US Chart Analysis, 6/3/2006

Billboard Hot 100:

1. Ridin' - Chamillionaire Featuring Krayzie Bone

Chamillionaire's first top 40 hit, "Ridin'" becomes his first #1 hit, ending the 3-week run at the top for Rihanna's "SOS." Chamillionaire's last single, "Turn It Up," just missed the top 40 when it peaked at #41 in January. "Ridin'" is the 9th #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 this year, and it marks an interesting turning point between the US and UK singles charts, in that, year-to-date, the traditionally slower US chart has had more #1 hits than that traditionally faster UK chart. Chamillionaire is the first American act to top the chart since Ne-Yo--the last three chart-toppers were by foreign artists from Jamaica (Sean Paul), Canada (Daniel Powter), and Barbados (Rihanna). Incidentally, these former #1s occupy places 2 through 4 on the chart this week.

5. Where'd You Go - Fort Minor Featuring Holly Brook

Fort Minor is the alter ego/pet project of Linkin Park founder Mike Shinoda. His act blends hip-hop, electronica, and rock elements--not unlike the alter ego/pet project of Blur founder Damon Albarn (Gorillaz). Holly Brook is a singer-songwriter. "Where'd You Go" holds at #5 this week.

6. Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California" has topped the modern rock chart for awhile now, but appears to be reaching its peak at #6 on the Hot 100. Still, that marks their second-best performance on the singles chart, bested only by #2 hit "Under the Bridge."

8. Over My Head (Cable Car) - The Fray

The Fray moves up 2 to #8 with their debut single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)." The Denver-based band also charted on the Hot 100 with their album's title track, "How to Save a Life."

9. Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado Featuring Timbaland

Up 21 spots this week and winning the Sales Gainer award is Nelly Furtado's 3rd top 40 single and 3rd top 10 hit, "Promiscuous." At #9, it matches the peak of her first single, "I'm Like a Bird." Given the single's strength, I'm predicting it will be her first #1. It's also the first top 40 appearance as an artist for well-known producer Timbaland, famous for his work with many hip-hop and pop artists, including Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, and Snoop Dogg.

13. Me & U - Cassie

The biggest move within the top 40 was made by Cassie this week, up 25 spots to #13 with her first single "Me & U." She's not much of a singer (and frankly this isn't much of a song). Why is she so popular? Who knows.

14. Unfaithful - Rihanna

Rihanna moves up 2 to #14 with "Unfaithful," which appears to be losing chart steam faster than anticipated. She should stick with dance pop--SOS is fantastic--but this is just so-so.

16. Hips Don't Lie - Shakira

What should be a #1 hit for Shakira slides back 3 spots after peaking at #13. Her label's decision of not making this available as a digital single has robbed Shakira from having her first #1 hit. There's still time, as the single's airplay is peaking right now (she's currently #1 at top 40 airplay).

29. Let U Go - Ashley Parker Angel

The biggest entry in the top 40 this week is actually a re-entry. Ashley Parker Angel's "Let U Go" hit #12 in its second week, but quickly fell. Now it's back, possibly on airplay this time after an initial sales spike.

31. So What - Field Mob Featuring Ciara

It's up only 2 spots this week, but still manages to win the Airplay Gainer award. How can that be?

38. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

So then the only legitimate debut in the top 40 comes in at #38 (up from #54) from Gnarls Barkley. As I've written about extensively, "Crazy" is already a massive hit in the UK, where it spends an 8th week at #1 this week, and is responsible for the above-mentioned tidbit about how slow the UK chart has been in comparison to the US chart. Surely destined to be a big hit in the US this summer.