Bruno Mars (1) – Week Of April 22, 2017

Before we get to this week's Fresh 45, here are the songs we're saying goodbye to this week.

• The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy (#41)

Last Week's #1 Song: Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill

The Countdown (taken from Jack Farrell's countdown blog)

45. Lady Gaga - Million Reasons (#25) 

44. Panic! At The Disco - Death Of A Bachelor (#44) 

43. Rihanna - Love On The Brain (#45) 

42. Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better (#28) [2 Weeks At #1] 

41. Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj - Side To Side (#43) 

40. Niall Horan - This Town (#42) 

39. James Hersey - Miss You (#39) 

38. Twenty One Pilots - Heathens (#38) [2 Weeks At #1] 

37. Flo Rida/99 Percent - Cake (DEBUT) 

36. Halsey - Now Or Never (#40) 

35. Snakehips & MØ - Don't Leave (#36) 

34. MAX/Gnash - Lights Down Low (#37) 

33. Bruno Mars - 24K Magic (#29) 

32. Maroon 5 - Don't Wanna Know (#33) [3 Weeks At #1] 

31. Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello - Bad Things (#16) 

30. Adele - Water Under The Bridge (#30) 

29. Steve Aoki & Louis Tomlinson - Just Hold On (#26) 

28. Jon Bellion - All Time Low (#21) 

27. Zayn & Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever (#32) 

26. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd - Starving (#20) [4 Weeks At #1] 

25. Harry Styles - Sign Of The Times (#35) 

24. Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos - Slide (#34)  

23. The Vamps/Matoma - All Night (#22) 

22. Fitz & The Tantrums - HandClap (#17) 

21. Katy Perry/Skip Marley - Chained To The Rhythm (#23) 

20. Train - Play That Song (#19) 

19. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This (#31) 

18. Linkin Park/Kiiara - Heavy (#5) 

17. AJR - Weak (#24) 

16. Panic! At The Disco - L.A. Devotee (#27) 

15. Julia Michaels - Issues (#18) 

14. Twenty One Pilots - Heavydirtysoul (#11) 

13. The Chainsmokers/Halsey - Closer (#14) [8 Weeks At #1] 

12. Maroon 5 - Cold (#13) 

11. The Weeknd/Daft Punk - I Feel It Coming (#10) 

10. Ed Sheeran - Castle On The Hill (#1) [1 Week At #1] 

9. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie - Rockabye (#12) 

8. Imagine Dragons - Believer (#15) 

7. Kygo & Selena Gomez - It Ain't Me (#4) 

6. James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go (#3) 

5. The Chainsmokers - Paris (#6) 

4. Shawn Mendes - Mercy (#7) 

3. Zedd & Alessia Cara - Stay (#2) 

2. Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You (#9) [9 Weeks At #1] 

1. Bruno Mars - That's What I Like (#8) [1st Week At #1]

Biggest DROP!!!... Of The Week: Lady Gaga - Million Reasons (-20)  

Biggest Jump Of The Week: The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This (+12)

New Entrants

~ Flo Rida/99 Percent – Cake (to be reviewed next week)

Best Song On Hit-Bound: Aaron Carter – Sooner Or Later

My Top 5 Picks

1. TIE: The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This

1. TIE: The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming

3. Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – Slide

4. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye

5. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me

My Bottom 5 Picks

1. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like

2. Julia Michaels – Issues

3. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving

4. Imagine Dragons – Believer

5. Flo Rida/99 Percent – Cake

Ed Sheeran (1) – Week Of April 15, 2017

Man does it feel good to actually have a countdown post out on time. Now I just gotta catch up on my Hit 45 Chart. As far as the Weekend Countdown goes, this week was an interesting week. Only three songs held their spots from last week, so there were a ton of moves and definitely some big ones. We thankfully got rid of one bad song very quickly, said goodbye to the best song of last year, and said hello to one of the best songs of this year. And on top of all that, Ed Sheeran replaces himself at #1. Before we get to this week's Fresh 45, here are the songs we're saying goodbye to this week.

• Ariana Grande/Future – Everyday (#30)
• Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful (#32)
• Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend (#42)
• Bebe Rexha – I Got You (#43)

Last Week's #1 Song: Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You

The Countdown

45. Rihanna – Love On The Brain (#45)
44. Panic! At The Disco – Death Of A Bachelor (#44)
43. Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj – Side To Side (#41)
42. Niall Horan – This Town (#38)
41. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy (#39)
40. Halsey – Now Or Never (DEBUT)
39. James Hersey – Miss You (#27)
38. Twenty One Pilots – Heathens (#31) [2 Weeks At #1]
37. MAX/Gnash – Lights Down Low (#40)
36. Snakehips/MØ – Don't Leave (#37)
35. Harry Styles – Sign Of The Times (DEBUT)
34. Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – Slide (DEBUT)
33. Maroon 5 – Don't Wanna Know (#36) [3 Weeks At #1]
32. Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever (#21)
31. The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This (DEBUT)
30. Adele – Water Under The Bridge (#28)
29. Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (#35)
28. Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better (#29) [2 Weeks At #1]
27. Panic! At This Disco – L.A. Devotee (#33)
26. Steve Aoki/Louis Tomlinson – Just Hold On (#25)
25. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons (#19)
24. AJR – Weak (#23)
23. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm (#20)
22. The Vamps/Matoma – All Night (#34)
21. Jon Bellion – All Time Low (#22)
20. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving (#12) [4 Weeks At #1]
19. Train – Play That Song (#15)
18. Julia Michaels – Issues (#17)
17. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap (#3)
16. Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things (#24)
15. Imagine Dragons – Believer (#11)
14. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer (#6) [8 Weeks At #1]
13. Maroon 5 – Cold (#9)
12. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye (#10)
11. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul (#18)
10. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming (#16)
  9. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You (#1) [9 Weeks At #1]
  8. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like (#2)
  7. Shawn Mendes – Mercy (#7)
  6. The Chainsmokers – Paris (#14)
  5. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy (#26)
  4. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me (#8)
  3. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go (#5)
  2. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay (#4)
  1. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill (#13) [1^st Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: DNCE – Cake By The Ocean

Biggest DROP!!!... Of The Week: Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap (–14)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy (+21)

New Entrants
~ First up, we have Halsey debuting this week with Now Or Never. I can't really say I'm loving this song. I believe that she's capable of better. If I'm being honest, this song is pretty boring and too appealing. Halsey's vocal performance is also not so amazing. It's certainly not bad, but it isn't something that grabbed my attention right from the start. My opinion could very well change. But as of right now, I'm not head-over-heels in love with this song.

~ Next we have the fourth member of One Direction branching out with a solo single. Harry Styles debuts with Sign Of The Times. I'm going to be straight up and say I did not like this song at first listen. It's not exactly what I expected out of him. But after the second and third listen, I've come to realize it's actually a good song. Styles' vocals are on point all throughout this song and while the production is slow, I'd still consider it good and an attention-grabber. Is this an amazing song? No. It could very well switch to blue any time soon. But as of right now, I like this song. It's different than what One Direction used to do.

~ If you're like me, you may have questioned the return of Calvin Harris after the extremely mediocre This Is What You Came For from last year. Before even listening to it, what made Slide even more questionable was the featured artists: Frank Ocean and Migos. This may just be me, but I feel like Frank Ocean is on a much higher level of talent, while Migos is on a much lower level. So I found it strange that they would come together and actually work together. But I have to admit, this collab worked out very well. Calvin Harris' production is on point from start to finish, which is impressive since it felt like he was going in a mediocre direction with his two singles last year. Frank Ocean's vocals are very good and surprisingly, Migos didn't sound awful. In fact, I can't picture this song without him. Overall, I think that this song is a big win for Calvin Harris and it did help him redeem himself after last year. Hopefully this song does well.

~ Finally, we have The Chainsmokers. I'm sure most people are tired of these guys and I would be as well. However, their debut this week happens to be one of the best songs they have released to this day. That song is Something Just Like This in collaboration with Coldplay, who happen to be replacing themselves on the countdown. Chris Martin's vocals are fantastic all throughout this song. I love the chorus. I also love that drop despite it sounding very similar to the drop of Roses. It's still fun to jam out to. In my opinion, I believe that this song is fantastic. It's been listed as one of the most downloaded songs for the past few weeks now and I'm glad it finally made it on to the countdown. This is hands-down the best debut of the week.


Hit-Bound
~ Here is the Hit-Bound list:

• Mansionz/G-Eazy – Wicked
• DNCE/Nicki Minaj – Kissing Strangers (DEBUT)
• Kungs/Ephemerals – I Feel So Bad
• Erin Bowman – Good Time Good Life
• Flo Rida/99 Percent – Cake
• Ocean Park Standoff – Good News
• Jon Bellion – Overwhelming
• Coin – Talk Too Much
• Hey Violet – Break My Heart (DEBUT)
• G-Eazy/Kehlani – Good Life (DEBUT)
• One Ok Rock – American Girls
• Zayn/PartyNextDoor – Still Got Time (DEBUT)
• Aaron Carter – Sooner Or Later
• Jason Derulo/Nicki Minaj/Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla

Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks

1. Kungs/Ephemerals – I Feel So Bad

2. Jon Bellion – Overwhelming

3. Aaron Carter – Sooner Or Later

4. Jason Derulo/Nicki Minaj/Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla

5. Erin Bowman – Good Time Good Life

Blurb Of The Times

~ The replacing of Ed Sheeran was not necessarily expected. But at the same time, it isn't very surprising. Castle On The Hill is now another one of the rare occasions in which a re-entry hits #1, with the last one being Panic! At The Disco – Victorious. But I'm definitely happy to see Castle On The Hill at the top spot. Shape Of You had its time there and it's nice to see something different.

~ Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay is now at #2. I consider that to be relatively strange as this is now his highest charting single.* Even Clarity, which was one of the most overplayed, yet one of the best singles of 2013, did not get this high. I believe it reached #3. That being said, I don't think this song, which is a step down from his previous singles, is worthy of the #1 spot. If it does get there, I won't really mind too much. However, I just think his previous singles were more worthy and unfortunately did not reach this height.

*As a lead artist (Starving does not count).

~ James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go is now sitting at #3. I'm gonna be straight up and say that I did not expect this out of this song. There have been several occasions where I thought this song would leave. But now it's in the Top 3, so it's a little strange. But hey, I'll take it! It's a really nice song and I wouldn't mind seeing it at #1. I think it's worthy of that spot and it'd be nice to see something different at #1 as opposed to the same pop music we always see there.

~ At #4, we have Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me. I did expect this to hit the Top 5, just not this soon I guess. I am still really enjoying this song, so I'm glad to see it in the Top 5. I'll be happy if this one hits #1 because it is a very good song. And like I said last week, it's nice to see Kygo with a hit as all his other songs have been extremely underrated.

~ Rounding out the Top 5, we have.......Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy? Huh. Easily the least expected jump this week. I mean, I guess this is good. However, I don't think it's that worthy of being in the Top 5. It seems like one of those songs that's worthy of hitting #10 and not getting any higher. I can't say I'll be too pleased if this for whatever reason hits #1. But I'll certainly accept it.

~ The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming has finally entered the Top 10. I've been waiting for this for quite a while now. Hopefully it can reach the Top 5 because it is a fantastic song and easily one of the best songs of the year as of right now. Hopefully in the future, we can get more collabs between The Weeknd and Daft Punk. I Feel It Coming and Starboy have both proved that these two artists can make magic together.

~ Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul is finally getting somewhere on the countdown. It does kind of seem like this song isn't charting anywhere at the moment. However, it's still a great song and I'm sure it'll hit the Top 10 at some point in the near future.

~ The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer has departed from the Top 10 after I don't know how many weeks. This song's time may be coming to an end soon. Hopefully it doesn't stay this high for long though because I do want Something Just Like This to actually get somewhere and not just sit around in the bottom half of the countdown. The song is currently #5 on iTunes, so one can only hope it can have the same kind of success on this countdown.

~ Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap just cannot stay in one place. It'll be in the Top 3 one week, and then next thing you know, it's just barely still in the Top 20. It's entertaining for me to watch, but I can imagine it getting pretty annoying at some point.

~ Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever is dropping much faster than expected. For once, Hits 1 is not holding on to a song and overplaying it to death. I'm glad to see that it's this one and it wasn't even a great song to begin with. Hopefully this means it'll leave relatively soon. But as long as it stays out of the Top 30, I'll be happy.

~ As far as the exits go, I was starting to get sick of Scars To Your Beautiful. Though it was a great song while it was here and is definitely Alessia Cara's best single so far. I Got You was pretty underrated and I'm not too happy about that. Everyday currently has the shortest tenure of 2017 at only two weeks. I'm very happy by this as this song was a big step down for Ariana Grande, as she hit a new height of mediocrity. Finally, we have Hymn For The Weekend. This song was crowned as my #1 song of 2016. It was very successful on this countdown peaking at #4 and lasting this long. I'm very impressed by how did on this countdown to the point where I don't really mind it leaving. However, it was a fantastic song that I have enjoyed every single week it was on the countdown. Hymn For The Weekend, thank you for being amazing last year and this year and you will certainly be missed.


Top 20 Review
0 – Crap:
20. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like
19. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving

1 – Bad:
18. Julia Michaels – Issues
17. Imagine Dragons – Believer

2 – Mediocre:
NONE

3 – Decent:
NONE

4 – Good:
16. Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things

5 – Great:
15. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap
14. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You
13. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer
12. Shawn Mendes – Mercy
11. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy
10. The Chainsmokers – Paris
9. Maroon 5 – Cold
8. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay
7. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go
6. Train – Play That Song
5. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill
4. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul
3. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me
2. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
1. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming

Total Score: 82/100 = 82% (B–)


Throwback Pick Of The Week: The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret / Move Along / It Ends Tonight (pretty much every single from Move Along)

Most Missed Countdown Song: Lana Del Rey/Cedric Gervais – Summertime Sadness

#1 Recommendation For Hits 1: Pitbull & J Balvin/Camila Cabello – Hey Ma

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Taylor Swift – New Romantics


My Top 5 Picks
1. TIE: The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming
1. TIE: The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This
3. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye
4. Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – Slide
5. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me

Ed Sheeran (9) – Week Of April 8, 2017

Hey guys! Once again, I apologize for the late post. I had a busy week this past week so I haven't had much time to work on this post. The Hit 45 Chart is also late and that will hopefully be out tomorrow. Before we get to this week's Fresh 45, here are the songs we're saying goodbye to this week.

• Noah Cyrus/Labrinth – Make Me (Cry) (#40)
• DJ Snake/Justin Bieber – Let Me Love You (#43)
• Daya – Words (#45)

Last Week's #1 Song: Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You

The Countdown

45. Rihanna – Love On The Brain (#31)

44. Panic! At The Disco – Death Of A Bachelor (#24)

43. Bebe Rexha – I Got You (#41)

42. Coldplay/Beyoncé – Hymn For The Weekend (#44)

41. Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj – Side To Side (#39)

40. MAX/Gnash – Lights Down Low (DEBUT)

39. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy (#37)

38. Niall Horan – This Town (#42)

37. Snakehips/MØ – Don't Leave (DEBUT)
36. Maroon 5 – Don't Wanna Know (#38) [3 Weeks At #1]
35. Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (#25)
34. The Vamps/Matoma – All Night (DEBUT)
33. Panic! At The Disco – L.A. Devotee (#36)
32. Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful (#34)
31. Twenty One Pilots – Heathens (#26) [2 Weeks At #1]
30. Ariana Grande/Future – Everyday (#28)
29. Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better (#30) [2 Weeks At #1]
28. Adele – Water Under The Bridge (#29)
27. James Hersey – Miss You (#33)
26. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy (#11)
25. Steve Aoki/Louis Tomlinson – Just Hold On (#27)
24. Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things (#6)
23. AJR – Weak (#32)
22. Jon Bellion – All Time Low (#25)
21. Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever (#9)
20. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm (#16)
19. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons (#19)
18. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul (#18)
17. Julia Michaels – Issues (#21)
16. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming (#20)
15. Train – Play That Song (#17)
14. The Chainsmokers – Paris (#10)
13. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill (#5)
12. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving (#8) [4 Weeks At #1]
11. Imagine Dragons – Believer (#22)
10. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye (#23)
  9. Maroon 5 – Cold (#15)
  8. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me (#12)
  7. Shawn Mendes – Mercy (#3)
  6. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer (#2) [8 Weeks At #1]
  5. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go (#13)
  4. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay (#14)
  3. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap (#7)
  2. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like (#4)
  1. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You (#1) [9^th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: DNCE – Cake By The Ocean

Biggest DROP!!!... Of The Week: Panic! At The Disco – Death Of A Bachelor (–20)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye (+13)

New Entrants
~ First up, we have the very unappealing Don't Leave by Snakehips featuring MØ. Remember when I said that she should just stick to singing on DJ-produced tracks? Yeah, scratch that. She should just stop singing all together. All My Friends with Tinashe and Chance The Rapper was a solid track in my opinion. But then we started to see the messy side of Snakehips with Cruel featuring Zayn. Now we have Don't Leave. The production isn't awful, but I am not a fan of MØ's voice. That's really the main thing that kills this song. I don't see this song staying here very long. Hopefully I'm right.

~ Next we have long-time Hit-Bound veteran, MAX/Gnash – Lights Down Low. MAX is a very talented artist and I love his voice. Lights Down Low is definitely a little different from his other songs. It's a bit slower and more acoustic. I love the meaning behind the song. I also really liked the music video, which I had watched when it first debuted Hit-Bound. Gnash's verse is slightly unnecessary if you ask me, but it's not awful. It is an interesting collab though, I'll give it that. Overall, I really enjoy this song. I hope it can last on the countdown as long as it did on Hit-Bound.

~ Finally we have The Vamps returning with All Night. This track is definitely one of their better ones. Somebody To You and Oh Cecilia were definitely two very good songs by these guys and All Night is not that far behind. I love the production on the track and I can thank Matoma for that. The vocals are good as well. Overall, it's a very enjoyable song and I hope it does well. I didn't exactly expect it to debut, but I'm glad it did.


Hit-Bound
~ Here is the Hit-Bound list:

• Jason Derulo/Nicki Minaj/Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla
• Harry Styles – Sign Of The Times (DEBUT)
• One Ok Rock – American Girls
• The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This
• Mansionz/G-Eazy – Wicked (DEBUT)
• Erin Bowman – Good Time Good Life
• Halsey – Now Or Never (DEBUT)
• Kungs/Ephemerals – I Feel So Bad (DEBUT)
• Aaron Carter – Sooner Or Later (DEBUT)
• Coin – Talk Too Much
• Jon Bellion – Overwhelming
• Lorde – Green Light
• Ocean Park Standoff – Good News
• Flo Rida/99 Percent – Cake

~ We lost both Little Mix – Touch and Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – Slide. The latter I've heard several times this week, so I'm not concerned about that one. However, I'm quite disappointed by the departure of Touch. That song had actually proven itself to be on the same level as Shout Out To My Ex and Black Magic. It seems as though these girls just can't get a Top 40 hit and it sucks because they are very talented and in my opinion, the better of the two popular girl groups.

Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks
1. The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This
2. Jon Bellion – Overwhelming
3. Kungs/Ephemerals – I Feel So Bad
4. Aaron Carter – Sooner Or Later
5. Jason Derulo/Nicki Minaj/Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla


Blurbs Down Low
~ Bruno Mars – That's What I Like has reached #2 just to annoy me. How lovely. What's even worse is the fact that I can actually see this as a potential #1 in the future. I never thought I'd say this, but Shape Of You must continue to hold if needed.

~ Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay and James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go made rather sudden jumps into the Top 5 from outside of the Top 10. I never really saw either of them as Top 5 hits, especially the former considering that Zedd has had better songs that didn't even crack the Top 10 (Beautiful Now). But I'm satisfied with these two songs being here.

~ Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me was destined to reach the Top 10 at some point. Once again, I'm happy with this. I think it's a very good song and it's nice to see Kygo have a bit hit for once. His music is always very underrated.

~ As expected, Cold is back in the Top 10. It took while longer than expected, but it was anticipated.

~ Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye also took a little sudden jump into the Top 10. Considering that this song joined the countdown a little late to the party, this was expected to happen relatively soon. I hope it can stay there for a little while because it is definitely one of the best songs currently on the countdown.

~ Unfortunately when there is good, there is not-so-good. Imagine Dragons – Believer has taken a little bit of a leap up to #11. Pretty easily the worst Imagine Dragons single so far and I'm a little annoyed that it's up this high.

~ Then of course, we have Julia Michaels – Issues consistently jumping in and out of the Top 20. Can we just keep it out of the Top 20 for good. I doubt it'll leave anytime soon. So the least it can do is stay out of the Top 20.

~ Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever and Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things took some sudden drops out the Top 10. Not that I really care at all. In fact I'm actually pretty pleased by this. This week was a good example of out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new.

~ And Ariana Grande/Future – Everyday drops on its second week. This is a good sign, people.

~ Rihanna – Love On The Brain has dropped to the very bottom of the countdown. I knew this song wouldn't do so hot considering how Hits 1 treats Rihanna's music. For once I can actually be happy about them doing this to her. Hopefully we can see it leave soon.

~ As far as the exits go, Make Me (Cry) deserved to leave. Words was getting a little less interesting with more listens so I'm glad it left. Finally, we have Let Me Love You, which had a very good countdown run and I'm satisfied considering that Justin Bieber songs don't always do too well. So I don't really mind it leaving.

Top 20 Review
0 – Crap:
20. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like
19. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving

1 – Bad:
18. Julia Michaels – Issues
17. Imagine Dragons – Believer

2 – Mediocre:
NONE

3 – Decent:
NONE

4 – Good:
NONE

5 – Great:
16. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You
15. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer
14. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap
13. Shawn Mendes – Mercy
12. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go
11. The Chainsmokers – Paris
10. Maroon 5 – Cold
9. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay
8. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul
7. Train – Play That Song
6. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill
5. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me
4. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons
3. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm
2. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown
1. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming

Total Score: 83/100 = 83% (B)


Throwback Pick Of The Week: Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love

Most Missed Countdown Song: Gym Class Heroes/Adam Levine – Stereo Hearts

#1 Recommendation For Hits 1: Stargate/P!nk/Sia – Waterfall

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Tie Between Justin Bieber – Love Yourself and G-Eazy/Bebe Rexha – Me, Myself, & I


My Top 5 Picks
1. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming
2. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye
3. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm
4. Jon Bellion – All Time Low
5. Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend

Ed Sheeran (8) – Week Of April 1, 2017

Hey guys! Hopefully, you liked the little joke I did with that last post. But now I bring to you the actual countdown. I apologize for posting it this late. I was really busy in the beginning of the week. Then on Wednesday, I got sick and felt very unmotivated to work on it. So I have it done now. Before we get to this week's Fresh 45, here are the songs we're saying goodbye to this week.

• X Ambassadors – Unsteady

Last Week's #1 Song: Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You

The Countdown

45. Daya – Words (#45)

44. Coldplay/Beyoncé – Hymn For The Weekend (#42)

43. DJ Snake/Justin Bieber – Let Me Love You (#41)

42. Niall Horan – This Town (#36)

41. Bebe Rexha – I Got You (#43)

40. Noah Cyrus/Labrinth – Make Me (Cry) (#40)

39. Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj – Side To Side (#37)

38. Maroon 5 – Don't Wanna Know (#38) [3 Weeks At #1]

37. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy (#33)

36. Panic! At The Disco – L.A. Devotee (#34)

35. Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (#35)

34. Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful (#32)

33. James Hersey – Miss You (#39)

32. AJR – Weak (#26)

31. Rihanna – Love On The Brain (#28)

30. Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better (#29) [2 Weeks At #1]

29. Adele – Water Under The Bridge (#18)

28. Ariana Grande/Future – Everyday (DEBUT)

27. Steve Aoki/Louis Tomlinson – Just Hold On (#19)

26. Twenty One Pilots – Heathens (#20) [2 Weeks At #1]

25. Jon Bellion – All Time Low (#22)

24. Panic! At The Disco – Death Of A Bachelor (#35)

23. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye (#31)

22. Imagine Dragons – Believer (#27)

21. Julia Michaels – Issues (#21)
20. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming (#24)
19. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons (#16)
18. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul (#30)
17. Train – Play That Song (#14)
16. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm (#15)
15. Maroon 5 – Cold (#12)
14. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay (#13)
13. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go (#23)
12. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me (#17)
11. The Chainsmokers – Paris (#11)
10. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy (#10)
  9. Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever (#7)
  8. Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving (#5)
  7. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap (#8)
  6. Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things (#2)
  5. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill (#6)
  4. Bruno Mars – That's What I Like (#9)
  3. Shawn Mendes – Mercy (#3)
  2. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer (#4) [8 Weeks At #1]
  1. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You (#1) [8^th Week At #1]

#1 Song This Week One Year Ago: Flo Rida – My House

Biggest DROP!!!... Of The Week: Adele – Water Under The Bridge (–11)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul (+12)

New Entrants
~ Our lone new entrant comes from Ariana Grande with the assistance of Future on the track Everyday. I believe that Ariana has hit a new peak of mediocreness*. This is nothing we haven't heard before. Of course she has to bring in a new mystery man on the chorus similar to Problem and Focus, making this the Problem 3.0. The lyrical content seems very pointless to me. And honestly, I do not like that part after the second and third chorus when she does the "la-la-la-la-la-la...." Just not a fan of her voice at that moment. Ariana is definitely a good singer. However, the mediocre production and lyrical content killed her on this track. Here's to hoping this does not become a hit.

*Totally just made up that word

Hit-Bound
~ Here is the Hit-Bound list:

• Snakehips/MØ – Don't Leave
• Ocean Park Standoff – Good News
• Erin Bowman – Good Time Good Life
• Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – Slide
• Jon Bellion – Overwhelming (DEBUT)
• MAX/Gnash – Lights Down Low
• Lorde – Green Light
• Flo Rida/99 Percent – Cake
• The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This
• The Vamps/Matoma – All Night
• One Ok Rock – American Girls
• Little Mix – Touch
• Coin – Talk Too Much
• Jason Derulo/Nicki Minaj/Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla

Top 5 Hit-Bound Picks

1. The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This

2. The Vamps/Matoma – All Night

3. Jon Bellion – Overwhelming

4. MAX/Gnash – Lights Down Low

5. Little Mix – Touch

Blurbs

~ Unfortunately due to very little timing, there will be no blurbs this week. They will return in the next countdown post. I apologize. However, I will still give you guys a Top 20 Review.

Top 20 Review

0 – Crap:

20. TIE: Bruno Mars – That's What I Like

20. TIE: Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving

1 – Bad:

NONE

2 – Mediocre:

NONE

3 – Decent:

18. Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever

4 – Good:

17. Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things

5 – Great:

16. Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You

15. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer

14. Shawn Mendes – Mercy

13. The Chainsmokers – Paris

12. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go

11. Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap

10. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy

9. Maroon 5 – Cold

8. Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay

7. Train – Play That Song

6. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul
5. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill
4. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm
3. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me
2. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown
1. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming

Total Score: 88/100 = 88% (B+)


Throwback Pick Of The Week: Calvin Harris – You Used To Hold Me

Favorite Countdown Song This Week One Year Ago: Justin Bieber – Love Yourself


My Top 5 Picks
1. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming
2. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons
3. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye
4. Jon Bellion – All Time Low
5. Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me

Adele (13) – Week Of April 1, 2017

Sometimes, things have to start off slow before that huge spark can go off. That huge spark then changes everything. Safe to say that this happened with the countdown this week as for the past few weeks, we've been progressing at a slow pace. But this week, that spark has just gone off. Before we get to this week's Fresh 45, here are the songs we're saying goodbye to this week.

• Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You (#1)
• Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello – Bad Things (#2)
• Hailee Steinfeld & Grey/Zedd – Starving (#5)
• Zayn/Taylor Swift – I Don't Wanna Live Forever (#7)
• Fitz & The Tantrums – HandClap (#8)
• Bruno Mars – That's What I Like (#9)
• The Chainsmokers – Paris (#11)
• Maroon 5 – Cold (#12)
• Zedd/Alessia Cara – Stay (#13)
• Kygo/Selena Gomez – It Ain't Me (#17)
• Adele – Water Under The Bridge (#18)
• Twenty One Pilots – Heathens (#20)
• Julia Michaels – Issues (#21)
• Panic! At The Disco – Death Of A Bachelor (#25)
• AJR – Weak (#26)
• Imagine Dragons – Believer (#27)
• Rihanna – Love On The Brain (#28)
• Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better (#29)
• Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (#35)
• Niall Horan – This Town (#36)
• Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj – Side To Side (#37)
• Maroon 5 – Don't Wanna Know (#38)
• Noah Cyrus/Labrinth – Make Me (Cry) (#40)
• Daya – Words (#45)

Last Week's #1 Song: Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You
The Countdown

45. Justin Bieber – Baby (RE-ENTRY)

44. Shawn Mendes – Mercy (#3)

43. James Hersey – Miss You (#39)

42. Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful (#32)

41. Halestorm – I Miss The Misery (DEBUT)

40. Shakira/Wyclef Jean – Hips Don't Lie (RE-ENTRY)

39. Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song (RE-ENTRY)

38. Inner Circle – Bad Boys (DEBUT)

37. DJ Snake/Justin Bieber – Let Me Love You (#41)

36. James Arthur – Say You Won't Let Go (#23)

35. Steve Aoki/Louis Tomlinson – Just Hold On (#19)

34. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill (#6)

33. Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me (DEBUT)

32. Jesse McCartney – Beautiful Soul (DEBUT)

31. fun./Janelle Monáe – We Are Young (RE-ENTRY)

30. Katy Perry/Skip Marley – Chained To The Rhythm (#15)

29. PSY – Gentleman (RE-ENTRY)

28. Lady Gaga – Million Reasons (#16)

27. Train – Play That Song (#14)

26. Big Gigantic/Angela McCluskey – The Little Things (RE-ENTRY)

25. Gym Class Heroes/Adam Levine – Stereo Hearts (RE-ENTRY)

24. The Chainsmokers/Halsey – Closer (#4)

23. Linkin Park/Kiiara – Heavy (#10)

22. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe (RE-ENTRY)

21. Panic! At The Disco – L.A. Devotee (#34)

20. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy (#33)

19. Darude – Sandstorm (DEBUT)

18. Rebecca Black – Friday (RE-ENTRY)

17. PSY – Gangnam Style (RE-ENTRY)

16. Zedd/Jon Bellion – Beautiful Now (RE-ENTRY)

15. Coldplay/Beyoncé – Hymn For The Weekend (#42)

14. Los Del Rio – Macarena (DEBUT)

13. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul (#30)

12. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye (#31)
11. Daddy Yankee – Gasolina (DEBUT)

10. John Newman – Love Me Again (RE-ENTRY)

  9. Bebe Rexha – I Got You (#43)

  8. Lindsey Stirling/Lzzy Hale – Shatter Me (DEBUT)

  7. Tinie Tempah/Eric Turner – Written In The Stars (RE-ENTRY)

  6. Jon Bellion – All Time Low (#22)

  5. David Guetta/Sia – Titanium (RE-ENTRY)

  4. The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This (DEBUT)

  3. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming (#24)

  2. X Ambassadors – Unsteady (#44)

  1. Adele – Hello (RE-ENTRY) [13^th Week At #1]


Biggest DROP!!!... Of The Week: Shawn Mendes – Mercy (–41)

Biggest Jump Of The Week: X Ambassadors – Unsteady (+42)


Top 20 Review:
0 – Crap:
20. Rebecca Black – Friday
19. X Ambassadors – Unsteady

1 – Bad:
18. Darude – Sandstorm

2 – Mediocre:
NONE

3 – Decent:
17. PSY – Gangnam Style

4 – Good:
16. Bebe Rexha – I Got You

5 – Great:
15. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – Starboy
14. Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul
13. Clean Bandit/Sean Paul/Anne-Marie – Rockabye
12. Lindsey Stirling/Lzzy Hale – Shatter Me
11. Zedd/Jon Bellion – Beautiful Now
10. Jon Bellion – All Time Low
9. Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend
8. John Newman – Love Me Again
7. Adele – Hello
6. The Weeknd/Daft Punk – I Feel It Coming
5. The Chainsmokers/Coldplay – Something Just Like This
4. Los Del Rio – Macarena
3. David Guetta/Sia – Titanium
2. Daddy Yankee – Gasolina

BONUS: 6 – Best Song On The Countdown:
1. Tinie Tempah/Eric Turner – Written In The Stars

Total Score: 84/100 = 84% (B)


My Top 5 Picks
1. Tinie Tempah/Eric Turner – Written In The Stars
2. Daddy Yankee – Gasolina
3. David Guetta/Sia – Titanium
4. Halestorm – I Miss The Misery
5. Los Del Rio – Macarena


By now, you're probably wondering what kind of bullshit countdown this is. Most of you probably already figured it out by now. Some of you may still be staring at your screen the most confused you've ever been. If this is you, I urge you to look at what today is and see if you can figure it out.























































Happy April Fools' Day, everyone!