Welcome back to Hits on the Horizon. World events being what they are this past week, let’s get into some music to divert us from the craziness. Here are a list of songs that should be on your radar and in your ears if you program a radio station.
In the Top40/Hot AC space, I want to start with Justin Bieber/“Love Song”. It’s catchy with a solid hook, “I wanna wish you a love song baby!” Next up is another that should be on your radar, Enhypen/“Outside”. It has a great groove! One more that is must listen this week is Cage The Elephant/“Rainbow”. The hook, “You lift me up when I get down, right round like a rainbow” is infectious!
Moving to Rhythm, I have a few worth listening to. Latto & Ice Spice/”Gyatt” is a very good song and worth paying attention to. Have you heard Pitbull & Lil Jon/“Damn I Love Miami”? Fun lyrics and very catchy!
Up next, the Rock world. I’m loving and obsessed with Vance Joy/“Divine Feelings”. If you haven’t listened to it, do so soon! The song is getting radio love at Alt-Nation on Sirius XM! Head & The Heart/“Beg, Steal, Borrow” also has a strong hook and has been on repeat for me for a few days. The song is getting AAA love from KTBG in Kansas City. If you need something to pound through your heart, put you ears on Nevertel & Sleep Theory/“Break The Silence”.
Last, let’s move to Country. First up is Brantley Gilbert/“I Want You Back”. It’s well written, catchy as hell, and features a fun hook! Early love is already being given at Z104 in Salt Lake City and 98.5 KYGO in Denver. One last one for your ears this week is Maddie & Tae/“Chasin Babies & Raisin’ Dreams”. Their two voices always blend so well. This is a hit!
Well there you go. The music that your ears should be full of this weekend. Happy listening!
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.
