As July gets ready to turn to August next week, let’s examine the good-for-your-ears candy for your listening pleasure this week!
In the Top 40/Hot AC world, which may very likely get Alternative love first, has to be the new one from Lola Young / “D&aler. It’s a great follow-up to “Messy” and should grab your attention instantly!
Next up, I really like Lady Gaga / “Garden of Eden,” which has roughly 44 million streams. The song is catchy with lyrics such as “I could be your girlfriend for the weekend, you can be my boyfriend for the night!”
Two more to quickly mention that I think deserve your attention, Clare Leslie / “Passenger Seat” and Jackson Wang / ‘Made Me A Man’, which is already getting love from KIIS / LA!
Moving into the Country space this week. Luke Combs” Back In The Saddle” is out today and sounds like a hit to me!
Three others I’m really liking and need your attention if you program Country radio.
Thomas Rhett ft. Jordan Davis / “Ain’t A Bad Life” has great lyrics and a catchy hook! Next up, Old Dominion/ “Making Good Time,” which is getting early support from K102 in Minneapolis. Very solid, and your ears will be pleased.
Last listen for this week is for Hudson Westbrook/ “Funny Seeing You Here” very strong hook on this one!
From the ROCK world this week, I have a few choices for you.
Sublime/ “Ensenada,” which is getting nice love from Alt 94.7 in Sacramento in the Alternative space, but I also heard this week on WMMR/ Philadelphia!
Three Days Grace / “So Called Life” is a solid effort and deserves your ears on it for consideration.
Then from the AAA space Jeff Tweedy/ “Enough” whose voice reminds me strongly of George Harrison! Well written and catchy, and snagging early love from KCMP/ Minneapolis and WXRT/ Chicago.
From the Rhythmic/Dance world this week, a couple of tracks to listen to and consider include The Weeknd / “Baptized in Fear,” which is a cool song from an incredible artist.
Also really liking Jon Keith / “Eyes On Us” which has a great groove.
Last listen for the week comes from the DANCE world, Two Friends ft. Corbin Besson / “No One Else” very strong track that will for sure get you moving!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the ear candy!
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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.
