Music is no longer just about the tunes and rhythms. Chart rankings are gradually taking their place as an indicator of music appeal and quality. We have stepped into an era where chart rankings — be they sales, downloads or fan votes — determine the popularity of a song or artist. Let’s take a look at some of these chart toppers that have blown the industry away since their release!
Rich Lee, who directed the music video, also directed Bad Meets Evil member Eminem’s music video for “Not Afraid.”
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Ne-Yo: “Closer”
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Following the success of “So Sick” in 2006, the American R&B singer managed to clinch his second UK No. 1 single with “Closer” in 2008. Scoring high as Ne-Yo’s most successful single in Europe, the song reached No. 60 on Rolling Stone’s“100 Best Songs of 2008.”
Justin Bieber: “Baby”
Capturing the hearts of his Beliebers, this 19-year-old sings of young love and wooing girls, with the ever-so-addictive chorus of “baby baby baby oh”! Dubbed the 2010 version of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel,” this song became Bieber’s highest charting song in the United States.
Duffy: “Mercy”
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These tunes gained almost unanimous positive reviews from critics peaked at the top of the charts. Which song do you think truly deserved its spot?
Gotye: “Somebody That I Used to Know”
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| Gotye and Kimbra’s bodies are painted with stop-motion animation |
Despite releasing multiple albums since 2003, Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye only shot to fame after the release of “Somebody That I Used to Know” in 2011. This signature song sold more than 13 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. At the prestigious 2013 Grammy Awards, Gotye took home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.
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| This scene in the MV was praised by music critics worldwide |
Taking many by surprise, the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil took on a different genre with the release of “Lighters.” Featuring Bruno Mars, this song incorporates alternative hip hop with a pinch of soul. The album “Hell: The Sequel”topped the charts in the United States and Canada.
Rich Lee, who directed the music video, also directed Bad Meets Evil member Eminem’s music video for “Not Afraid.”
“Umbrella” swept charts after its release in 2007, marking a breakthrough for Rihanna’s career. This chart topper won awards at the 2008 Grammy Awards and secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Chris Applebaum, the director of the music video for “Umbrella,” also directed her hit single “SOS.”
Recently, Rihanna began the Asian leg of her Diamonds World Tour and will end with a bang at Singapore’s F1 Grand Prix this weekend.
Ne-Yo: “Closer”
Following the success of “So Sick” in 2006, the American R&B singer managed to clinch his second UK No. 1 single with “Closer” in 2008. Scoring high as Ne-Yo’s most successful single in Europe, the song reached No. 60 on Rolling Stone’s“100 Best Songs of 2008.”
Justin Bieber: “Baby”
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| Justin Bieber and Ludacris, who is featured in the MV |
Duffy: “Mercy”
Co-written by the diva herself, this soulful pop tune has achieved worldwide chart success. Remaining in the UK Charts for more than a year, “Mercy” eventually became the best-selling single for this British singer-songwriter with a whopping 536,000 copies sold.
These tunes gained almost unanimous positive reviews from critics peaked at the top of the charts. Which song do you think truly deserved its spot?