Billboard Breakdown

It’s catchy guitar riff and bouncy beat have us all dancing!  And if that’s not enough to make you stream “Mood” right now, 24kGoldn released the official remix featuring Justin Bieber and J Balvin on November 6th! With his new verse, Bieber puts his own spin on the concept of the song, and J Balvin’s verse in spanish brings “Mood” to a whole new level. 

Billie Eilish’s new single, “Therefore I Am”, has claimed the number two spot this week. With this new anthem that bleeds a newfound self confidence, Billie is giving us another taste of her iconic, laid back, playful funk sound first explored on her 2019 album, “When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?” Like most of Billie’s songs, “Therefore I Am” was produced by her brother FINEAS, showcasing yet again the incredible talent that clearly runs in the family. This empowering single has definitely raised one exciting question, what will they do next? 

Sitting at number three this week is “Positions”, by Ariana Grande. As lead single and namesake of Grande’s 6th studio album, “Positions” is an RB love song that won all of our hearts right when it was released. Both the music video and lyrics of the song express the message that a woman is more than capable of having a successful career, while still maintaining a nurturing, loving relationship. Love often entails making sacrifices for your significant other, but “Positions” is more about Grande’s appreciation of her own partner, as he only improves her already fulfilling life. Channelling major “God is a Woman” vibes, Grande continues to be a torch bearer of feminism in modern pop culture with this hit. 

Billboard’s number four spot this week goes to Gabby Barret for her country pop single, “I Hope”, featuring Charlie Puth. Although the lyrics are full of raging emotions brought on by a cheating ex boyfriend, the song itself is an inspiring success story! Gabby was the third place finalist for the 2018 American Idol competition, and “I Hope” is her debut single! The song first exploded in Nashville, and surpassed streaming records for country music. Over quarantine, it also caught the attention of music lovers across the country, including singer songwriter Charlie Puth. His remix of “I Hope”, launched this country pop ballad right to the top. Give it a listen now! But fair warning, it might tug on your heartstrings… 

Coming in at number five is “Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake, featuring Lil Durk. The lyrics of this cryptic rap song express the overall message that you should appreciate the good times and live in the moment, saving your tears for later. To spice it up with some juicy celebrity beef, fans speculate that the chorus is a diss directed at Kanye West, criticising the way he’s publicly handed his private issues. Making digs at other men’s relationships seems to be a favourite pastime of this Toronto born star, his list of previous victims including Pusha T and Meek Mill. Nevertheless, kudos to Drake for releasing yet another catchy hit that helped us put aside our worries, and dance our way into September.