Bad Bunny Won Big

The artist some pundits suggested wasn't popular among enough of America just became the biggest halftime performer of all time.

Feb 12 • Matt Bailey

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Um Actually... Bad Bunny is a Big Freakin’ Deal

How does the star of this year's Super bowl halftime show stack up with other big-name artists? And why outrage about Puerto-Rican musicians at sports…

Feb 5 • Matt Bailey

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January 2026

No, Hip Hop Didn’t Die in 2025 (But it Did Lose its Dominance on Streaming in 2022)

When Hip hop fans used Spotify, Pop fans bought iTunes, and Country fans relied on radio, comparing genre popularity was tricky, even for Billboard. Why…

Jan 22 • Matt Bailey

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Did 2025’s Hits Sound Just Like 2024’s Hits? That’s Because They Were.

Only one of the Top 10 songs from 2025 was actually released in 2025. Why was it such a stagnantly lousy year for new music?

Jan 8 • Matt Bailey

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December 2025

In the Streaming Era, these 12 Christmas Classics are Disappearing

You’ve heard them forever. Many are still on your radio. As we move into the streaming era, however, these longtime staples no longer make the cut for…

Dec 18, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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We (Apparently) Need a Little Christmas Right This Very Minute

Americans started listening to more Christmas music earlier than ever before this year. Why America's growing stress and uncertainty has sent us seeking…

Dec 4, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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November 2025

Is Your Radio Station Serving Expired Hits?

Nov 20, 2025 • Matt Bailey

Billboard Has Had Enough of Your Teddy Swims

The Hot 100 Songs Chart has sweeping new rules that kick out older songs. You’d reasonably assume Streaming inspired this change. This time, you'd be…

Nov 6, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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October 2025

America's Halloween Playlist

As Halloween has become a bigger cultural event, it now has its own holiday cannon. Some of the songs that are now Halloween songs might surprise you.

Oct 23, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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They Burned Bright and Burned Out Fast

These artists statistically had the biggest careers over the shortest period of time. Could three of today’s biggest stars join the list?

Oct 9, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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September 2025

Why Are So Many 2025 Follow-Ups Flops?

From 2024's breakout artists to long-successful Pop icons, 2025 has been a highly disappointing year for follow up hits. Why are so many songs from…

Sep 25, 2025 • Matt Bailey

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An Announcement for my Radio Friends

After months of analyzing thousands of songs' streaming patterns, I'm debuting a new service to help you pick your market's biggest hits.

Sep 16, 2025 • Matt Bailey