SZA’s “Snooze” Reigns At No. 1 On Harpsichord’s Pop&B Charts; Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Makes Impact
Chart Insight
On the winter chart of the Top 30 Pop&B tracks, SZA’s widely successful single stays in the top spot, while other mainstream acts chart multiple songs due to The Grammys and social media support.
BY HARPSICHORD
MARCH 26, 2024
Digital illustration of SZA performing “Snooze” at the 2024 Grammys.
SZA stays at the top of the charts.
Harpsichord’s Pop&B charts are just a fun way of guestimating what is the most popular songs by using different metrics. It slightly differs from a critic’s list where opinions of just a staff dictate what gets certain spots. This chart instead pays attention to various chart trends, social media discussions and posts, and what’s being experienced in real life – in terms of in person experiences and touring.
With that being said, SZA’s “Snooze” is still reigning in the top spot of this chart– for a second consecutive season. The R&B ballad has been occupying the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 steadily– even after being on that chart for over 65 weeks. That’s more than a year of 52 weeks. Even without Billboard being factored, the constant radio play, global attention, and social media discussions about the record’s significance made it feel like the most popular song from the end of December 2023 to the middle of March.
This season’s Pop&B chart is influenced by a couple of factors, as 2024 has been action packed in only its first three months. The Grammys that took place on February 4 probably had the most impact, as there were increases in sales and different social media conversations. Mainstream artists have figured out how to maintain a hold on the public with singles that had successful runs in 2023, while also pushing their next singles forward to similar success. And as we’re rolling into new album releases, Ariana Grande is the first to benefit from having multiple songs grace the chart.
Here are the notable highlights:
The Impact of the Grammys
SZA walked away with three Grammy wins thanks to her acclaimed SOS album. She performed two songs: “Snooze” and “Kill Bill” (which exits this season’s chart, after reigning at No. 1 on the Spring 2023 chart.) Also in this season’s Top 10 is “Saturn,” which is slated to be included on Lana , the deluxe edition of SOS . During the telecast, Mastercard aired a commercial that featured a performance of the song. After officially being released as a single, “Saturn” has charted in the Top 10 of multiple sales, global streaming, and radio charts– continuing SZA’s reign in pop and R&B spaces.
At No. 6 and 7, Grammy winning songs “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét and Tyla’s “Water” see a decrease from the Fall 2023 tally. However they remain in the Top 10, as the artists transition into promoting other songs– particularly Tyla who released her self-titled debut on March 22 with new singles “Truth or Dare” (at No. 27) and “Art” (at No. 28).
Dua Lipa also benefits from opening the 2024 Grammys with a performance of “Training Season” (which debuts at No. 16) and “Houdini” (which falls to No. 25). Lipa is preparing to drop her next studio album, Radical Optimism , on May 3.
Multiple Entries From Pop’s Biggest Stars
Ariana Grande’s release of Eternal Sunshine had the internet abuzz after high anticipation for her solo return. “Yes, And?” lands in the Top 5 at No. 5 due to consistent, but moderate streaming, sales, and radio. Ariana Grande ties Tyla and SZA for the most entries (three each), as the album provided immediate fan favorites “The Boy Is Mine” (No. 11) and the album’s title track (No. 21).
Speaking of “Yes, And?” Mariah Carey earns two entries thanks to the remix, as well as the holiday staple, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which is at the pacemaker setting of No. 15. Mariah is the vet leading the pack– as her peers Usher lands the afrobeats driven “Ruin” at No. 22 thanks to radio and fans, and Justin Timberlake gets “Selfish” at No. 20 thanks to fan support.
Tate McRae’s “Greedy” rises one spot to No. 4, as the song continues to be popular around the world, while “Exes” debuts at No. 14.
The Weeknd’s HBO series ‘The Idol’ may be canceled after one season, but the music remains in global rotation. After peaking at No. 9 on the Summer 2023 chart, “Popular” rises to No. 12 thanks to a music video finally premiering February 22, a reinterest in streaming, and Madonna’s touring presence. While “One of the Girls” featuring his co-star Lily-Rose Depp and Blackpink’s Jennie lands at No. 13 thanks to global popularity.
Tik Tok and Radio Trenders
Muni Long’s next R&B hit, “Made For Me,” continues to rise up various charts as social media users reflect on the song’s nostalgic feeling. Over the winter, the song that was released in September, received a surge once various videos came out on Tik Tok. For this chart, “Made For Me” receives the highest debut at No. 3.
Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills” has been consistent on the Hot 100, and peaked at No. 1 on the US Pop Radio airplay chart. The song reaches No. 2 on this chart. Meanwhile Nicki Minaj deep cut “Pink Birthday” may not be played on radio as of yet, but is being used for various birthday celebrations as well as being a viral highlight from her current tour.
“Never Lose Me” by Flo Milli has become the rapper’s breakout moment on sales and streaming charts, while being heavily adored by social media users and day one fans. With remixes from Lil Yachty (to appeal more to his demographic of male listeners) and SZA with Cardi B, the song debuts at No. 9 on this chart.
