By Danielle Bettendorf, Living & Arts Editor
As a well-known local pop connoisseur, I always try to keep up-to-date with the Top 40 and everything that’s current. I figured it was about time to do another recount of the top ten songs in the country right now.
At number one is “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande – unsurprising given how big her most recent album, “Thank U, Next,” is. Though marred in controversy with allegations of appropriation and plagiarism, it is undeniable that Miss Grande has once again blessed us with another hit.
2019 will be the year of self-indulgence and we are speaking it into existence.
At number two is “Without Me” by Halsey – a song that I’ve been actively trying to avoid. I like a few songs by Halsey, but “Without Me” feels so generic compared to some of her other work.
Just looking at recent releases, I want her to dive in like with “Bad at Love” or “Eastside.” I don’t connect with this hit at all and I am definitely ready for her to switch gears style-wise.
At number three is “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee, which was written for the animated film “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse.”
Easily the biggest hit from the movie, this song comes in and out so smoothly that you won’t care if the radio runs it 25 times in a row.
I’m not a huge Post Malone fan, but this is one that any listener can digest.
At number four is “Wow.” by Post Malone, which is much more in character with his career. Post Malone talks about all of his wealth and fame with a flow that’s not great, but is catchy.
It’s far from my favorite from the rapper but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sing along when it comes on.
At number five is “Please Me” by Cardi B and Bruno Mars, which is their first collaboration after the hit “Finesse” remix came out a year ago. Cardi is much more involved in this song – for “Finesse,” she was primarily featured in the intro, while he sang the majority of the song.
Cardi and Bruno are on equal footing in “Please Me,” making a duo that can totally wreck the charts. The song was released just after Valentine’s Day and should definitely be in your rotation, especially with the promise of summer coming up.
At number six is “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille. This is a classic, even for anyone who only knows Bastille for 2013’s “Pompeii.”
Dan Smith’s soft voice carries throughout the song, at the same time upbeat and sad for a relationship that you know won’t work out.
At number seven is “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, which will definitely be one of the songs of this generation for years to come. Whether or not you’ve seen “A Star Is Born,” you know Lady Gaga and you know the “Shallow” scream.
This song is so iconic and draws you in to the point that you’ll be screaming along in your car, feeling everything the main characters feel.
At number eight is “Sucker” by the Jonas Brothers, which is the most fulfilling release of 2019 so far.
While the group has come far from their debut in 2005 (nearly all having married), the band reformed perfectly for their comeback.
The Jonas Brothers aren’t the same as they were during our childhood, but they aren’t that different, either. I’m super excited to hear more from them and to solidify their well-deserved status as an acclaimed group.
At number nine is “Middle Child” by J. Cole. I’m not super familiar with J. Cole, but it has a super catchy beat and an intriguing premise.
The song talks about where J. Cole fits in the hip hop industry as a “middle child.”
At number ten is “Going Bad” by Meek Mill featuring Drake – two artists that I enjoy, but don’t keep up with super frequently.
Mill and Drake are another iconic duo that, after officially squashing their beef, created a total hit about their notoriety. Both artists shine in equal amounts on the track.
With mostly hits and a few misses, that wraps up the current top 10. I’ve never been one to say that popular music is perfect, but I know it’s a whole lot better than most people give it credit for.
This diverse collection of artists is more than enough to prove that, 10 times over.