Well, here we are at the start of another Summer Friday, and it wouldn’t be complete without a list of fine music you should be aware of and consider for your format!
Let’s start in the Top40/Hot AC world. One that looks solid in the Alternative universe but, in my opinion, is screaming for Top 40 and Hot AC support is Lola Young / “One Thing.” Almost 2.3 million streams this week, and right now, the only serious support at the format is coming from Q102 Cincinnati. Yes, she’s got that Lily Allen vibe in her sound, but this song is catchy and sounds like a “hit!”
Next up, get your ears on Gracie Abrams / “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” This song was released in ’24 and did over four million streams this week with the only radio support coming from Sirius-XM Hits 1! They are strong supporters, with over 1000 spins at this point. Gracie is a superstar, and this song is a hit.
One more pick for the week, and it’s a female lineup for your ears this week.
Chappell Roan / “The Subway” should most definitely be weekend ear candy for you this week!
Let’s move into the Country space for this week, Tucker Wetmore / “Brunette” should be on your radar. Another week of over three million streams. This song is catchy and fun, and is receiving solid radio support at this point from KSON in San Diego and The Bull 98.7 in Portland.
Next choice for the week is Tigirlily Gold / “Thinkin Bout That.” It’s got a good hook and is worth your ears getting on it!
Let’s move into the Rock space for this week, and in the Alt world, your ears should be listening to and considering Portugal The Man / “Silver Spoons” to me sounds like their best radio-friendly song since “Feel It Still”. This one is getting some solid love from 102.9 EQX in Albany, NY, and SiriusXM’s Alt Nation.
Next on the hitlist for the week is Wet Leg (love that name!) / “Mangetout.” It’s catchy and a solid song for the AAA format.
The last choice for the week goes to Waterparks / “Red Guitar,” which features a driving beat and catchy lyrics with a memorable hook. “I just bought a brand-new red guitar with six gold strings and a whammy bar!…If I play real good it will take me far!”
Time to move into the Rhythm/Dance World for this week, and I have two choices for your ears this week.
Mariah The Scientist w/K. Uchis / “Is It A Crime” is a must listen and consideration for any Rhythmic station.
This week’s final choice goes to Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller / “It Depends.” This song has a really good groove and is worth a listen or two.
There you go, plenty of ear candy for the week. Enjoy!
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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.
