After last week’s Kendrick Lamar takeover, the holidays have arrived! Tons of Christmas spirit packed in this week’s Billboard Hot 100 survey, so let’s get this recap going.
The great classic from Burl Ives entitled Holly Jolly Christmas leads off, as it jumps from 33 to 10. Ives recorded the song in 1964 for the animated TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, where he voiced Sam the Snowman. The song’s cheerful tone and timeless message of spreading joy and love during the holiday season have made it a perennial favorite.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars fall from 7 to 9 with Die With a Smile. The song has just passed a billion streams. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gaga said this about the duet, “I’m just so grateful to have made ‘Die With a Smile’ with Bruno. He is the most wonderful artist. He is so kind and generous. One of my favorite things about working with him on this song was, he wanted me to be myself. You pray that if you work with someone as legendary and incredible as Bruno Mars that they’re going to be as amazing as you thought they were — and he totally is.”
Shaboozey’s #1 smash A Bar Song (Tipsy) falls from 6 to 8 this week. While it celebrates nightlife and camaraderie, it also reflects the pressures of modern life, like financial struggles and the pursuit of material success, symbolized by references to a Birkin bag and a grueling 9-to-5 job.
Last week’s #1 falls to 7 this week, it’s Kendrick Lamar’s Squabble Up. Lyrically, this song reflects on Kendrick’s personal growth and the necessity of standing firm in the face of adversity, both in personal relationships and within the competitive music industry.
Luther falls from 3 to 6 this week. The song frequently references the phrase “If this world were mine,” inspired by the classic Luther Vandross track, which sets the tone for an exploration of alternate realities where love, justice, and dreams thrive.
Back into the holiday vault for number 5, Bobby Helms’ Jingle Bell Rock rolls it way up from 19. The song was released on November 28, 1957—just in time for Christmas, but Helms reportedly wasn’t a big fan of the song initially! Little did he know it would become one of the most iconic holiday hits ever, blending rockabilly flair with Christmas cheer.
Another break from the action at number 4, down two notches is Kendrick Lamar’s tv off. A reflection on authenticity and a critique of societal distractions. The phrase “turn this TV off” acts as a metaphor for disengaging from superficial media and focusing on meaningful, real-life connections.
We go to 1984 for our number three song, the highest it’s ever been in the hot 100. It’s of course the group Wham! with Last Christmas. So I guess all you Whamageddon players are out!
Now it’s the battle of two queens. The first queen comes from 15 to two, it’s miss Brenda Lee with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. The past couple of years sparked a new love for this 1960s classic and we’re all for it on the Hot 10.
Now we get to number one, and you guessed it! Beginning it’s sixth season at number one is the queen of christmas herself, Mariah Carey with All I Want For Christmas Is You. 15 weeks over the past 6 years it’s been at the top, that’s got to be some sort of record!
But how long will Mariah have the momentum? Can Brenda Lee, Wham! or even Shaboozey or Kendrick gain the top spot? Tune in next week to find out!
NOTE: Starting in January 2025, the Hot 10 will be on the move to Friday nights at 8p. With a rebroadcast Saturday at 7p and Monday at 9a, for your listening convenience!