many ways, in large part because of the Latin vibe. I’ll save my words for when it inevitably debuts.

Hit-Bound Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
15. Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me

1 – Bad:
14. AJR – 100 Bad Days
13. Push Baby – Mama’s House

2 – Mediocre:
None!

3 – Decent:
12. In Real Life – Crazy AF
11. Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
10. Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
9. Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
8. The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine

4 – Good:
None!

5 – Great:
7. P!NK – Hustle
6. Public – Make You Mine
5. OneRepublic – Rescue Me
4. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
3. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
2. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On Hit-Bound:
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita

Overall Grade: 53/75 = 71% (C–)

Most Missed Hit-Bound Dropout: MKTO – Superstitious

My Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks
1. Shawn Mendes featuring Camila Cabello – Señorita
2. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
3. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
4. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
5. OneRepublic – Rescue Me

YouTube 15:

• Khalid – Talk
• Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
• Ali Gatie – It’s You
• Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
• BTS featuring Charli XCX – Dream Glow
• Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
• Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
• Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
• Mabel – Mad Love
• Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
• Alec Benjamin – Must Have Been The Wind
• Halsey – Nightmare
• Lauv – Sad Forever
• Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
• Blanco Brown – The Git Up

Song Reviews:
– Up first, we have new artist Ali Gatie with his single titled It’s You. I don’t have much to say about this one. I like the acoustic guitar and I think the guy’s voice is pretty good. The lyrics are well written, too. Overall, it’s a good song.

– More of Alec Benjamin isn’t exactly what I asked for. But alas, here he is with Must Have Been The Wind. Now, I’ll say that his voice has slightly improved in this song. The instrumentation is solid and I kinda like the lyrics as well. Overall, it’s a step up from what he’s had previously.

– Finally, we have another song from the country genre that’s gaining traction elsewhere. It’s from Blanco Brown and he brings us The Git Up. I’m not exactly sure what to think of this one. It’s better than Old Town Road in a way. While I like the beat here, I’m not really feeling his vocals. That’s all I have to say about this one for now.

YouTube 15 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
15. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
None!

2 – Mediocre:
14. Khalid – Talk

3 – Decent:
13. Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
12. Lauv – Sad Forever
11. Blanco Brown – The Git Up
10. Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
9. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care

4 – Good:
8. Halsey – Nightmare
7. Alec Benjamin – Must Have Been The Wind

5 – Great:
6. Ali Gatie – It’s You
5. Mabel – Mad Love
4. BTS featuring Charli XCX – Dream Glow
3. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The YouTube 15:
1. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger

Overall Grade: 56/75 = 75% (C)

Most Missed YouTube 15 Song: Avicii featuring Rita Ora – Lonely Together

My Top 5 YouTube 15 Picks
1. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
3. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
4. BTS featuring Charli XCX – Dream Glow
5. Mabel – Mad Love

Hits 1 Weekend Countdown Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
20. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
19. Jonas Brothers – Cool

2 – Mediocre:
18. Khalid – Talk
17. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

3 – Decent:
16. Halsey – Without Me
15. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier
14. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
13. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love

4 – Good:
12. Halsey – Nightmare
11. Jonas Brothers – Sucker

5 – Great:
10. Ava Max – So Am I
9. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime
8. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It
7. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me
6. Ciara – Thinkin Bout You
5. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho
4. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
3. Dan + Shay – Speechless
2. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over

Overall Grade: 76/100 = 76% (C)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Sister Sledge – We Are Family (1979)

Most Missed Countdown Song: Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

#1 Recommendation For Hits 1: Cheryl – Let You

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry (#11)

My Top 5 Picks
1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over
2. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You
3. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
4. Dan + Shay – Speechless
5. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
2. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings
3. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired…
4. Jordan McGraw – Flexible
5. Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
None!

Hello, fam! Wow, this was quite an interesting week in the first full weekend of summer. We had plenty of action on the countdown this week, including the one debut that I’m excited about. I don’t have very much else to say, so let’s jump right in. Before we get to this week’s fresh 40, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Who Do You Love by The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer (#18)
• Don’t Call Me Up by Mabel (#20)
• Here With Me by Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES (#22)
• Boy With Luv by BTS featuring Halsey (#26)
• I’m So Tired… by Lauv featuring Troye Sivan (#31)

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Sucker by Jonas Brothers
40. Love Lies by Khalid featuring Normani (#40) [=] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
39. Love Me Less by MAX featuring Quinn XCII (DEBUT)
38. Youngblood by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#37) [–1] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
37. Just Us by DJ Khaled featuring SZA (DEBUT)
36. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake (#35) [–1]
35. Speechless by Dan + Shay (#39) [+4]
34. Truth Hurts by Lizzo (DEBUT)
33. Happier by Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE (#32) [–1] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
32. So Close by NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku (#33) [+1]
31. Wake Up by Travis Scott featuring The Weeknd (#38) [+7]
30. Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande (#30) [=] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
29. Walk Me Home by P!NK (#36) [+7]
28. All My Friends by AJ Mitchell (#34) [+6]
27. Close To Me by Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo and Swae Lee (#25) [–2]
26. Never Really Over by Katy Perry (DEBUT)
25. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG (#29) [+4]
24. Sunflower by Post Malone featuring Swae Lee (#23) [–1]
23. Cross Me by Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock (DEBUT)
22. Better by Khalid (#21) [–1]
21. Easier by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#28) [+7]
20. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco (#27) [+7] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
19. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow (#19) [=]
18. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid (#16) [–2] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
17. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish (#15) [–2]
16. Nightmare by Halsey (#24) [+8]
15. Without Me by Halsey (#13) [–2] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
14. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco (#14) [=]
13. Cool by Jonas Brothers (#12) [–1]
12. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish (#17) [+5]
11. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande (#11) [=]
10. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande (#6) [–4]
9. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes (#10) [+1]
8. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber (#9) [+1]
7. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie (#7) [=]
6. Talk by Khalid (#8) [+2]
5. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (#5) [=]
4. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max (#3) [–1]
3. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani (#2) [–1] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
2. Wow. by Post Malone (#4) [+2]
1. Sucker by Jonas Brothers (#1) [=] [7^th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Psycho by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign (1^st of 4 Weeks At #1)

Biggest Fall Of The Week: Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande (–4)

Biggest Rise Of The Week: Nightmare by Halsey (+8)

New Entrants:
– We have five debuts this week, so buckle up everyone. To start, MAX makes his return and he collaborates with Quinn XCII in their single called Love Me Less. Unlike some people here, I never actually cared for MAX’s music for the most part. He did have Lights Down Low last year, which I couldn’t really get into even though I saw the appeal. As far as his new single goes, I’m not feeling the song. This did debut on the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown a couple months ago. But with time, I’m starting to realize that there’s very little about the song worth caring about. MAX’s voice is okay, but the production is not interesting and I don’t like Quinn XCII’s verse. He sounds so high pitched and it’s annoying to listen to. Yeah, this is not good. NEXT!

– We have more of DJ Khaled with his newer single, this time with SZA in Just Us. Personally, I think Higher is the better of his two singles released this year. But Just Us is still solid on its own, in part because of SZA. She is talented and she shows that throughout the song. The beat is pretty good and I like the lyrics as well. Not much else to say beyond that. I would like to see this one go far.

– Lizzo makes her return not long after the departure of Juice. She has a song that’s actually been around for a while, despite it starting to gain some momentum, titled Truth Hurts. I liked Juice because it had a throwback vibe and I love the groove. But in Truth Hurts, the production is different compared to that song. That doesn’t make it bad per se, but it’s not quite as good as its successor. I still like her voice and the lyrics are solid. Overall, this is a good song.

– Katy Perry makes her comeback this week with her new single, Never Really Over! I adore Katy and I’ve been a big fan of her music following her breakout hit I Kissed A Girl back in 2008. I’ll admit that I didn’t enjoy Witness for the most part aside from Chained To The Rhythm, which I loved. As far as her new single goes, it is amazing. Katy’s vocals are divine as always. I love the production as well. Looking at the lyrics, it tells a story about her relationship with Orlando Bloom, to whom she is recently engaged with, so congrats to her! Anyway, I love this song overall. We’ll see if it ends up having any success, which I hope it will.

– Finally, we have Ed Sheeran with probably my least favorite single to date, as he gears up for his new album No. 6 Collaborations Project which comes out next month. He collaborates with Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock in Cross Me. I’ll say that I do kinda like I Don’t Care even though it’s nowhere near his best work thus far. But Cross Me is a different story. The production is not interesting and I’m not in love with the beat. The verses from Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock are pretty bad. Ed sounds decent though, but that’s really the only bright spot here. Yeah, everything about the song is underwhelming and frankly, not good.

Best Debut Of The Week: Never Really Over by Katy Perry

It’s Just Blurbs
– We’ll begin with our exits. To start, Who Do You Love left from a high position. I’m starting to kinda get over the song, so I’m okay with its departure. Don’t Call Me Up and Here With Me were destined to leave soon since their perspective momentum has long died down. They were both good songs, but I’m not totally sad about their exits. Also, good riddance to both Boy With Luv and especially I’m So Tired…. Good to see that one didn’t become the next I Like Me Better.

– Before introducing Speechless, Ryan Seacrest mentioned that while Dan + Shay are on tour, they set up their fitness equipment outside the bus every morning. Looks like they’re motivated to get lots of exercise, and I am too.

– Whoa there! High Hopes suddenly jumps back into the Top 20 this week. I thought the song was on its way out, but I guess not. This is definitely going to last a year on the countdown, isn’t it?

– On that note, Nightmare takes a big jump into the Top 20 as well. Heh, I guess people aren’t really tired of Halsey after all.

– Before introducing Sweet But Psycho, Ryan Seacrest mentioned that the only way Ava Max could transform herself from sweet to psycho is if somebody sees her without having any coffee. Oh boy, I’m not sure how I would feel about that.

Breakouts/On The Verge:

• Medicine by Jennifer Lopez featuring French Montana
• Chlorine by TWENTY ØNE PILØTS
• Summer Days by Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump

Extras/Optional Extras:

• Shallow by Lady Gaga featuring Bradley Cooper
• Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia
• Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD
• Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
• Out Of Love by Alessia Cara
• Shut Up And Dance by Walk The Moon
• Stay by Zedd featuring Alessia Cara
• Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
• Give Me Everything by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Afrojack
• Psycho by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
• Juice by Lizzo
• The Monster by Eminem featuring Rihanna
• Let Me Down by NF

Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Garbage:
20. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
19. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
18. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande

1 – Bad:
17. Wow. by Post Malone
16. Cool by Jonas Brothers

2 – Mediocre:
15. Talk by Khalid

3 – Decent:
14. Without Me by Halsey
13. Nightmare by Halsey
12. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber

4 – Good:
11. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid
10. Sucker by Jonas Brothers

5 – Great:
9. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco
8. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco
7. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish
6. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max
5. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
4. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie
3. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow

2. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani
1. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes

Total Score: 66/100 = 66% (D+)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: End Of The Road by Boyz II Men (1992)

Most Missed Song: Till The World Ends by Britney Spears

#1 Recommendation For The American Top 40: Now That I Found You by Carly Rae Jepsen

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande (#6)

My Top 5 Picks
1. Never Really Over by Katy Perry
2. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes
3. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani
4. Speechless by Dan + Shay
5. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
2. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
3. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake
4. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG
5. Cross Me by Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
Pray by Sam Smith featuring Logic: This is probably one of the stand-outs from The Thrill Of It All. I like what the song is going for, and adding Logic to the remix helps a lot.
I Like It by Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J. Balvin: Initially, I wasn’t fond of this. But after a while, I’ve started to kinda appreciate the song, mainly for the Latin vibe.

Hello, fam! So, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Hopefully, you all have found him a very nice gift. Also, I would like to congratulate the Blues and the Raptors for winning their first ever championship in the NHL and NBA, respectively. It was definitely a thrill watching those games over the course of the week. These guys definitely deserved it! It’s nice to see different teams win for a change. Now, the 2012 Billboard Year-End Rankdown is still open. I have set the deadline for July 31. You have until then to send me your submissions. It’s very likely that I’ll extend the deadline. Before we get to this week’s fresh 45, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Dean Lewis – Be Alright (#40)

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Jonas Brothers – Sucker
45. Dan + Shay – Tequila (#45) [=]
44. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings (#44) [=]
43. Jordan McGraw – Flexible (#31) [–12]
42. Billie Eilish – When The Party’s Over (#43) [+1]
41. Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo – Close To Me (#39) [–2]
40. Alessia Cara – Out Of Love (#38) [–2]
39. Post Malone – Wow. (#42) [+3]
38. NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku – So Close (#41) [+3]
37. BTS featuring Halsey – Boy With Luv (#37) [=]
36. Andy Grammer – Don’t Give Up On Me (#34) [–2]
35. Ciara – Thinkin Bout You (#24) [–11]
34. Billie Eilish – Bury A Friend (#32) [–2]
33. Bazzi – Paradise (DEBUT)
32. TWENTY ØNE PILØTS – Chlorine (#26) [–6]
31. The Chainsmokers featuring Kelsea Ballerini – This Feeling (#33) [+2] [Spent 7 Weeks At #1]
30. Alec Benjamin – Let Me Down Slowly (#25) [–5]
29. Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored (#11) [–18]
28. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired… (#21) [–7]
27. Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump – Summer Days (#35) [+8]
26. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved (#23) [–3]
25. Ava Max – So Am I (#30) [+5]
24. Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (#29) [+5] [Spent 8 Weeks At #1]
23. Khalid – Talk (#28) [+5]
22. Alec Benjamin – If We Had Each Other (#36) [+14]
21. Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE – Happier (#16) [–5] [Spent 2 Weeks At #1]
20. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger (#14) [–6]
19. MAX featuring Quinn XCII – Love Me Less (#27) [+8]
18. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy (#13) [–5]
17. P!NK – Walk Me Home (#17) [=]
16. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime (#20) [+4]
15. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care (#15) [=]
14. Katy Perry – Never Really Over (#19) [+5]
13. Dan + Shay – Speechless (#12) [–1]
12. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix) (#22) [+10]
11. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier (#18) [+7]
10. Halsey – Without Me (#4) [–6] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
9. Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar (#8) [–1]
8. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho (#9) [+1]
7. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It (#10) [+3] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
6. Halsey – Nightmare (#6) [=]
5. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me (#7) [+2]
4. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love (#3) [–1]
3. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (#5) [+2]
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME! (#2) [=]
1. Jonas Brothers – Sucker (#1) [=] [12^th Week At #1] [Record Tied!]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Panic! At The Disco – Say Amen (Saturday Night) (2^nd of 4 Weeks At #1)

Biggest DRRRRRRROP!!! Of The Week: Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored (–18)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Alec Benjamin – If We Had Each Other (+14)

New Entrants:
– We get only one new entrant this week, and it comes from the return of Bazzi with his new single titled Paradise. I figured it was a matter of time until the song made its debut. My initial reaction to the song has been a pretty mixed bag. The production doesn’t quite click with me like it did in his previous singles. But I do like his voice for the most part and I think he’s a good singer as he showed me in most of his album Cosmic. I don’t have too much else to say about the song. It may grow on me with time, but right now I’m now totally in love with it.

Summer Blurbs
– So this week, we say goodbye to Dean Lewis – Be Alright. And while I did like what he had to offer, it ultimately didn’t end up sticking with me in the long run. I’m sure there are some here who will miss it, while others will celebrate its departure.

– Before introducing 7 Rings, Spyder Harrison mentioned that Ariana Grande made the internet go crazy when she changed her hairstyle. Heh, I’ve seen her wearing long hair before, thus I’m not necessarily shocked. But could she keep it forever? We’ll just have to find out!

– Jordan McGraw – Flexible took a huge drop down to the Bottom 5. I’m okay with this because everything about the song just blows. The lyrics are just cringe-worthy and the weird production isn’t doing any favors.

– Before introducing Wow., Spyder Harrison mentioned that Post Malone did a big order on the hot wings and some other fast-food goodies. I remember eating a whole box of pizza back in the day and I couldn’t help myself because I loved eating it. I’ll bet Post Malone had the same experience, although I don’t know if he ate pizza before. It’s likely that he has eaten something else.

– I have a feeling Don’t Give Up On Me won’t last very long on this countdown, seeing that it’s not gained any sort of traction. It’s a good song, but I’m not surprised about its small drop since people aren’t into Andy Grammer’s latest music.

– Thinking Bout You dropping big isn’t that much of a shock, either. It’s one of her best songs, and it’s pretty sad that the song didn’t do much of anything. Looks like its tenure is pretty close to ending.

– About time Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored dropped big this week. Thankfully, this didn’t enter the Top 10 and it didn’t hit #1 on the American Top 40 (it peaked at #3). Hopefully, this means the song will leave soon. But now that I just jinxed it, watch it move back up to the Top 20 next week.

– During the introduction for High Hopes, Spyder Harrison mentioned that Brendon Urie loves to be on Twitch live streaming during his spare time. I wonder what does he entertain his fans with? Some jokes, perhaps?

– If We Had Each Other would of course, be the Biggest Jump Of The Week. While I’m not big on the move, I think the song is better than Let Me Down Slowly, so I’ll live with it.

– It’s about time Happier dropped out of the Top 20. Looks like the end may finally be near for this song. But I’m sure it’ll hang around for another couple of months or so.

– Three of last week’s debuts (So Am I, Talk, and Never Really Over) each moved 5 spots this week.

– Before introducing Old Town Road, Spyder Harrison mentioned that Lil Nas X surprised kids when he showed up in his cowboy outfit to sing the song. I’ll bet the kids were wild about his performance. That aside, I’m not thrilled that it’s moving up, but it’s a good thing it missed out on the Top 10. But then again, now that I just said it, watch it enter that region next week.

– Despite not having any new Top 10 entrants, we get a Top 5 entrant from Here With Me, which I’m cool with. Although the song has basically lost traction elsewhere, it’s nice to see Hits 1 giving it some love, especially since it’s better than Marshmello’s current representation on the countdown, which thankfully is finally starting to die down.

– And Sucker holds at #1 yet again. With that, the song now joins Taylor Swift – Shake It Off, Walk The Moon – Shut Up And Dance, and Adele –Hello as the only songs in the history of the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown to have spent 12 weeks at #1. Could the Jonas Brothers break the record next week?! We’ll find out for sure!

Hit-Bound:

• Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
• OneRepublic – Rescue Me
• In Real Life – Crazy AF
• The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine
• AJR – 100 Bad Days
• Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down (DEBUT)
• Lizzo – Truth Hurts
• P!NK – Hustle
• Jonas Brothers – Cool
• Push Baby – Mama’s House
• Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
• Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me
• Kaskade featuring Meghan Trainor – With You (DEBUT)
• Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
• Public – Make You Mine
• Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter

Entrant Reviews:
– Mikey Piff is back to hosting Hit-Bound this week. We have two new songs entering Hit-Bound this week, starting with Taylor Swift who has a new single titled You Need To Calm Down. I was this close to loving the song because I like the beat. But Taylor didn’t really deliver with her voice outside of the chorus. Overall, this is okay, but not what I was hoping for.

– Next is the collaboration between Kaskade and Meghan Trainor with their new single, With You. Like with You Need To Calm Down, I came in with pretty decent expectations thinking it was going to be good. But it just didn’t do it for me ultimately. Meghan’s voice is just not good in any part of the song, and I don’t like Kaskade’s work here. Overall, I’m not a fan.

Best Hit-Bound Entrant Of The Week: Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down

Hit-Bound Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
16. Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock – Cross Me

1 – Bad:
15. AJR – 100 Bad Days
14. Jonas Brothers – Cool
13. Push Baby – Mama’s House
12. Kaskade featuring Meghan Trainor – With You

2 – Mediocre:
None!

3 – Decent:
11. In Real Life – Crazy AF
10. Asher Angel featuring Wiz Khalifa – One Thought Away
9. Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello – Find U Again
8. Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
7. The Chainsmokers featuring Bebe Rexha – Call You Mine

4 – Good:
None!

5 – Great:
6. P!NK – Hustle
5. Public – Make You Mine
4. OneRepublic – Rescue Me
3. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
2. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On Hit-Bound:
1. Lizzo – Truth Hurts

Overall Grade: 53/80 = 66% (D+)

Most Missed Hit-Bound Dropout: Carly Rae Jepsen – Cut To The Feeling

My Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks
1. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
2. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
3. Kygo featuring Rita Ora – Carry On
4. OneRepublic – Rescue Me
5. Public – Make You Mine

YouTube 15:

• Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
• DJ Khalid featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend – Higher
• Sabrina Carpenter – In My Bed
• Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
• Ally Brooke featuring A Boogie Wit A Hoodie – Lips Don’t Lie
• Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
• Jonas Brothers – Used To Be
• Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
• Lauv – Sad Forever
• Khalid – Talk
• BTS featuring Charli XCX – Dream Glow 
• Halsey – Nightmare
• Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
• Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
• Mabel – Mad Love

Song Reviews:
– Up first, we have Sabrina Carpenter yet again, this time with In My Bed. She hasn’t really been impressing me with her music (well, other than Almost Love which I liked). In My Bed is really not that different. But I like the production in this one quite a bit and the beat is decent. Sabrina sounds okay, but she doesn’t stand out in the chorus. So yeah, I find this okay for now. My opinion may change.

– With the Jonas Brothers releasing their new album Happiness Begins, I’m not surprised that they would end up bringing a song to the YouTube 15. This week, they give us Used To Be. Not too much I can say about this song. The instrumentation is good and I like the vocals we get from them. This is based on my initial reaction when I first heard it. It’ll probably change with more listens.

– The k-pop band BTS are collaborating with Charli XCX in their latest single titled Dream Glow. I haven’t really been a big fan of what BTS has to offer. But this is actually pretty good. I like Charli’s voice and the production is on point for the most part. So yeah, I’m content with this.

– Finally, we have Mabel with her latest single, Mad Love. I think this is better than Don’t Call Me Up. She sounds better in Mad Love than she does in her predecessor, but that’s just me. There’s some other stuff I like about this as well. Overall, it’s a pretty solid song.

YouTube 15 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
15. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
None!

2 – Mediocre:
14. Khalid – Talk

3 – Decent:
13. Alan Walker featuring Sabrina Carpenter – On My Way
12. Lauv – Sad Forever
11. Sabrina Carpenter – In My Bed
10. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
9. Halsey – Nightmare

4 – Good:
None!

5 – Great:
8. Jonas Brothers – Used To Be
7. BTS featuring Halsey – Dream Glow
6. Mabel – Mad Love
5. Ally Brooke featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Lips Don’t Lie
4. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
3. DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend – Higher
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The YouTube 15:
1. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger

Overall Grade: 58/75 = 77% (C+)

Most Missed YouTube 15 Song: Olly Murs featuring Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable

My Top 5 YouTube 15 Picks
1. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
2. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
3. DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend – Higher
4. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
5. Ally Brooke featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Lips Don’t Lie

Hits 1 Weekend Countdown Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Crap:
20. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)

1 – Bad:
None!

2 – Mediocre:
19. MAX featuring Quinn XCII – Love Me Less

3 – Decent:
18. Halsey – Without Me
17. 5 Seconds Of Summer – Easier
16. Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
15. Halsey – Nightmare
14. The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer – Who Do You Love

4 – Good:
13. P!NK – Walk Me Home
12. Jonas Brothers – Sucker

5 – Great:
11. Panic! At The Disco – Dancing’s Not A Crime
10. Panic! At The Disco – Hey Look Ma, I Made It
9. Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES – Here With Me
8. Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar
7. Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho
6. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
5. Dan + Shay – Speechless
4. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
3. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
TIE: 1. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You
TIE: 1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over

Overall Grade: 82/100 = 82% (B–)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Laura Branigan – Gloria (1982)

Most Missed Countdown Song: Kelly Clarkson – Mr. Know It All

#1 Recommendation For Hits 1: Carly Rae Jepsen – Now That I Found You

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry (#4)

My Top 5 Picks
TIE: 1. Katy Perry – Never Really Over
TIE: 1. Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You
3. Sam Smith featuring Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
4. Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie – ME!
5. Dan + Shay – Speechless

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road (Remix)
2. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings
3. Lauv featuring Troye Sivan – I’m So Tired…
4. Jordan McGraw – Flexible
5. Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE – Happier

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
Hundred Handed – Too Good: The song reminds me of something Bruno Mars would sing, in large part because it has that throwback feel to it. Their vocals fit well and I love the groove.
U2 featuring Cheat Codes – Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way: The song has a nice sentiment to it, especially the original version. This version with Cheat Codes kinda defeats that purpose. Still, it’s not bad at all.
5 Seconds Of Summer – Youngblood: This is different than what were used to hearing from this band. And some of the lines pull me in. Yeah, I’m still loving this.
Sam Smith featuring Logic – Pray: The solo version of this song is good. It shows how talented Sam is as a songwriter and as a vocalist. But I find the remix to be even better, in part because Logic adds more to it. Although his current representation on the countdown is better, I like this quite a bit.
Liam Payne featuring J. Balvin – Familiar: I love the Latin vibes in the song, though J. Balvin had a lot to do it. Liam sounds good here. This is a solid song that deserved to be a hit than Strip That Down.
Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B – Girls Like You: I’ll give them that it’s slightly better than what these guys had recently (outside of What Lovers Do). Cardi B is one of the good things about it, and the cool music video featuring a lot of female celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres.

QOTW: Taylor Swift has just recently released her new single, You Need To Calm Down. What are your thoughts on the song?

Hello, fam! Happy Father’s Day weekend to you all! Hopefully, you guys find him a nice gift. I’m sure he’ll love it. Anyway, the rankdown involving the 2012 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 is still open! The deadline is set for July 31, so you guys have some time to send me your submissions. It’s likely I’ll extend the deadline to give you some extra time. Before we get to this week’s fresh 40, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Shallow by Lady Gaga featuring Bradley Cooper (#28) [x2]
• Out Of Love by Alessia Cara (#29)
• Juice by Lizzo (#39)

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani
40. Love Lies by Khalid featuring Normani (#39) [–1] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
39. Speechless by Dan + Shay (DEBUT)
38. Wake Up by Travis Scott featuring The Weeknd (DEBUT)
37. Youngblood by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#36) [–1] [Spent 3 Weeks At #1]
36. Walk Me Home by P!NK (#40) [+4]
35. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake (#34) [–1]
34. All My Friends by AJ Mitchell (#37) [+3]
33. So Close by NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku (#35) [+2]
32. Happier by Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE (#32) [=] [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]
31. I’m So Tired… by Lauv featuring Troye Sivan (#25) [–6]
30. Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande (#30) [=] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
29. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG (#29) [+4]
28. Easier by 5 Seconds Of Summer (DEBUT)
27. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco (#26) [–1] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
26. Boy With Luv by BTS featuring Halsey (#27) [+1]
25. Close To Me by Ellie Goulding featuring Swae Lee (#23) [–2]
24. Nightmare by Halsey (#31) [+7]
23. Sunflower by Post Malone featuring Swae Lee (#20) [–3]
22. Here With Me by Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES (#14) [–8]
21. Better by Khalid (#19) [–2]
20. Don’t Call Me Up by Mabel (#17) [–3]
19. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow (#22) [+3]
18. Who Do You Love by The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer (#11) [–7]
17. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish (#24) [+7]
16. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid (#15) [–1]
15. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish (#18) [+3]
14. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco (#21) [+7]
13. Without Me by Halsey (#13) [=] [Spent 4 Weeks At #1]
12. Cool by Jonas Brothers (#16) [+4]
11. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande (#8) [–3]
10. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes (#12) [+2]
9. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber (#10) [+1]
8. Talk by Khalid (#9) [+1]
7. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie (#7) [=]
6. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande (#5) [–1]
5. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (#6) [+1]
4. Wow. by Post Malone (#4) [=]
3. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max (#3) [=]
2. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani (#1) [–1] [Spent 1 Week At #1]
1. Sucker by Jonas Brothers (#2) [+1] [6^th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello (5^th And Final Week At #1)

Biggest Fall Of The Week: Here With Me by Marshmello featuring CHVRCHES (–8)

Biggest Rise Of The Week: Tie between Nightmare by Halsey, Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, and Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco (+7)

New Entrants:
– Up first in our new round of arrivals, we have more of Dan + Shay with a song that’s been around for sometime, titled Speechless. The country duo have been impressing me with their music since last year, when they bought Tequila to Hits 1 and eventually the American Top 40. Speechless is no different. First off, I love the way the song opens with the piano and excellent vocals from Shay. And from there, the rest is history. The chorus is divine. The instrumentation is nice and I love the creative lyrics as well. They’ve just released a remix of the song with Tori Kelly. If you haven’t I highly recommend that you check it out! If I someday get married, I want this to be our song. It’s a really good song overall and with the remix being released last week, I have a feeling it’s going to gain some momentum!

– Next, we have the collaboration between Travis Scott and The Weeknd, who bring us Wake Up. Anyway, the song’s not that appealing to me. The Weeknd sounds okay in the chorus. But other than that, I don’t like the guitar and the rest of the production just seems underwhelming. Looking into the song, it basically talks about them being in a relationship. But the lyrical content is repetitive in most of the song, and thus it lacks creativity. John Mayer helped produced the song, which explains why there is a acoustic guitar. Yeah, it’s not bad, but certainly not memorable.

– As Youngblood is near the end of its tenure and Who Do You Love is dying down, we get the next single from 5 Seconds Of Summer, in the form of Easier. I initially liked this one quite a bit. But it has slightly faded on me quickly. I do like the vocals we get from these guys. But the chorus isn’t really special. I feel like it’s lacking something. I don’t know what it is. As for the rest of the song, the production and the beat are inferior to me, and it shows that they’re becoming less of a band. So yeah, this is okay overall.

Best Debut Of The Week: Speechless by Dan + Shay

Is It Easier To Blurb?
– As always, we’ll begin with our exits. To start, we say goodbye to Shallow by Lady Gaga featuring Bradley Cooper, this time for good. I felt like it should’ve gone further in its second tenure after it hit #1 on Billboard. But ultimately, it just didn’t happen that way. That song will definitely be missed by me. As for Out Of Love by Alessia Cara…yeah, not really complaining about its exit. I don’t really care for it too much, but it’s better than Trust My Lonely. And Juice by Lizzo did not last very long at all. I guess the momentum died down rather quickly. Oh well.

– Sucker by Jonas Brothers is back at #1 this week, which I’m fine with so long as it blocks mediocrity such as Wow. and Old Town Road. Hopefully, it can hold the #1 spot for just a little while longer until we get some better music in the Top 5.

– If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes enters the Top 10 this week! It’s good to see the song catching on. I do hope it ends up getting into the Top 5 soon. I’m looking forward to see what his new album has in store.

– Hey Look Ma, I Made It jumps into the Top 20. I have a feeling that one will end up becoming another hit for Panic! At The Disco. It’s good to see them finally get some love outside of Hits 1. And Bad Guy having a big jump is also very pleasing. I personally think it’s the best song Billie Eilish has put out so far, though I like the majority of her album.

– Here With Me dropped big this week, and it’s disappointing given that it’s one of Marshmello’s better songs. It’s too bad CHVRCHES won’t get the recognition they deserve. And it’s nice to see I’m So Tired… drop as well. Thankfully, that one didn’t become a sleeper hit. Hopefully, it’s on its way out soon.

Breakouts/On The Verge:

• Medicine by Jennifer Lopez featuring French Montana
• Chlorine by TWENTY ØNE PILØTS
• Cross Me by Ed Sheeran featuring Chance The Rapper and PnB Rock
• Love Me Less by MAX featuring Quinn XCII
• Never Really Over by Katy Perry

Extras/Optional Extras:

• Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
• Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
• Cake By The Ocean by DNCE
• Starving by Hailee Steinfeld & Grey featuring Zedd
• Be Alright by Dean Lewis
• Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
• Only Girl (In The World) by Rihanna
• Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B

Top 20 Breakdown:
0 – Garbage:
20. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
19. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
18. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored by Ariana Grande

1 – Bad:
17. Wow. by Post Malone
16. Cool by Jonas Brothers

2 – Mediocre:
15. Talk by Khalid

3 – Decent:
14. Without Me by Halsey
13. Who Do You Love by The Chainsmokers featuring 5 Seconds Of Summer
12. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran

4 – Good:
11. Don’t Call Me Up by Mabel
10. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid
9. Sucker by Jonas Brothers

5 – Great:
8. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco
7. When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish
6. Sweet But Psycho by Ava Max
5. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
4. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow
3. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie
2. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
1. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes

Total Score: 66/100 = 66% (D+)

Throwback Pick Of The Week: Gloria by Laura Branigan (1982)

Most Missed Song: Midnight City by M83

#1 Recommendation For The American Top 40: Now That I Found You by Carly Rae Jepsen

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande

My Top 5 Picks
1. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes
2. Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith featuring Normani
3. Speechless by Dan + Shay
4. ME! by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie
5. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow

My Bottom 5 Picks
1. Old Town Road (Remix) by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
2. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
3. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake
4. I’m So Tired… by Lauv featuring Troye Sivan
5. La La Land by Bryce Vine featuring YG

Songs That Debuted This Week One Year Ago:
Sober by G-Eazy featuring Charlie Puth: Nothing really to say about this one. I think the lyrics are solid and their vocals are good. This did last only one week on this countdown, though I’m not complaining about it as it wasn’t that memorable in the big picture.
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Backstreet Boys: Ah yes, the comeback single from a big favorite of mine back when I was young. Everything about the song just works well for them. This deserved to be a bigger hit than what it ultimately got.

Hello, fam! It’s been a long time coming, but here is my review for the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 for 2018! So, my blog primary revolves around the Hits 1 Weekend Countdown, which I listen to on a weekly basis. But that doesn’t mean I shy away from doing anything related to the Billboard. It is, of course, the most accurate representation of what is currently charting. Every year, Billboard counts down the Top 100 biggest hits for the course of a given year. So, how does a song make the list? Well, it’s all based on how well the song does in sales, radio, and streaming. In recent years however, streaming has become a factor as to why a song can be successful. Now the question is, was 2018 better than 2017? We’ll see how the year went when I start reviewing the entire list. I judge on songs based on quality, not whether it was overplayed or overrated. That just wouldn’t be fair, wouldn’t it? Now with that being said, here is the color code that I’ll be using:

• Purple (Best Song) (6 Points)
• Dark Blue (Song Is In My Top 10) (5 Points)
• Green (Great) (5 Points)
• Blue (Good) (4 Points)
• Pink (Decent) (3 Points
• Yellow (Mediocre) (2 Points)
• Turquoise (Bad) (1 Point)
• Red (Garbage) (0 Points)
• Dark Red (Song Is In My Bottom 10) (0 Points)
• Orange (Worst Song) (0 Points)

99. Mi Gente by J. Balvin featuring Willy William (#3)
98. IDGAF by Dua Lipa (#49)
97. Powerglide by Rae Sremmurd featuring Juicy J (#28)
96. One Number Away by Luke Combs (#34)
95. Mercy by Brett Young (#29)
94. Changes by XXXTentacion (#18)
93. Dura by Daddy Yankee (#43)
92. Trip by Elle Mai (#11)
91. Outside Today by YoungBoy Never Broke Again (#31)
90. X by Nicky Jam featuring J. Balvin (#41)
89. What Lovers Do by Maroon 5 featuring SZA (#9)
88. Moonlight by XXXTentacion (#13)
87. Get Along by Kenny Chesney (#22)
86. I’m Upset by Drake (#7)
85. Say Something by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton (#9)
84. 1-800-273-8255 by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid (#3)
83. Lemon by N.E.R.D. featuring Rihanna (#36)
82. Simple by Florida Georgia Line (#32)
81. Te Bote by Casper Magico featuring Nio Garcia, Darrell, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, and Nicky Jam (#36)
80. Happier by Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE (#3)
79. King’s Dead by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake (#21)
78. Call Out My Name by The Weeknd (#4)
77. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid (#18)
76. Marry Me by Thomas Rhett (#30)
75. Sky Walker by Miguel featuring Travis Scott (#29)
74. Plain Jane by ASAP Ferg featuring Nicki Minaj (#26)
73. No Brainer by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber and Chance The Rapper (#5)
72. I Get The Bag by Gucci Mane featuring Migos (#11)
71. Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran (#1, 12 Weeks in 2017)
70. You Make It Easy by Jason Aldean (#28)
69. Natural by Imagine Dragons (#13)
68. One Kiss by Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa (#26)
67. Young, Dumb & Broke by Khalid (#18)
66. Lights Down Low by MAX featuring Gnash (#18)
65. How Long by Charlie Puth (#21)
64. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato (#6)
63. Big Bank by YG featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj (#16)
62. God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande (#8)
61. Bartier Cardi by Cardi B featuring 21 Savage (#14)
60. Wolves by Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello (#20)
59. Be Careful by Cardi B (#11)
58. Wait by Maroon 5 (#24)
57. Plug Walk by Rich The Kid (#13)
56. Gummo by 6ix9ine (#12)
55. Freaky Friday by Lil’ Dicky featuring Chris Brown (#8)
54. Bodak Yellow (Money Moves) by Cardi B (#1, 3 Weeks in 2017)
53. Heaven by Kane Brown (#15)
52. Nonstop by Drake (#2)
51. This Is America by Childish Gambino (#1, 2 Weeks)
50. LOVE. by Kendrick Lamar featuring Zacari (#11)
49. Too Good At Goodbyes by Sam Smith (#4)
48. Stiy Fry by Migos (#8)
47. All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA (#7)
46. In My Blood by Shawn Mendes (#11)
45. Him & I by G-Eazy featuring Halsey (#14)
44. Gucci Gang by Lil’ Pump (#3)
43. Walk It Talk It by Migos featuring Drake (#10)
42. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake (#1, 1 Week)
41. Back To You by Selena Gomez (#18)
40. Pray For Me by The Weeknd featuring Kendrick Lamar (#7)
39. I Fall Apart by Post Malone (#16)
38. Ric Flair Drip by Offset featuring Metro Boomin (#13)
37. Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons (#12)
36. Youngblood by 5 Seconds Of Summer (#7)
35. I Like Me Better by Lauv (#27)
34. MotorSport by Migos featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B (#6)
33. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man (#8)
32. Tequila by Dan + Shay (#21)
31. FEFE by 6ix9ine featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz (#3)
30. No Limit by G-Eazy featuring ASAP Rocky and Cardi B (#4)
29. Let You Down by NF (#12)
28. Taste by Tyga featuring Offset (#8)
27. Bad At Love by Halsey (#5)
26. Friends by Marshmello featuring Anne-Marie (#11)
25. Yes Indeed by Lil’ Baby featuring Drake (#6)
24. Delicate by Taylor Swift (#12)
23. Look Alive by BlocBoy JB featuring Drake (#5)
22. Thunder by Imagine Dragons (#4)
21. Mine by Bazzi (#11)
20. No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande (#3)
19. Love Lies by Khalid featuring Normani (#9)
18. Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello (#6)
17. SAD! by XXXTentacion (#1, 1 Week)
16. New Rules by Dua Lipa (#6)
15. Boo’d Up by Elle Mai (#5)
14. Finesse (Remix) by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B (#3)
13. Better Now by Post Malone (#3)
12. Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD (#2)
11. Nice For What by Drake (#1, 8 Weeks)
10. Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B (#1, 7 Weeks)
9. In My Feelings by Drake (#1, 10 Weeks)
8. The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey (#5)
7. I Like It by Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J. Balvin (#1, 1 Week)
6. Psycho by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign (#1, 1 Week)
5. Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage (#1, 8 Weeks in 2017)
4. Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug (#1, 1 Week)
3. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line (#2)
2. Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé (#1, 6 Weeks)
1. God’s Plan by Drake (#1, 11 Weeks)

God’s Blurb
– I’m a little shocked at IDGAF by Dua Lipa barely making the list for 2018. But then again, I probably shouldn’t be given that Dua has been such a presence throughout the year. Although not as good as its predecessor, I still love it mainly for the lyrics and her unique voice.

– Daddy Yankee wasn’t much of a presence in 2018 after Despacito was a massive hit back in 2017. But I find Dura to be pretty solid. The song shows how talented Daddy Yankee is as a Latin artist. The vibe here fits well with his voice. But nothing can compare to Despacito, which was one of the best things he’s been a part of.

– Shape Of You, last year’s #1 song, enters as a repeat. Even after it’s popularity died out, it’s insane longevity is what allowed it to make the 2018 Billboard Year-End list. Two years really has flown by fast. It seemed liked yesterday that Shape Of You was dominating the charts. I still like that song, so it’s nice to see Ed Sheeran having a massive hit.

– As you probably can tell, Drake has been dominant in 2018. He has several songs on the Year-End Hot 100 (including his #1, which I’ll talk about in just a bit). Though he hasn’t been much of a presence this year (outside of his feature in Sicko Mode).

– It’s nice to see The Middle in the Top 10! As you may recall, this was my #1 favorite song of the year. I enjoyed the song all year long, despite what other people think. I’m glad it was a huge success

– Speaking of Ed Sheeran, he has Perfect sitting at #2. This was another song I very much enjoyed. It reminds me of Thinking Out Loud, though I think Perfect is superior. Ed came pretty close on notching #1 of the year for the second year in a row, but that was not the case…

– It was Drake that would take the crown as God’s Plan is #1. I have to say, I’m not necessarily wild about this one. I feel like it is underwhelming as far as the production goes, and I didn’t really like his voice in the song. There could’ve been a much worse #1, though. I get why some may like this, but it just wasn’t for me.

Top 100 Breakdown:
0 – Garbage:
100. Gummo by 6ix9ine
99. Freaky Friday by Lil’ Dicky featuring Chris Brown
98. SAD! by XXXTentacion
97. Rockstar by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
96. Yes Indeed by Lil’ Baby featuring Drake
95. Friends by Marshmello featuring Anne-Marie
94. I Like Me Better by Lauv
93. Gucci Gang by Lil’ Pump
92. Mi Gente by J. Balvin featuring Willy William
91. Plug Walk by Rich The Kid
90. Outside Today by YoungBoy Never Broke Again
89. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott featuring Drake
88. Changes by XXXTentacion
87. Moonlight by XXXTentacion
86. FEFE by 6ix9ine featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz
85. I Get The Bag by Gucci Mane featuring Migos
84. Bodak Yellow (Money Moves) by Cardi B
83. Taste by Tyga featuring Offset
82. Psycho by Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
81. Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD
80. I’m Upset by Drake
79. X by Nicky Jam featuring J. Balvin
78. Te Bote by Casper Magico featuring Nio Garcia, Darrell, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, and Nicky Jam
77. Bartier Cardi by Cardi B featuring 21 Savage
76. Plain Jane by A$AP Ferg featuring Nicki Minaj
75. Be Careful by Cardi B 
74. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
73. Never Be The Same by Camila Cabello

1 – Bad:
72. I Fall Apart by Post Malone
71. Wait by Maroon 5
70. In My Feelings by Drake
69. Lights Down Low by MAX featuring Gnash
68. Look Alive by BlocBoy JB featuring Drake
67. Let You Down by NF
66. Walk It Talk It by Migos featuring Drake
65. Powerglide by Rae Sremmurd featuring Juicy J
64. No Brainer by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, and Chance The Rapper

2 – Mediocre:
63. Big Bank by YG featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj
62. Nonstop by Drale
61. King’s Dead by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake
60. Happier by Marshmello featuring BΔSTILLE
59. Call Out my Name by The Weeknd
58. God’s Plan by Drake
57. Trip by Elle Mai

3 – Decent:
56. Simple by Florida Georgia Line
55. I Like It by Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J. Balvin
54. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man
53. Get Alone by Kenny Chesney
52. One Number Away by Luke Combs
51. Thunder by Imagine Dragons
50. Boo’d Up by Elle Mai
49. Young, Dumb & Broke by Khalid
48. Too Good At Goodbyes by Sam Smith
47. Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
46. Him & I by G-Eazy featuring Halsey

4 – Good:
45. Dura by Daddy Yankee
44. Mine by Bazzi
43. Heaven by Kane Brown
42. Ric Flair Drip by Offset featuring Metro Boomin
41. Sky Walker by Miguel featuring Travis Scott
40. Mercy by Brett Young
39. MotorSport by Migos featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B
38. Lemon by N.E.R.D. featuring Rihanna
37. How Long by Charlie Puth
36. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato
35. In My Blood by Shawn Mendes

5 – Great:
34. No Limit by G-Eazy featuring ASAP Rocky and Cardi B
33. You Make It Easy by Jason Aldean
32. LOVE. by Kendrick Lamar featuring Zacari
31. Better Now by Post Malone
30. Natural by Imagine Dragons
29. Stir Fry by Migos
28. This Is America by Childish Gambino
27. Believer by Imagine Dragons
26. Nice For What by Drake
25. Love Lies by Khalid featuring Normani
24. All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA
23. What Lovers Do by Maroon 5 featuring SZA
22. Tequila by Dan + Shay
21. Youngblood by 5 Seconds Of Summer
20. 1-800-273-8255 by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid
19. Eastside by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid
18. Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran
17. Say Something by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton
16. Back To You by Selena Gomez
15. IDGAF by Dua Lipa
14. Imagine Dragons – Whatever It Takes
13. The Weeknd featuring Kendrick Lamar – Pray For Me
12. Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa – One Kiss
11. God Is A Woman by Ariana Grande
10. New Rules by Dua Lipa
9. Delicate by Taylor Swift
8. Finesse (Remix) by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
7. Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
6. Marry Me by Thomas Rhett
5. Bad At Love by Halsey
4. Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
3. No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande
2. Wolves by Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello

BONUS: 6 – Best Song Of The Year:
1. The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris and Grey

Final Score: 265/500

So overall…2018 was pretty decent. When I graded 2017, I gave it a 286/500, meaning it was a little above average. Getting a 265/500 isn’t too bad, though. I felt like 2018 should’ve been better, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.

And with that, I’ve now finished my review for the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 for 2018! I hope everyone here has enjoyed my review. As always, thank you so much for reading this. I will continue doing music reviews for as long as I can. It’s been an honor sharing my blog with you. I hope everyone has a good week!

Hello, fam! This week, the Jonas Brothers had their weekend takeover on Hits 1, meaning they hosted Hit-Bound and the Weekend Countdown to celebrate the release of their new album, Happiness Begins, which came out yesterday. I thought these guys did a decent job hosting. As for the rest of the countdown itself…well, I’m not gonna lie. I actually have mixed feelings about this week overall. On one hand, we got the big return of one of my favorite artists this week. I’ll have more on that in just a bit. But on the other hand, a lot of good songs left us this week. And while there was definitely a lot of activity on the countdown, Hit-Bound and the YouTube 15 aren’t really looking too good. But if anything, at least we’re doing some cleaning up as summer gets underway. Before we get to this week’s fresh 45, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Lizzo – Juice (#32)
• SZA featuring The Weeknd and Travis Scott – Power Is Power (#34)
• Jennifer Lopez featuring French Montana – Medicine (#36)
• Lil Peep featuring iLoveMakonnen and Fall Out Boy – I’ve Been Waiting (#41)
• Khalid – Better (#42)
• Lady Gaga featuring Bradley Cooper – Shallow (#45) [x2]

The Countdown:
Last Week’s #1 Song: Jonas Brothers – Sucker
45. Dan + Shay – Tequila (#43) [–2]
44. Ariana Grande – 7 Rings (#44) [=]
43. Billie Eilish – When The Party’s Over (#40) [–3]
42. Post Malone – Wow. (#39) [–3]
41. NOTD, Felix Jaehn, & Captain Cuts featuring Georgia Ku – So Close (#30) [–11]
40. Dean Lewis – Be Alright (#33) [–7]
39. Ellie Goulding featuring Diplo – Close To Me (#28) [–11]
38. Alessia Cara – Out Of Love (#38) [=]
37. BTS featuring Halsey – Boy With Luv (#22) [–15]
36. Alec Benjamin – If We Have Each Other (DEBUT)
35. Martin Garrix featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump – Summer Days (DEBUT)
34. Andy Grammer – Don’t Give Up On Me (DEBUT)
33. The Chainsmokers featuring Kelsea Ballerini – This Feeling (#20) [–13] [Spent 7 Weeks At #1]
32. Billie Eilish – Bury A Friend (#31) [–1]
31. Jordan McGraw – Flexible (#37) [+6]
30. Ava Max – So Am I (DEBUT)

Hello, fam! I hope everyone here has had a good week. I haven’t yet thought about what I want to do for my 200,000 Pageview Special. I’ll try to think of something and hopefully get it posted sometime this month. We’ll see. As far as this week’s countdown went, it was interesting. There’s quite a bit I want to talk about. Before we get to this week’s fresh 40, here are the songs we’re saying goodbye to this week:

• Be Alright by Dean Lewis (#23)
• Girls Like You by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B (#40) [Spent 5 Weeks At #1]