As we race towards the unofficial start to Summer 2025 with the arrival of Memorial Day next Monday, I thought I’d pose the question: What songs are Hot AC stations playing now that will still be a part of the mix in a year?
That’s not an easy answer, as there are several factors to consider. Does your station do weekly research? Are there songs you played that did phenomenally for you and your market, but nationally really did not break through?
Just looking at the latest published Mediabase list for HOT AC as far as national hits go, I can rattle off several titles that most likely still will be around a year from now.
Sabrina Carpenter / “Espresso,” Benson Boone/ “Beautiful Things,” Morgan Wallen & Post Malone / “I Had Some Help,” Taylor Swift / “Cruel Summer,” Myles Smith / “Stargazing,” Lola / “Messy,” are all safe bets to still be spinning in 2026 and all of them are prior to 2025!
Even more fun to speculate: which of the songs released after November 2024 and so far in 2025 will still be around next summer?
My guess at this point, that’s what it is a guess. Still, I will pick Alex Warren / “Ordinary,” Benson Boone / “I’m Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else,” Lady Gaga / “Abracadabra,” I’d love to say Shinedown / “Three Six Five” which is a personal favorite, just not sure the format will hang onto a “rock” leaning record for another year.
I’m sure I’ll receive some emails telling me I’m crazy or that I missed an obvious record, and that’s fine – bring ’em on!
There is another avenue with Hot AC music I want to take a stroll down. Should the format still embrace some ‘80s titles as part of their Gold library? The music from that decade is still extremely popular, not just with Gen X and Millennials.
I would say the notion of still playing ‘80s really comes down to how your station is positioned. If you brand your station as “The Best Mix from then till Now” or “Rancho Cucamonga’s Best Mix on Q98” or “(insert city) Best Variety is on Mix 97”, then yes ‘80s can and probably should be a part of your presentation.
The notion of using those same songs when your station is positioned as “Today’s Hits on Mix 102” is an issue since you are not delivering on expectations if “Take On Me” by A-ha comes blasting out of the speakers.
But, in those situations, you could still find a way to play those ‘80s titles in a feature or special. Every decade has certain iconic songs, and the 1980s had quite a few that still resonate today. I would say that the audience does not judge good songs as “Oh, that’s so old.”
If being too old is the argument that programmers choose to use for not playing the ‘80s, then why include the ‘90s? Again, this is not meant as a one-size-fits-all prescription.
In today’s environment, with smaller staffs and possibly no weekly research, deciding what should be your “Gold” content can come down to groupthink within your company, what your competition is doing, and a gut feeling.
My gut tells me that some ‘80s titles are still viable choices today to be a part of your mix!
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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.
