Welcome to May, and as many gather at Churchill Downs for the annual “Run for the Roses,” let’s look at a few songs that may get over the finish line as winners! The list is not long, since I’m still unpacking boxes and boxes in my new home. PLEASE remind me never to move again!
In the Top 40/Hot AC space this week, three choices come to mind as no-brainers. Maroon 5 w/ Lisa from Blackpink / “Priceless” the first song from the band in quite some time. Next up, Ed Sheeran / “Old Phone” it has a nice hook and should do well. Last on the list this week is Benson Boone / “Mystical Magical,” a song he debuted recently at his “salty” performance at Coachella. Despite him being upset with the audience for not recognizing the genius that is Brian May of Queen’s guitar mastery, the audience should gravitate to this new release from his latest album, “American Heart,” out in June.
From the Country world, a few that should be on your radar, if not already on the air. Jon Pardi / “Friday Night Heartbreaker” it’s not a streaming monster at this point with a total of about 14 million, but this really does sound like a hit! This next one is Bailey Zimmerman feat. Luke Combs / “Back Up Plan” will get stuck in your head. Tune out the doubters and close-minded, this should be a super smash! One more pick for this week, Hardy / Favorite Country Song”. The song was slightly down in streams but still over 3 million for the week.
From the Rock side of things, Daughtry / “The Day I Die” is certainly not the pop-rock songs of his early career. This one turns up the heat! Also, liking Green Day / “Ballyhoo”
From the R&B world, you should get your ears on Coco Jones W/ Lady Johnson / “Is It Mine.”
Well, enjoy the ear candy, I’m going back to unpacking more boxes. Have a great weekend!
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Jim Ryan is a Music Radio columnist for Barrett Media. In addition, he runs Jim Ryan Media LLC, a consulting company which assists major market radio brands and top talent including national radio personality Delilah. Prior to relaunching his consultancy in 2025, Jim spent 15 years with Audacy/CBS Radio, serving as SVP of Programming. Among his responsibilities included programming WNEW-FM and WCBS-FM. His career includes additional programming stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. Jim was voted the #2 PD of 2024 in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series in the AC category. He can be reached by email at Jim@JimRyanMedia.com.
