Another week, another chart analysis. Not many changes this week, but things are certainly starting to move into place, ready for 2017 to really start kicking off. Give it a few weeks, and the last few treats of 2016 will have left us, and we'll have a clearer idea of 2017's definitive 'sound'. Let's get started:
10. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones (Chart Position - 7)
Well, at least it's not Sexual... This song started to enter the charts towards the end of the week, and, frankly, I'm not sure I really like it. I don't know if Jax Jones has had any hits before this, but, on the weakness of this effort, I'm not sure whether he'll be getting anymore. It's major problem - and it's a pretty hefty one - is that it's far too obtuse. It's the same reaction I had to Blurred Lines or Starships: everything just oozes confidence and the smug satisfaction of a guaranteed hit. There's no of the usual things you'd expect from an up-and-coming singer: a different tone, style and subject matter, and a very great restraint in how they present themselves. Having two friends who are trying to get into the music business, I can confirm that they have this: it comes from trial and error and experimentation. But You Don't Know Me feels like Jax Jones set out to make a hit, because it's full of swaggering pomposity. It doesn't help that it's full of auto-tune, the lyrics are nonsensical (even by the bar set by the comically illogical 2016) and everything just feels about 5 attempts away from being something great. It's a shame, as I don't want to put new musicians down, but I really don't like this. Some of the synth melodies are ok though, and it's no worse than Sexual or One Dance, so that's a positive.
9. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur (Chart Position - 6)
I keep saying this, but this song is a real tragedy. If only it had been left alone, it would have been fine. The new mix still hasn't improved in my estimations, and, frankly, I don't think it's going to. I do sometimes think I'm going mad, wondering if I've just made up the original version of this song, but sadly, eveytime I listen to this poor remix, I remember that this song, and artist, had so much more potential in the original edit. I hope for the sake of this song, and broken records, that this leaves the charts in the next week.
8. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie) (Chart Position - 3)
Once again, broken record time. I still am struggling with this song, possibly a little bit more than Say You Won't Let Go. While I was never the world's biggest James Arthur fan (I found he was as disposable as most acts to be churned out of The X Factor), I really liked Clean Bandit before they released this song. Extraordinary, Rather Be, Real Love, Tears: all of them felt exciting and different. But then they release this, and it pales in the light of these giants. Every spark of greatness in the original has been lost here. And while Anne-Marie (no, I've no clue who she is either) is decent, Sean-Paul is just so clearly add-libbing all over the place, with every verse that he sings over ending up frustrating and disappointing. I used to look forward to Clean Bandit's contributions to the charts, but unless they produce something quickly to make me forget this, I won't be anymore.
7. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki (Chart Position - 9)
I can barely remember listening to this song since last week, when I pulled it apart last week... And then I realised: I haven't. I haven't heard it on any major radio stations, no playlists, not even an advert on YouTube. I still don't see why this is in the chart, since I've had no exposure to it this week at all, and I've been studying the charts since the beginning of the year! I've actually had to go back to last week's post to look up what I said about the song there, and I stand by everything there - it's a bland EDM song, and I'm not quite sure how that's happened. I think that this one has only been granted a stay of execution, however, and from next week, this will probably begin a plummet down the chart. And then I'll probably only just remember it by the end of the year.
6. Starboy - The Weeknd (Chart Position - 10)
This song is one of last year's remnants still in the charts, although, judging from the position it's now sat in, I doubt it will be around for much longer. While I do like it - of course I do, it's The Weeknd trying something different, and pulling it off admirably - I do feel that, perhaps it's time for this song to give way to the new releases that are slowly climbing up the chart. It's still an excellent piece of work, but I'm starting to feel that, maybe, this song has outstayed it's welcome.
5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson (Chart Position - 5)
Another of last year's remains (although a much later charter than The Weeknd), this is another song that's stubbornly refusing to move. Although, unlike with Starboy, I feel that's actually for the best, as this is still a song with a lot of charisma. Having been watching a lot of Zara Larsson recently (listening to her other material, seeing her in interviews, watching live performances etc.), I have to say I've been very impressed by what I've seen. While some may wonder why I Would Like is still in the charts, I would argue that it's tiding us over until the next Zara Larsson song is released (which should, I hope, come out any day now). Zara is a great new talent, with a maturity that is, at once, encouraging and unsettling, mostly because she really is that good! As for I Would Like, it's still maintaining it's position because it's such a strong entry, that I think is becoming less of a guilty pleasure, and more of a genuinely enjoyable song. It's certainly miles better than it's rival Sexual.
4. Touch - Little Mix (Chart Position - 4)
We have movement! Yes, for the first time this year, a song has changed positions. Now, this isn't anything to do with the song's quality, as it's a perfectly good entry. However, some listening to certain songs at the top of the chart have forced this one to come down just a little bit. It's still a pretty good song though, with the same strength, strong beat and powerful vocals we've come to expect from the Little Mix girls, however. Another hang-over from last year, but one that, like I Would Like, has held it's position, and proved it's worth.
3. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man (Chart Position - 8)
Another song that has slipped down the chart, however this isn't a detriment on quality. Stiff competition, and possible overplay, have pushed this song out of the top spot it was in last week, but that's nothing to be ashamed of. Last week, I said the amount of times I listened to this song was in the triple digits, and that's true still. Sadly, the fresher, more recent songs of a certain redhead have pushed this down a little bit in my estimations, but I still stand by everything that I said last week, the same as I did for I Would Like and Touch. This is still a great song, Rag'n'Bone Man are a great find and I hope they win at the BRIT Awards. However, I just need a period to avoid the song, just to get it out of my head for a bit. And then I'll be able to come back to it, and have a fresh appreciation for it.
2. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran (Chart Position - 1)
It's quite hard to pit these two songs against each other, since they are two rather different beasts. Shape Of You is still a success, possibly more so than Castle On The Hill because, on every chart, it has lead over Castle On The Hill, and I still adore it. I've seen this one crop up on a lot of easy listening playlists, and, I have to say, they're rings some truth their. All the melodies and beats are perfect for that genre: you could just sink away listening to it. I, in particular, love the way Sheeran uses his voice. He plays around with it in so many different ways that it makes it seem effortless, and the song feels like it flows perfectly. He's leading us on a journey, something that I think is so key to this songs success. Backed up by all the strong work that goes into the song, you get an excellent hit that is truly deserving of the title.
1. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran (Chart Position - 2)
You may be wondering why this is here, and the answer is no, it's not my facetious nature putting this song here. I have gained a great appreciation for this song recently, and I think that's completely born out. My only complaint with this song last week I've kind of decided to ignore, just because the storytelling here is so strong. It's so clear we're going on a journey with Sheeran here. A journey that, as I've been listening to this song a bit more, I've started to appreciate. Like Shape Of You, Sheeran's vocals carry you through: no part of the song is an extended instrumental to cover any deficiencies of the performer. It's just Ed, guiding us through the story that he wants to tell. I this this song is better than Shape Of You: possibly because it's more light-hearted than that song, and I'm in the mood for that, or maybe because it feels more personal, like Sheeran is telling us about his only life. But, truth be told, I don't think I really know. I suspect that it might be interesting watching these songs fluctuate over the next month or two.
So, this is the Spotify Chart cross-compared with my listings for ease of reference:
Spotify:
1. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran
2. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran
3. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)
4. Touch - Little Mix
5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson
6. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
7. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones
8. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man
9. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki
10. Starboy - The Weeknd
Me:
1. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran
2. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran
3. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man
4. Touch - Little Mix
5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson
6. Starboy - The Weeknd
7. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki
8. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)
9. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
10. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones
That's your lot for this week! Join me next week as I delve into the chart's once more, and we'll see if more changes are to be made!
10. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones (Chart Position - 7)
Well, at least it's not Sexual... This song started to enter the charts towards the end of the week, and, frankly, I'm not sure I really like it. I don't know if Jax Jones has had any hits before this, but, on the weakness of this effort, I'm not sure whether he'll be getting anymore. It's major problem - and it's a pretty hefty one - is that it's far too obtuse. It's the same reaction I had to Blurred Lines or Starships: everything just oozes confidence and the smug satisfaction of a guaranteed hit. There's no of the usual things you'd expect from an up-and-coming singer: a different tone, style and subject matter, and a very great restraint in how they present themselves. Having two friends who are trying to get into the music business, I can confirm that they have this: it comes from trial and error and experimentation. But You Don't Know Me feels like Jax Jones set out to make a hit, because it's full of swaggering pomposity. It doesn't help that it's full of auto-tune, the lyrics are nonsensical (even by the bar set by the comically illogical 2016) and everything just feels about 5 attempts away from being something great. It's a shame, as I don't want to put new musicians down, but I really don't like this. Some of the synth melodies are ok though, and it's no worse than Sexual or One Dance, so that's a positive. 
9. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur (Chart Position - 6)I keep saying this, but this song is a real tragedy. If only it had been left alone, it would have been fine. The new mix still hasn't improved in my estimations, and, frankly, I don't think it's going to. I do sometimes think I'm going mad, wondering if I've just made up the original version of this song, but sadly, eveytime I listen to this poor remix, I remember that this song, and artist, had so much more potential in the original edit. I hope for the sake of this song, and broken records, that this leaves the charts in the next week.
8. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie) (Chart Position - 3)
Once again, broken record time. I still am struggling with this song, possibly a little bit more than Say You Won't Let Go. While I was never the world's biggest James Arthur fan (I found he was as disposable as most acts to be churned out of The X Factor), I really liked Clean Bandit before they released this song. Extraordinary, Rather Be, Real Love, Tears: all of them felt exciting and different. But then they release this, and it pales in the light of these giants. Every spark of greatness in the original has been lost here. And while Anne-Marie (no, I've no clue who she is either) is decent, Sean-Paul is just so clearly add-libbing all over the place, with every verse that he sings over ending up frustrating and disappointing. I used to look forward to Clean Bandit's contributions to the charts, but unless they produce something quickly to make me forget this, I won't be anymore.7. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki (Chart Position - 9)
I can barely remember listening to this song since last week, when I pulled it apart last week... And then I realised: I haven't. I haven't heard it on any major radio stations, no playlists, not even an advert on YouTube. I still don't see why this is in the chart, since I've had no exposure to it this week at all, and I've been studying the charts since the beginning of the year! I've actually had to go back to last week's post to look up what I said about the song there, and I stand by everything there - it's a bland EDM song, and I'm not quite sure how that's happened. I think that this one has only been granted a stay of execution, however, and from next week, this will probably begin a plummet down the chart. And then I'll probably only just remember it by the end of the year. 6. Starboy - The Weeknd (Chart Position - 10)
This song is one of last year's remnants still in the charts, although, judging from the position it's now sat in, I doubt it will be around for much longer. While I do like it - of course I do, it's The Weeknd trying something different, and pulling it off admirably - I do feel that, perhaps it's time for this song to give way to the new releases that are slowly climbing up the chart. It's still an excellent piece of work, but I'm starting to feel that, maybe, this song has outstayed it's welcome. 5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson (Chart Position - 5)
Another of last year's remains (although a much later charter than The Weeknd), this is another song that's stubbornly refusing to move. Although, unlike with Starboy, I feel that's actually for the best, as this is still a song with a lot of charisma. Having been watching a lot of Zara Larsson recently (listening to her other material, seeing her in interviews, watching live performances etc.), I have to say I've been very impressed by what I've seen. While some may wonder why I Would Like is still in the charts, I would argue that it's tiding us over until the next Zara Larsson song is released (which should, I hope, come out any day now). Zara is a great new talent, with a maturity that is, at once, encouraging and unsettling, mostly because she really is that good! As for I Would Like, it's still maintaining it's position because it's such a strong entry, that I think is becoming less of a guilty pleasure, and more of a genuinely enjoyable song. It's certainly miles better than it's rival Sexual.4. Touch - Little Mix (Chart Position - 4)
We have movement! Yes, for the first time this year, a song has changed positions. Now, this isn't anything to do with the song's quality, as it's a perfectly good entry. However, some listening to certain songs at the top of the chart have forced this one to come down just a little bit. It's still a pretty good song though, with the same strength, strong beat and powerful vocals we've come to expect from the Little Mix girls, however. Another hang-over from last year, but one that, like I Would Like, has held it's position, and proved it's worth. 3. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man (Chart Position - 8)
Another song that has slipped down the chart, however this isn't a detriment on quality. Stiff competition, and possible overplay, have pushed this song out of the top spot it was in last week, but that's nothing to be ashamed of. Last week, I said the amount of times I listened to this song was in the triple digits, and that's true still. Sadly, the fresher, more recent songs of a certain redhead have pushed this down a little bit in my estimations, but I still stand by everything that I said last week, the same as I did for I Would Like and Touch. This is still a great song, Rag'n'Bone Man are a great find and I hope they win at the BRIT Awards. However, I just need a period to avoid the song, just to get it out of my head for a bit. And then I'll be able to come back to it, and have a fresh appreciation for it. 2. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran (Chart Position - 1)
It's quite hard to pit these two songs against each other, since they are two rather different beasts. Shape Of You is still a success, possibly more so than Castle On The Hill because, on every chart, it has lead over Castle On The Hill, and I still adore it. I've seen this one crop up on a lot of easy listening playlists, and, I have to say, they're rings some truth their. All the melodies and beats are perfect for that genre: you could just sink away listening to it. I, in particular, love the way Sheeran uses his voice. He plays around with it in so many different ways that it makes it seem effortless, and the song feels like it flows perfectly. He's leading us on a journey, something that I think is so key to this songs success. Backed up by all the strong work that goes into the song, you get an excellent hit that is truly deserving of the title. 1. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran (Chart Position - 2)
You may be wondering why this is here, and the answer is no, it's not my facetious nature putting this song here. I have gained a great appreciation for this song recently, and I think that's completely born out. My only complaint with this song last week I've kind of decided to ignore, just because the storytelling here is so strong. It's so clear we're going on a journey with Sheeran here. A journey that, as I've been listening to this song a bit more, I've started to appreciate. Like Shape Of You, Sheeran's vocals carry you through: no part of the song is an extended instrumental to cover any deficiencies of the performer. It's just Ed, guiding us through the story that he wants to tell. I this this song is better than Shape Of You: possibly because it's more light-hearted than that song, and I'm in the mood for that, or maybe because it feels more personal, like Sheeran is telling us about his only life. But, truth be told, I don't think I really know. I suspect that it might be interesting watching these songs fluctuate over the next month or two.So, this is the Spotify Chart cross-compared with my listings for ease of reference:
Spotify:
1. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran
2. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran
3. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)
4. Touch - Little Mix
5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson
6. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
7. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones
8. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man
9. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki
10. Starboy - The Weeknd
Me:
1. Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran
2. Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran
3. Human - Rag'n'Bone Man
4. Touch - Little Mix
5. I Would Like - Zara Larsson
6. Starboy - The Weeknd
7. Just Hold On - Steve Aoki
8. Rockabye - Clean Bandit (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)
9. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
10. You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones
That's your lot for this week! Join me next week as I delve into the chart's once more, and we'll see if more changes are to be made!
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