State Champ Radio Pop
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Despite what appears to be the kind of supreme self-confidence that has taken him to the top of the charts, as well as the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show and, soon, his acting debut in the HBO series The Idol, The Weeknd (who now goes by his birth name, Abel Tesfaye), still assumes his next project could be a total failure.
“I thought ‘Blinding Lights’ was gonna be a flop,” he told Vanity Fair in a new profile that chronicles both the stratospheric highs — such as his the $69 million L.A. mansion he barely lived in — and his ever-present lows, like when he was sure the propulsive Max Martin/Oscar Holter single from his diamond-selling 2020 After Hours album would tank.
Instead, a combination of the song’s grabby hook and a silly TikTok dance challenge pushed the song into Billboard chart history after it spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and then logged the most weeks in the top five and top 10 on its way to being the charts No. 1 song of all-time.
At best, Abel figured the song would be a good way for younger fans to dive deeper into his turbulent earlier catalog. “It’s a new generation of angsty teens discovering all the dark music like when I was 14. Kurt Cobain, Wu-Tang, and all these songs that as a kid I probably shouldn’t be listening to, and 50 Cent,” he said. “This f–king dark and amazing escape.”
Even as The Weeknd’s songs have trafficked in endless tales of an easily bruised heart and what sounds like a sure-footedness on stage and in the studio, the singer told the magazine that when it comes to believing in his talents he learned a crucial lesson early on.
“I’ve always had to bet on myself. Even before I was The Weeknd, just in life,” he said. “As soon as I got out of my mother’s womb, it’s been, ‘Bet on yourself. It’s not gonna be easy, you know?’ And I’m fine with that.” That said, this new phase of his career, which he just announced will be conducted under his birth name, is definitely “nerve-racking.”
And, despite his many successes, his firm spot in the pop universe as an instantly recognizable one-named superstar and the Dawn FM album’s narrative arc that bloodily sent up the very notion of global superstardom, Tesfaye seems still not totally ready to fully embrace his spot in the pop firmament. “I don’t blame people,” he said when talk turned to comparisons to other icons. “Because if I was them, I’d be betting on Beyoncé too. I’m not gonna bet on me.”
Check out the VF cover below.
(G)I-DLE has unveiled yet another single from its recently released mini album, I Feel, and single “Queencard” gives a sweet nod to two very famous women in American pop-culture. The EP’s lead single sees members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua praising their own beauty, which leaves their lovers head over heels, and girls jealous […]
Taylor Swift and Matty Healy aren’t going out of style anytime soon. With dating rumors reaching a fever pitch, the two singer-songwriters were spotted leaving Electric Lady Studios in New York City early Tuesday morning (May 16), marking the latest in a series of rendezvous that has left fans reeling in recent weeks. Explore See […]
Ed Sheeran jumps from No. 10 to No. 1 on the latest Billboard Artist 100 chart (dated May 20), returning as the top musical act in the United States for a 15th total week on top, thanks to his new studio album, – (Subtract).
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The set debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart with 112,000 equivalent album units earned in the May 5-11 tracking week, according to Luminate, becoming Sheeran’s sixth top 10.
Sheeran has two additional albums on the latest Billboard 200: former No. 1s = (Equals), from 2021, and ÷ (Divide), from 2017, rank at Nos. 91 and 92, respectively.
Sheeran also charts two songs on the Billboard Hot 100, both from Subtract: lead single “Eyes Closed” vaults 38-19 for a new high, marking his 15th top 20 hit, and “Curtains” debuts at No. 97 (becoming his 54th career entry on the chart).
With his 15th week at No. 1, Sheeran ties Ariana Grande for the sixth-most weeks spent at the summit in the survey’s nearly nine-year history.
Most Weeks at No. 1 on Artist 100:
65, Taylor Swift
37, Drake
28, The Weeknd
21, BTS
20, Adele
15, Ariana Grande
15, Ed Sheeran
14, Justin Bieber
14, Post Malone
13, Morgan Wallen
Elsewhere on the Artist 100, LE SSERAFIM re-enters at No. 6, a new best, thanks to the Korean pop group’s new LP Unforgiven. The set arrives at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 (45,000 units), becoming its first top 10.
The Artist 100 measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption, blending album and track sales, radio airplay and streaming to provide a weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist popularity.
The final album from Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who died May 1 at age 84, will be released on July 14.
At Royal Albert Hall is a double album that was recorded live in concert at the legendary London venue on May 24, 2016. It’s Lightfoot’s fourth live album, following a 1962 release, Two Tones at the Village Corner; Sunday Concert (which reached No. 143 on the Billboard 200 in 1969); and All Live, a 2012 release.
At Royal Albert Hall is described in a press statement as “an unembellished live mix of that night’s performance, without edits, overdubs, remixing, or re-sequencing. It captures every song performed in the order they were played, down to the encore by Gordon and his band – Rick Haynes on bass, Barry Keane on drums, Mike Heffernan on keys, and Carter Lancaster on guitar.”
It is being released via Linus Entertainment, the Canadian independent label that released Harmony, Lightfoot’s last studio album with his band, in 2004. (A subsequent studio album, Solo, did not feature his band.)
The upcoming, 26-track album features six of Lightfoot’s 11 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including all four of his top 10 hits: “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” It also has his Hot 100 hits “Rainy Day People” and the exquisite “Beautiful” and includes “Early Morning Rain,” a Hot 100 hit that Lightfoot wrote in 1965 for Peter, Paul & Mary.
The collection also features songs that have never previously appeared on a live album, including “The Watchman’s Gone,” “Sea of Tranquility,” “Now and Then,” “All the Lovely Ladies,” “Drifters,” “Beautiful,” “Did She Mention My Name,” “Sweet Guinevere,” “Never Too Close,” “Don Quixote,” “Minstrel of the Dawn,” “I’d Rather Press On” and “Waiting for You.”
In the weeks prior to his death, Lightfoot reportedly insisted that this live album be released as soon as possible. He approved the cover artwork and made it clear that no changes were to be made to the recording.
Lightfoot’s songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand and hundreds of other artists.
Lightfoot was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. He won 13 Juno Awards in his native Canada, capped by his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986. He won four Juno Awards for male vocalist of the year (1971-73 and 1975) and two for composer of the year (1973 and 1977). Lightfoot was nominated for four Grammys (but never won) — best folk performance for Did She Mention My Name (1968), best pop vocal performance, male for “If You Could Read My Mind” (1971) and song of the year and best pop vocal performance, male for “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976).
The esteem with which Lightfoot was held was reflected in tweets and other messages that were released following his death. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote: “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” he states. Lightfoot “captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family, friends, and many fans across the country and around the world: I’m keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.”
Neil Young, Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, Brian Wilson, Belinda Carlisle and more also weighed in with thoughtful messages.
“Gordon was a great Canadian artist,” wrote Young, a fellow Canadian. “A songwriter without parallel, His melodies and words were an inspiration to all writers who listened to his music, as they will continue to be through the ages. There is a unique and wonderful feeling to Gordon’s music. Lightfoot is a Canadian legend.”
Joel wrote: “Sad morning over here. Rest easy Gordon Lightfoot. So sad to hear of the death of Gordon Lightfoot. He was a lifelong musical hero of mine…”
“This one is really hard to write,” read a statement from Adams, another Canadian musician. “Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I’m gutted to know he’s gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak for all Canadians when I say: thank you for the songs Gordon Lightfoot. Bless your sweet songwriting heart, RIP dear friend.”
Here’s the complete track listing for At Royal Albert Hall:
Disc One
“The Watchman’s Gone”“Sea of Tranquility”“Now and Then”“All the Lovely Ladies”“Drifters”“A Painter Passing Through”“Christian Island”“Rainy Day People”“Shadows”“Beautiful”“Carefree Highway”“Did She Mention My Name”“Ribbon of Darkness”“Sundown”
Disc Two
“Sweet Guinevere”“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”“Never Too Close”“Don Quixote”“Minstrel of the Dawn”“I’d Rather Press On”“Let It Ride”“If You Could Read My Mind”“Restless”“Baby Step Back”“Early Morning Rain”“Waiting for You”
After Taylor Swift finished out her trio of Philadelphia Eras Tour shows on Sunday night, one fan went viral for her dedication to the pop star’s lyricism. At the Friday show, 62-year-old Maureen Gregory helped light up Philly’s Lincoln Financial Field with her trusty reading light as she followed along with Swift’s setlist by reading […]
05/15/2023
Check out which Britney songs are ruling her streaming numbers, which album performed best over the past 12 months and more.
05/15/2023
Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.
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These 10 tracks from artists including Lauren Daigle, Daft Punk, Charlotte Cardin and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of our favorite 2023 cool pop songs.
Charlotte Cardin, “Looping”
Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin makes the most of a sample of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” and her own vocal loops, on a track that turns the phrases that haunt us through mental repetition into a literal refrain. Created with Mr. Hudson, Felix Joseph and Jason Brando, “Looping” fits into the soulful pop tradition that made a mark on top 40 radio near the beginning of the 2010s, but the songwriting makes Cardin’s obsessions sound thoroughly modern. – Jason Lipshutz
Victoria Anthony, “New Disaster”
The title track of Victoria Anthony’s just-released sophomore album captures a delightfully familiar teen-hang scenario: after breaking her best friend’s phone and realizing it’s time to head back to her house, the Vancouver native lingers a little too long with the wrong partner, knowing it’s a mistake but being okay with making it. “New Disaster” speeds ahead with a light pop-punk touch, as Anthony commits to her course of action with youthful energy and plenty of hooks. – J. Lipshutz
Becky Hill & Lewis Thompson, “Side Effects”
A wondrous dance song like “Side Effects” isn’t the least bit surprising when considering Becky Hill’s track record: the UK house mainstay has been scoring hits for nearly a decade, and her voice is pristinely attuned to this type of kinetic energy. Working with British producer Lewis Thompson, Hill wields her power comfortably on “Side Effects”: belting with restraint on the pre-chorus, racing alongside the beat on the hook, and injecting every stray thought about an ex with roof-rattling emotion. – J. Lipshutz
Kamille feat. Nile Rodgers, “Muscle Memory”
Part of the fun of first listening to “Muscle Memory,” the new disco strut from British multi-hyphenate Kamille, is waiting for Nile Rodgers’ main guitar riff to arrive, as if the song waits a bit before reaching another gear of groovy euphoria. Once the legend steps in, “Muscle Memory” really takes off: with Kamille guiding the action and Rodgers supporting her direction, the track invites repeat listens so that you can experience that arrival all over again. – J. Lipshutz
Local Natives, “NYE”
Indie-rock staple Local Natives have returned with “NYE,” the lead single off Time Will Wait For No One and a new balancing act for the band, as its members deliver a characteristically breezy melody with more edge and urgency. Member Ryan Hahn recalled in a statement how the song was inspired by his own wedding, during which the band continued its tradition of performing at one another’s nuptials. Once Hahn’s bandmates started to play a song by The Strokes, “I thought we had to do a fast and wild song — and ‘NYE’ was born.” — Lyndsey Havens
Lauren Daigle, “Ego”
2023 is a major year for Lauren Daigle: fresh off a label deal with Atlantic Records, the Contemporary Christian Music star has now released the first half of her two-volume self-titled album, filled with songs that highlight her brand of personal pop and soulful roots. “Ego” is situated in the sweet spot of Daigle’s register, as she sings in a low and cautionary tone: “Have we lost who we are to the pressure / Trading souls for the sake of the pleasure / I’m done wrestling with my ego / Lord knows it all feels so hollow.” — L.H.
Beverlee, “I Am a Window”
“Don’t have to open all up baby, go slow,” sings Beverlee on new single “I Am a Window.” With its playful rhythms, plinky synths and a recurrent siren, this ode to finding balance in a relationship (which comes with a “lesbian reimagining of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” music video) is an irresistible slice of quirky queer pop, reminiscent of Tune-Yards, from the L.A.-based singer-songwriter. – Joe Lynch
Tucker Nichol, “Long Story Short”
Juxtaposing sensual R&B vibes with blunt lyrical kiss-offs (“to make a long story short, I can’t stand you”), “Long Story Short” finds up-and-comer Tucker Nichol expertly demonstrating that you can move on from a toxic relationship while still feeling yourself. – J. Lynch
Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas and The Voidz, “Infinity Repeating”
Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories turns 10 this month, and to celebrate, the defunct French duo released a deluxe edition of the album featuring several demos from the vault — including the Julian Casablancas and The Voidz collaboration, “Infinity Repeating.” While the original version of the album will cause fans to draw comparisons to “Instant Crush,” “Repeating” serves as its jazzier B-side: Casablancas languidly sings over hi-hat drum beats and trinkling synth keys as he reflects on the fickle nature of humans. – Starr Bowenbank
Albert Hammond Jr. feat. Matt Helders and Steve Stevens, “Thoughtful Distress”
Albert Hammond Jr. rolled out the first half of his fifth studio album, Melodies on Hiatus, last week, and of its nine tracks, “Thoughtful Distress,” serves as a delightful surprise. Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens teamed up with The Strokes member on the song, helping to flesh out its simmering yet groovy instrumental as Hammond Jr. plays tug of war with the object of his affection. – S.B.
Call her mother. Madonna shared her thoughts on motherhood and family in a touching social media post on Sunday, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day. “I miss my mother every day And have fantasized for decades of what it must be like to have a mother to: call on for help, guidance, care And wisdom and […]
Sam Asghari went off on a strongly worded diatribe defending Britney Spears over the weekend.
In a since-expired Instagram Story, the fitness trainer spoke out about people trying to capitalize on her life story and referenced the nearly 15-year legal conservatorship she was placed under for much of the 2000s.
“The last thing I wanna do is speak on my wife’s behalf, I will never do that. I respect her privacy, that’s why I don’t talk as much. And I found it absolutely disgusting for the people that were in her life at the time, when she didn’t have a voice, they went and told her story like it was theirs,” Asghari said. “It was absolutely disgusting.”
“And how are you gonna take the most influential person of our generation, the Princess of Pop, America’s sweetheart, and put her in prison?” he continued. “Where her father tells her what to do, what water to drink, who to see, and use her as a money-making machine. And then all the sudden after fifteen years, when she’s free after all those gaslighting and after all those things that went down, now you’re gonna put her under a microscope and tell her story? No. That’s also disgusting, so don’t do that.”
The model, who first met his future wife on the set of the music video for her Glory-era single “Slumber Party,” then went on to decry coverage of Spears online and cautioned fans not to believe everything they read about the star’s personal life. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, those are all clickbaits for you to click and for them to make money, and that time is over,” he said. “Not gonna allow that, and that should stop. That should stop, absolutely, the gaslighting and all that s–t? Gotta stop.”
While he didn’t mention the project directly, Asghari’s impassioned defense of Spears comes shortly after TMZ announced it would be premiering its new special, TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom, Monday night (May 15) on FOX.
