Greatest Hits of 2018

Attention!!!

Whether it was God's plan or Drake's plan, we will never know. But the year belonged to Champagne Papi. Alongside Post Malone and Cardi B, Drake revamped the landscape of Rap, R&B and Hip-Hop. The genre grew in leaps and bounds under the guidance of the trio, particularly Cardi B, as she spearheaded the campaign of Rap and Hip-Hop into Pop, Latin Pop and even EDM. Fusion was indeed the order of the day, with mega collaborations being tested left, right and center. 

Pop music which took a backseat in the first half of the year, returned with gusto with Ariana Grande leading the pack. EDM was also prominent throughout the year with memorable tracks produced by Marshmello, Zedd and Calvin Harris. However, it was quite conspicuous during the year that the newer artists have restrained themselves from adhering to a pure genre which is the reason for their vast popularity. Movie soundtracks also played a greater role in the charts this year with A Star is Born, Black Panther and The Greatest Showman experiencing monumental success. 

Drake's global chart topper, God's Plan takes the crown in this year's list with Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa's mammoth hit One Kiss taking second place. In terms of genre, Hip-Hop and Pop is dominant in this compilation. Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Post Malone, Dua Lipa and Drake leads with 3 entries each followed by Marshmello, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Camila Cabello, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar and Anne-Marie with 2 entries each. The list this year was compiled based on worldwide charts mainly considering the US and UK charts but also giving weight to the success achieved in the European markets as well as Canada and Oceania. So here are the top 50 songs of 2018:

1. Drake – God’s plan
2. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – One kiss
3. Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Psycho
4. Cardi B, J Balvin & Bad Bunny – I like it
5. Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B – Girls like you
6. Drake – In my feelings
7. Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry
8. Post Malone – Better now
9. Clean Bandit ft. Demi Lovato – Solo
10. Drake – Nice for what
11. Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey – The middle
12. Marshmello & Anne-Marie – FRIENDS
13. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
14. Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – Meant to be
15. Rudimental ft. Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen – These days
16. Ed Sheeran – Perfect
17. Benny Blanco, Halsey & Khalid – Eastside
18. Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – Rockstar
19. Kendrick Lamar & SZA – All the stars
20. Camila Cabello – Never be the same
21. Taylor Swift – Delicate
22. Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran – River
23. Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana
24. Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – Finesse
25. 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood 
26. Juice Wrld – Lucid dreams
27. Childish Gambino – This is America
28. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow
29. DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo & Chance the Rapper – No brainer
30. Calvin Harris & Sam Smith – Promises
31. XXXTentacion – Sad!
32. Lil Dicky ft. Chris Brown – Freaky Friday
33. George Ezra – Shotgun
34. Selena Gomez – Back to you
35. Travis Scott – Sicko mode
36. Halsey – Without me
37. Dua Lipa – IDGAF
38. The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – Pray for me
39. 6ix9ine ft. Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz – Fefe
40. Marshmello & Bastille – Happier
41. Ariana Grande – God is a woman
42. Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton – Say something
43. Anne-Marie – 2002
44. Dua Lipa – New rules
45. Tyga ft. Offset – Taste
46. Keala Settle – This is me
47. Khalid & Normani – Love lies
48. Panic! At the Disco – High hopes
49. Jonas Blue ft. Jack & Jack – Rise
50. Ella Mai – Boo’d up  

Till the next ensemble...

At Ease!!!

Most Underrated Songs of 2017

Attention!!!

Now that we have skimmed through the overrated hits of yesteryear, it is time to take a glance at those songs that were overlooked. Before moving on to the year-end compilations of 2018, we must finally recognize those undervalued records that were passed over for one reason or the other. Similar to the overrated hits, we have reduced the number of entries to make room for the explanations. However, here too we have the honorable entries. 

It is quite interesting to note that most of the underrated songs on this list are by well-known mainstream artists unlike the compilation last year. Some of the reasons that these tracks did not receive the due recognition was that 2017 was a gargantuan year for pop with heavy weights such as Ed Sheeran maintaining chart dominance and a sudden wave of Spanglish remixes and rap overtaking the industry in the latter part of the year. Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd’s Lust for Life takes the crown, with DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj’s Kissing Strangers  in second place. As far as genres are concerned, the entire list is pop with subgenres of electropop, dreampop, synthpop and dancepop in the mix. So here are the 15 most underrated songs of 2017:

1. Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd – Lust for life

As far as dreampop goes Del Rey always manages to deliver. Lust for Life sees her collaborating with The Weeknd and hit making producer Max Martin on the title track of the global chart topping album. The sultry production includes a creative music video and is a departure from the melancholic undertones of her other hits achieving the perfect duet. The failure of this song to achieve its chart potential may be Del Rey’s mistake in overlooking this track and releasing Love as the lead single.

2. DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj – Kissing strangers

It is absolutely bewildering how Cake by the Ocean was such a monumental hit and this being equally great failed to even chart. This fast paced dance pop track features Nicki Minaj who delivers a banger of a rap verse. While the charts did not acknowledge its worth, radio stations and dance floors worldwide recognized its value.

3. Lorde ft. Post Malone, Khalid & SZA – Homemade dynamite

It was extremely surprising to see that this did not receive the chart success it deserved considering the current chart darlings featured on the record. While the single version does not give out much oomph, the remix featuring the other trio really adds color to a somewhat somber anthem.  This perfect collaboration fuses R&B with Synthpop and sees the individual artists complementing each other’s genres and presence on the track. 

4. Taylor Swift – Call it what you want

Hailing from the much anticipated album Reputation, this soft pop ballad really outshines all the rest including the lead single Look What You Made Me Do, the edgy starter ….Ready For It? and the radio hit Delicate. However, Swift only released this as a promotional single. It’s a shame since we never even got the chance to witness whether it will have any potential on the charts.

5. Bruno Mars vs. David Guetta – Versace on the floor

Mars’ 24K Magic is not everyone’s kettle of fish as even his sweeping Grammy wins were heavily criticized by those who believed there were other nominees that deserved the wins over him. One thing for sure, out of the singles released from the album this definitely stands out. While the single is good, Guetta’s remix adds more flavour to the song, producing a dance anthem out of the otherwise very slow and laidback record.

6. Nick Jonas – Find you

This pop track featuring an acoustic guitar and an understated electronic beat is better than all of his previous singles combined. Released as the second single off his upcoming fourth studio album, the track was also performed at the American Music Awards last year. While live performances of such caliber usually boost sales and as a result chart movements, it is surprising how badly this single performed.   

7. Ariana Grande ft. Future – Everyday

This electropop and trap record was the fourth single off her third studio album Dangerous Woman. Three hits preceded this track all different from the other. However, this was the edgiest out of all of them with an EDM banger of a chorus and a verse by Future. The reason due to its mediocre performance could be Grande’s continued presence in the charts and radio for over a year leading to fans getting a bit tired of Grande particularly with Side to Side which ruled airplay for quite a while. So this should have been ideally released as the second single after the title lead single. 

8. Echosmith – Goodbye

Echosmith first entered the mainstream with their insecurity anthem Cool Kids. However, they have failed to garner any attention since then. Goodbye is a promotional single off their third EP Inside a Dream. It features a catchy guitar riff accompanied by memorable lyrics and a peppy beat. When the song was released accompanied by a music video preceding the album, the record was considered and ideally suited to be the lead single. However, Echosmith too committed the fatal mistake of passing this and selecting Over My Head as the lead single.

9. Niall Horan – Too much to ask

As far as music goes, Horan has far exceeded the expectations of all One Directioners. He turned out to be the most creative in his music surpassing Liam Payne with his mainstream fetish, Harry Styles with his glam rock feel, Zayn Mallik with his tripping sound and Louis Tomlinson with only his fan appeal. His single Too Much to Ask follows in the footsteps of his hit Slow Hands. While it received moderate chart success this slow pop ballad should have fared better.

10. Stargate ft. Pink & Sia – Waterfall

Stargate is a Norwegian production duo behind the biggest hits in the industry ranging from those of Beyonce, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Wiz Khalifa, Selena Gomez, Coldplay, Tinie Tempah and many more. So when they released a track of their own featuring the powerful vocals of Sia and Pink, it was predicted to be a chart success. But this proved to be wrong as the record failed to gain any ground even in their home state, only achieving moderate success in Australia.  

Honorable mentions

11. David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne – Light my body up

12. Olly Murs & Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable

13. Gabrielle Aplin – Love so slow

14. Halsey ft. Lauren Jauregui – Strangers

15. Pixie Lott ft. Stylo G – Won’t forget you

Till the next chord...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - August, 2018

Attention!!!

So many accolades were given this summer. The always anticipated MTV Video Music Awards were held with Cardi B leading the nominations with 12 nods out of which she won 3 including Best New Artist. Childish Gambino also won 3 awards Video with a Message, Best Choreography and Best Direction all for This is America. However, it was Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug who took home the coveted Video of the Year for Havana. The night included star studded performances including Nicki Minaj with a medley of her newest singles Majesty, Barbie Dreams, Ganja Burns and Fefe, Shawn Mendes with In My Blood, Ariana Grande with God is a Woman and Post Malone, 21 Savage and Aerosmith with a medley of Rockstar, Dream On and Toys in the Attic. However, the best performance of the night was from Jennifer Lopez, the recipient of the Video Vanguard Award, who performed a medley of her hits including Waiting for Tonight, On the Floor, Love Don’t Cost a Thing, All I Have and Dinero. Other significant wins of the night included:

·         Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello

·         Song of the Year: Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – Rockstar

·         Best Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez ft. Cardi B & DJ Khaled – Dinero

·         Best Pop: Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry

·         Best Dance: Avicii ft. Rita Ora – Lonely together

·         Song of the Summer: Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – I like it

Next up we have the 2018 Teen Choice Awards where 5 Seconds of Summer was the clear leader with 3 wins including Choice Music Group, Choice Summer Group and Choice Song: Group for YoungBlood. In terms of performances Meghan Trainor performed a medley of her hits No Excuses and Let You Be Right, Lauv performed I Like Me Better and Bebe Rexha performed I’m a Mess. Other big winners include:

·         Choice Male Artist: Louis Tomlinson

·         Choice Female Artist: Camila Cabello

·         Choice Breakout Artist: Khalid

·         Choice International Artist: BTS

·         Choice Song: Male Artist: Ed Sheeran – Perfect

·         Choice Song: Female Artist: Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana

·         Choice Collaboration: Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the stars

·         Choice Summer Song: Selena Gomez – Back to you

Finally we have the 2018 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards where Shawn Mendes swept 4 awards out of whopping 8 nominations including Best Pop Artist or Group, Artist of the Year, Fan Fav Artist and Fan Fav Video for In My Blood. Mendes opened and closed the night as well with performances of Lost in Japan and In My Blood. Other noteworthy performances were Halsey with a medley of Sorry and Bad at Love, 5 Seconds of Summer with YoungBlood and Marshmello & Anne Marie with a medley of 2002 and Friends. Some of the other major victors were:

·         Video of the Year: Logic ft. Khalid & Alessia Cara – 1-800-273-8255

·         Best EDM/Dance Artist or Group: Marshmello

·         Best Director: Drake – God’s plan

·         Best Collaboration: Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – Meant to be

·         Song of the Summer: Loud Luxury ft. Brando – Body

·         Fan Fav Single: Selena Gomez & Marshmello – Wolves

  

The music industry suffered a massive blow in August as cancer took its latest victim, this time the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Franklin passed away in her home in Detroit at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer for a while. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time and is the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards. She held the record for the highest chart entries in the US till the 2010s and remains an icon and a legend for those succeeding her legacy. Her contribution to music and the industry as a whole is unmatched, and her achievements shall remain historic compared to the discrimination suffered by her gender and ethnicity during her heyday.   

In other news Sir Cliff Richard has announced a new album called Rise Up to be released in November. This will be Richard’s first new material in 14 years. Speaking of new material Culture Club has been re-branded as Boy George & Culture Club and they released a new song in nearly two decades called Let Somebody Love You. It appears you may have to wait a little bit longer for Ed Sheeran’s Minus (-) which will complete the set, as the pop star has expressed that the next record will not be a pop record but something experimental. Nevertheless, the fans may not have to wait as long as a big pop record as Sheeran has stated the new material may be out as early as next year.

Boyzone began their 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour and their first gig was in Sri Lanka where they paid tribute to their former band mate Stephen Gately as well as going on to perform their newest single Because live for the first time (catch a glimpse of the live debut on the Major Maestro FB page). Meanwhile, Alan Walker was announced to play live in Sri Lanka during the Asian Leg of his global tour.

In chart news first and foremost congratulations to the Billboard Hot 100 which celebrated their 60th anniversary since its launch on 04th August 1958 with Ricky Nelson’s Poor Little Fool as the first ever No.1. At present Drake’s reign in the US continued with In My Feelings throughout the month with no competition to its position whatsoever boosted by the Kiki Challenge going viral on social media. During the month 6ix9ine featuring Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz’s Fefe, Tyga featuring Offset’s Taste, DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper & Quavo’s No Brainer and Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode all entered the top 10.  

In the UK too, Drake continued atop the charts with In My Feelings which was ended by George Ezra’s Shotgun in the fourth week of the month and continued its reign in the final week as well. During the month DJ Khaled’s No Brainer, Loud Luxury featuring Brando’s Body, Calvin Harris & Sam Smith’s Promises and Benny Blanco, Halsey & Khalid’s Eastside all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       Jess Glynne – All I am

2.       Marshmello & Bastille – Happier  

3.       The Chainsmokers ft. Emily Warren – Side effects

4.       Martin Garrix ft. Bonn – High on life

5.       Meghan Trainor – All the ways

      6.    Bazzi ft. Camila Cabello – Beautiful

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - June, 2018

Attention!!!

It's the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards and the K-Pop band BTS is the big winner taking home Best Group, Fiercest Fans for the BTS Army, Best Song That Makes You Smile for DNA and Best Dance Track for Steve Aoki's Remix of their Mic Drop. Their was only one good performance of the night and that was by Kelly Clarkson who won the Icon Award whose medley included her hits Miss Independent, Since U Been Gone, My Life Would Suck Without You, Catch My Breath, Stronger and Heat. Other wins of the night included:

• Best Artist: Shawn Mendes
• Breakout Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello
• Song of the Year: Camila Cabello - Havana
• Best New Artist: Bebe Rexha
• Best Collaboration: Kygo ft. Selena Gomez - It ain't me
• Impact Award: Janet Jackson

The BET Awards 2018 were also held in June with Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar each taking 2 awards with the former taking Viewer's Choice Award for Bodak Yellow and the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and the latter winning Album of the Year for DAMN. and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. A tribute to Anita Baker saw Yolanda Adams, Ledisi and Marsha Ambrosious performing a medley of Caught Up In Love, Sweet Rapture and You Bring Me Joy. Other good performances of the night included Nicki Minaj with a medley of Chun-Li and Rich Sex and Migos' Walk It Talk It and Stir Fry. Other significant wins of the night included:

• Video of the Year: Drake - God's Plan
• Best Collaboration: DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller - Wild thoughts
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyonce
• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Bruno Mars 
• Best Duo/Group: Migos
• Best New Artist: SZA

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup taking place in Russia, the much awaited World Cup Anthem - Live It Up was released, a collaboration by Nicky Jam, Will Smith and Era Istrefi. This was such an abysmal attempt at creating an inspirational hit, that fell far short from much hyped up expectations. The song brought back a forgotten 90s rapper, combined it with a Kosovar artist to give it a Russian flavour and tried to wrap the whole melodic mess up with a popular Latin artist, exploiting the renewed Spanglish wave. Even the Coca Cola sponsored Colors by Jason Derulo is better. I don't even want to comment on the mediocre performance at the Opening Ceremony.  

In the latest developments in the lawsuit between Kesha vs. Dr.Luke, in a redacted document filed in court a text message to Lady Gaga by Kesha was found alleging that Dr.Luke had raped Katy Perry. Now in the defamation suit that is ongoing Dr.Luke is seeking damages for the harm caused by Kesha's alleged malicious falsehoods. However, Kesha is claiming that these may be already in public record via social media and even court filings and that an averse decision against her would have a detrimental future effect on rape and domestic violence victims. 

In other news, Boyzone announced its farewell tour marking their 25th Anniversary commencing from none other than Sri Lanka. Foreigner also announced their first ever reunion performance, this time featuring all the original members. The Cardigans also announced their 20th Anniversary Tour which would promote their new album Gran Turismo. Meanwhile, Britney Spears announced a mega collaboration alongside Pitbull and Marc Anthony. 

This month too, we bade farewell to a rising artist - XXXTentacion. Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy whose stage name was XXXTentacion was shot at a motorcycle dealership, when he was leaving the premises in an apparent robbery. He was in critical condition before being pronounced death at the hospital. This 20-year old had a bright future ahead of him, as he was just starting his career and experiencing commercial success for his albums and singles. His lead single Sad! off his second album peaked in the US following his murder. 

In chart news, in the US, Drake's Nice For What returned to the top ending Childish Gambino's short reign with This Is America in the last two weeks of May. Drake was overthrown by Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign's Psycho in the third week which he regained in the fourth week, but only to be displaced by XXXTentacion's Sad! which peaked following the latter's death. During the month Ella Mai's Boo'd Up, BTS' Fake Love and Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B's Girls Like You entered the top 10.

In the UK, Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa's One Kiss continued its reign for the first three weeks of the month accumulating 8 whopping weeks at the top which was then replaced by Jess Glynne's I'll Be There, which in turn was replaced by Clean Bandit ft. Demi Lovato's Solo. During the month George Ezra's Shotgun, Cardi B, J Balvin & Bad Bunny's I Like It and Years & Years' If You're Over Me all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1. Kanye West - Yikes
2. Lil Baby & Drake - Yes indeed
3. Selena Gomez - Back to you
4. Rita Ora, Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX - Girls
5. Shawn Mendes - Nervous 
6. Juice WRLD - Lucid dreams 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - March, 2018

Attention!!!

The curtains closed on the biggest night for music scores and original songs for visual media. At the 2018 Academy Awards Alexandre Desplat received the award for his Original Score on The Shape of Water which went onto win the Best Director and Best Picture as well. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez took home their second prize for Original Song for Remember Me from Coco. Prior to this the Lopez’ received the award for their song Let It Go written for Disney’s box office hit Frozen in 2014.

Ed Sheeran was the top recipient at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards sweeping 4 awards including Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for Shape of You. Some great performances of the night were Camila Cabello & Young Thug with their hit Havana, Charlie Puth with How Long and Cardi B who won Best New Artist performed a medley of her hits Bartier Cardi, MotorSport, No Limit (with G-Eazy), Finesse and Bodak Yellow. Bon Jovi who received the Icon Award also played a medley of It’s My Life and Who Gives Love a Bad Name. Taylor Swift who was the recipient of the Female Artist of the Year premiered the music video for her newest single Delicate at the ceremony. Some of the other significant wins were:

• Best Duo/Group of the Year: Maroon 5
• Best Collaboration: The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this
• Alternative Rock Song of the Year: Portugal. The Man – Feel it still
• Country Song of the Year: Sam Hunt – Body like a back road
• Dance Song of the Year: Zedd & Alessia Cara – Stay
• Hip-Hop Song of the Year: DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild thoughts
• R&B Song of the Year: Bruno Mars – That’s what I like
• Latin Song of the Year: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – Despacito
• Best Music Video: Harry Styles – Sign of the times
• Best Tour: U2

Luis Fonsi and Residente were honored with the President’s Award and the Champion’s Award respectively at the BMI Latin Awards for their social work and philanthropy as well as their status as songwriters and artists with immense contributions to the Latin community.

The biggest shock of the month or not something super shocking was when Fifth Harmony (or Fourth after Cabello left in 2016) announced their hiatus to pursue solo endeavours. However, their upcoming shows through to the end of 2018 will go ahead as planned. Fifth Harmony seems to be another casualty of the curse where a group could not survive the departure of a member. Prior to this One Direction went on a hiatus, one year after Zayn Malik left to pursue a solo career.  

On the legal front in the music industry, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the jury’s verdict in the District Court wherein damages were awarded against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for infringing the copyrights of Marvin Gaye’s hit Got To Give It Up in their global hit Blurred Lines. The decision was a huge victory for Gaye’s family who was awarded US $ 5.3 million by the jury. Whilst the industry had mixed opinions with some believing this may hinder musical creativity, some believe that artists should be more responsible in their creations so as not to sample existing music without proper authorizations and royalties.

Meanwhile in chart news, in the US, Drake’s God Plan continued its formidable reign in the US with no proper competition except for Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign’s Psycho which debuted at No.2 during the month. During the month Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey’s The Middle, XXXTentacion’s Sad! and Lil Dicky featuring Chris Brown’s Freaky Friday all entered the top 10.  

In the UK too, Drake’s God’s Plan remained at the top during the entirety of the month with Rudimental featuring Macklemore, Jess Glynne Dan Caplen’s These Days struggling at No.2 throughout. During the month Marshmello & Anne Marie’s Friends, Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s All the Stars, Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton’s Say Something and Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey’s The Middle all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       George Ezra – Paradise

2.       Sigala & Paloma Faith – Lullaby

3.       Troye Sivan – My my my!

4.       Calum Scott & Leona Lewis – You are the reason

5.       Iggy Azalea ft. Quavo – Savior

6.       Niall Horan – On the loose

7.       Pink – Whatever you want

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - December, 2017

Attention!!!

While the awards season officially came to a close we had other accolades to be given. These were the year-end coronations. Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You was a no-shocker there as it crowned almost all the major year-end charts worldwide from US and UK to Canada and Australia. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber’s Despacito was a close second as it was released later in the year as a Spanglish remix. In the US, it was a clearly male dominated chart with Halsey being the lone female within the top 10, even that only as a featured role in The Chainsmokers’ Closer. In the UK too it was not too different as there were only two females featured in the top 10: Zara Larsson featured on Clean Bandit’s Symphony and Raye featured on Jax Jones’ You Don’t Know Me. The top 10 for the major markets are as follows:

#	United States	United Kingdom	Australia	Canada
1	Ed Sheeran – Shape of you	Ed Sheeran – Shape of you	Ed Sheeran – Shape of you	Ed Sheeran – Shape of you
2	Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito	Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito	Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito	Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito
3	Bruno Mars – That’s what I like	Ed Sheeran – Castle on the hill	Ed Sheeran – Castle on the hill	The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – Closer
4	Kendrick Lamar – Humble.	French Montana ft. Swae Lee – Unforgettable	Ed Sheeran – Perfect	The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this
5	The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this	Ed Sheeran – Galway girl	The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this	French Montana ft. Swae Lee – Unforgettable
6	Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – Bad and boujee	Ed Sheeran – Perfect	Imagine Dragons – Thunder	The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – Starboy
7	The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – Closer	Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson – Symphony	Ed Sheeran – Galway girl	Bruno Mars – That’s what I like
8	Sam Hunt – Body like a bad road	Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Human	Kendrick Lamar – Humble.	Kygo & Selena Gomez – It ain’t me
9	Imagine Dragons – Believer	The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this	Macklemore ft. Skylar Grey – Glorious	Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye
10	Post Malone ft. Quavo – Congratulations	Jax Jones ft. Raye – You don’t know me	Shawn Mendes – There’s nothing holdin’ me back	DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne – I’m the one

Although the BRIT Awards 2018 are to be held in February, as per the norm the winner of the BRITs Critics Choice was announced. Beating competition from Mabel and Stefflon Don, Jorja Smith was announced as the winner of the coveted award. She follows in the footsteps of Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and most recently Rag ‘n’ Bone Man who proved he indeed has what it takes to be a superstar.

In reality TV news, the X Factor had its grand finale in December where Rak-Su emerged victorious over Grace Davies after an intense last battle. Rak-Su won with their own original song Dimelo which features Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy. Another significance of this victory is that they are only the second group to have won the show after Little Mix and the only boy band to win it. Mentored by Simon Cowell, the foursome managed to win the audience and was a much easier win being the clear favorites unlike the year before.

It was also revealed at the end of the month that The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and Bee Gees founder member Barry Gibb had been awarded knighthoods in the Queen’s New Year Honours. Other honorees include grime star Wiley, real name Richard Cowie, who is awarded an MBE for his services to music.

On the other side of the world, the lead singer of K-Pop band SHINee Kim Jong-hyun was found unconscious at his home and dead upon admission to hospital at the age of 27. His death is considered to be ruled as an apparent suicide.   

In the US, Post Malone ft. 21 Savage’s Rockstar continued its reign till the third week until Ed Sheeran’s Perfect took the crown fueled by a duet version with Beyonce and continued at the top for the rest of the month. During the month Migos, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B entered the top 10 with MotorSport and Mariah Carey entered the top 10 with her Christmas classic All I Want For Christmas Is You, which achieved its chart peak 23 years since it was originally released.   

In the UK, Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug’s Havana began the month at the top but was dethroned again by Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. Perfect remained at the top throughout even grabbing the coveted Christmas No.1. During the month Clean Bandit ft. Julia Michaels' I Miss You, MK’s 17 and Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran’s River all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       NF – Let you down

2.       Dua Lipa – IDGAF

3.       Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran & Future – End game

4.       Inna – Nirvana

5.       Camila Cabello – Never be the same

6.       Halsey & G-Eazy – Him & I

7.       Jason Derulo ft. French Montana – Tip toe 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Greatest Hits of 2017

Attention!!!

2017 was the year of Ed. With monumental sales for his third studio album Divide (÷) as well as its titanic lead single, Shape of You, Sheeran reignited traditional Pop as a mainstream genre worldwide. The magnitude of this influence was far reaching, as his singles and album redefined pop culture during the year making a massive impact on various global charts and paving the way for other Pop artists to achieve chart success. However, Sheeran was not the only influence in 2017. 

The year also witnessed the resurgence of Latin music which seeped into the mainstream in the form of Spanglish remixes. The foundation of the Latin dance mega hit Bailando, which Enrique Iglesias laid in 2014 was exponentially heightened by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee this year with a Spanglish reworking of their song Despacito with Justin Bieber. This proved to be extremely successful, commercially and critically, breaking many records all over including tying with the 22-year old record held by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men’s One Sweet Day for the longest streak at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and also becoming the most-watched music video in the world.

The year was also marred by death and destruction, tragedy and commotion throughout the industry. As a result several charity songs also achieved chart success although none of which managed to enter here. Apart from Ed Sheeran, several artists who have been in the industry managed to release their biggest hits i.e. Kygo, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled and Demi Lovato and some of the newer artists such as Post Malone, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello achieved immense success. Moreover, another point to note is that all the former One Direction members (excluding Zayn who already proved that he had potential for a solo career in 2016) released hit singles out of which only Louis Tomlinson failed to achieve enough success to be included in this list.

In terms of genres, Rap and R&B took over the mainstream initially as Reggae Fusion and Dancehall which was popular in 2016 disappeared from the mainstream. Later on Pop and Latin music took over the charts globally and their stronghold could not be swayed as Rock, EDM and Country took the backseat this year. However, mainstream music in general seemed to be influenced with a very tropical flavor, possibly a remnant from the Dancehall of yesteryear as genres ranging from Pop, House and Rap seemed to inculcate the new sultry beats.  

Ed Sheeran, Taylors Swift and Alessia Cara have the highest number of entries with 3 followed by Zayn, The Chainsmokers, DJ Khaled, Quavo, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Beyonce, Lil Uzi Vert, Katy Perry, Clean Bandit, Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd and Daft Punk with 2 each. The list this year was compiled based on worldwide charts alone mainly considering the US and UK charts but also giving weight to the success achieved in the European markets as well as Canada and Oceania. So here are the best 50 songs of 2017:

1. Ed Sheeran – Shape of you 
2. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito 
3. Bruno Mars – That’s what I like
4. DJ Khaled ft. Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper & Quavo – I’m the one 
5. Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana 
6. French Montana ft. Swae Lee – Unforgettable 
7. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something just like this 
8. Taylor Swift – Look what you made me do 
9. Kendrick Lamar – Humble. 
10. Dua Lipa – New rules
11. Kygo & Selena Gomez – It ain’t me 
12. Shawn Mendes – There’s nothing holdin’ me back
13. Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – Bad and boujee 
14. Calvin Harris ft. Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams & Big Sean – Feels 
15. Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – Rockstar 
16. Clean Bandit ft. Anne Marie & Sean Paul – Rockabye 
17. J Balvin & Willy William ft. Beyoncé – Mi gente 
18. DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild thoughts 
19. Sam Smith – Too good at goodbyes
20. Pink – What about us 
21. Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé – Perfect 
22. The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – I feel it coming 
23. Zayn & Taylor Swift – I don’t wanna live forever 
24. The Chainsmokers – Paris
25. Charlie Puth – Attention 
26. Liam Payne ft. Quavo – Strip  that down
27. Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – 1-800-273-8255 
28. Imagine Dragons – Believer 
29. Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson – Symphony
30. Ed Sheeran – Castle on the hill  
31. Zayn ft. Sia – Dusk till dawn 
32. Zedd & Alessia Cara – Stay 
33. Future – Mask off 
34. Harry Styles – Sign of the times 
35. Julia Michaels – Issues 
36. The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – Starboy 
37. Imagine Dragons – Thunder 
38. James Arthur – Say you won’t let go
39. Niall Horan – Slow hands 
40. Cardi B – Bodak yellow (money moves)
41. The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – Closer 
42. Lil Uzi Vert – XO Tour Llif3 
43. Drake – Passionfruit 
44. Demi Lovato – Sorry not sorry 
45. Rag n’ Bone Man – Human 
46. Portugal. The Man – Feel it still 
47. Alessia Cara – Scars to your beautiful 
48. Taylor Swift - …Ready for it? 
49. Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley – Chained to the rhythm
50. Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane – Black Beatles 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - November, 2017

Attention!!!

The awards season was in full swing this November. First up was the 2017 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Chris Stapleton was the big winner of the night winning Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for From a Room: Volume 1. The other winners were:

·         Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert

·         New Artist of the Year: Jon Pardi

·         Entertainer of the Year: Garth Brooks

·         Single of the Year: Keith Urban – Blue ain’t your color

·         Song of the Year: Little Big Town – Better man

·         Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town

·         Music Video of the Year: Brothers Osborne – It ain’t my fault

·         Musical Event of the Year: Glen Campbell with Willie Nelson – Funny how time slips away

Next up we have the MTV European Music Awards which was hosted by Rita Ora at the Wembley Arena, London. She gave a brilliant performance of her songs Your Song and new hit Anywhere and was also bestowed with the Power of Music Award. Other good performances of the night were Camila Cabello’s Havana, Eminem and Skylar Grey’s Walk on Water, Shawn Mendes’ There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back and Clean Bandit’s medley of Symphony, Rockabye and I Miss You with Zara Larsson, Anne-Marie and Julia Michaels. Shawn Mendes was the big winner of the night taking home four awards including Best Artist and Best Song for There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back. Other significant wins include:

·         Best Video: Kendrick Lamar – Humble

·         Best New Artist: Dua Lipa

·         Best Pop: Camila Cabello

·         Best Electronic: David Guetta

·         Best Rock: Coldplay

·         Best Hip-Hop: Eminem

·         Global Icon: U2

The 2017 Latin Grammys were also held in November with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee both leading with 4 awards for their mega hit Despacito winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Urban/Fusion Performance and Best Short Form Music Video. Some of the best performances of the night included CNCO with Reggaeton Lento (Bailemos), Luis Fonsi, Bomba Estéreo, Victor Manuelle and Diplo with Despacito and Maluma with Felices Los 4. Some of the other significant winners were:

·        Album of the Year: Rubén Blades with Roberto Delgado & Orquesta – Salsa Big Band

·         Best New Artist: Vincente Garcia

·         Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album: Shakira – El Dorado

·         Producer of the Year: Eduardo Cabra

·         Best Urban Song: Residente – Somos Anormales

The 2017 American Music Awards is the final major award ceremony for the year. Bruno Mars had an almost clean sweep grabbing 7 out of his 8 nominations of the night including Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock, Favorite Male Artist R&B/Soul and Video of the Year for That’s What I Like. There were amazing performances by Marshmello and Selena Gomez with Wolves, Imagine Dragons and Khalid with a mashup of Thunder and Young, Dumb and Broke, BTS with DNA and Diana Ross who was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award sang a medley of her hits I’m Coming Out, Take Me Higher, Ease on Down the Road, The Best Years of My Life and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The other major wins include:

·         New Artist of the Year: Niall Horan

·    Collaboration of the Year: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito

·         Tour of the Year: Coldplay – A Head Full of Dreams

·         Favorite Female Artist - Pop/Rock: Lady Gaga

·    Favorite Song - Pop/Rock: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito

·         Favorite Artist - Rap/Hip-Hop: Drake

·         Favorite Artist - Latin: Shakira

·         Favorite Artist - Electronic Dance Music: The Chainsmokers

·         Favorite Soundtrack: Moana

Lastly in awards news, we have the most anticipated nominations in music - Grammys. The 2018 Grammy Nominations were announced at the end of the month with Jay-Z leading with 8 nominations followed by Kendrick Lamar with 7 and Bruno Mars with 6. The following are the nominees under the 4 main categories:

1.       Record of the Year

·         Childish Gambino – Redbone

·         Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito

·         Jay-Z – The story of O.J.

·         Kendrick Lamar – Humble.

·         Bruno Mars – 24K Magic

2.       Album of the Year

·         Childish Gambino – Awaken My Love

·         Jay-Z – 4:44

·         Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.

·         Lorde – Melodrama

·         Bruno Mars – 24K Magic

3.       Song of the Year

·         Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito

·         Jay-Z – 4:44

·         Julia Michaels – Issues

·         Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – 1-800-273-8255

·         Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like

4.       Best New Artist

·         Alessia Cara

·         Khalid

·         Lil Uzi Vert

·         Julia Michaels

·         SZA

In other news, Selena Gomez was named the Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year. The singer was honored at the annual Women in Music gala at the end of the month. This year the Rising Star was awarded to 2016 America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal.  The other honorees were:

·         Rulebreaker Award – Kehlani

·         Icon of the Year – Mary J. Blige

·         Breakthrough – Camila Cabello

·         Powerhouse – Kelly Clarkson

Meanwhile in chart news, in the US, Post Malone ft. 21 Savage’s Rockstar reigned supreme throughout the month although Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug’s Havana peaked at No.2 and came extremely close to dethroning Rockstar. During the month Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé’s Perfect, Lil Pump’s Gucci Gang and Maroon 5 ft. SZA’s What Lovers Do all entered the top 10.  

In the UK, Rockstar opened the month at the top although here Camila Cabello managed to overthrow Post Malone and stayed at the top for the remainder of the month. During the month Rita Ora’s Anywhere, Charlie Puth’s How Long and Eminem ft. Beyoncé’s Walk on Water all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were: 

1.       Selena Gomez & Marshmello – Wolves

2.       Big Shaq – Man’s not hot

3.       Taylor Swift – Call it what you want

4.       Clean Bandit ft. Julia Michaels – I miss you

5.       NF – Let you down

6.       Sam Smith – One last song

7.       Post Malone – I fall apart 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!