19 Weeks at No. 1: What Led to Its Success?
Shaboozey’s hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has officially made history by reaching an impressive 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This remarkable achievement ties the all-time record previously set by Lil Nas X’s collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on “Old Town Road” in 2019, showcasing the growing influence of contemporary artists in the music industry. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “A Bar Song” has captivated audiences, solidifying Shaboozey’s presence in the competitive landscape of popular music. The impact of this milestone is felt not only by the artist but also by fans who celebrate this historic moment in music history.
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This historic week also marks the debut of Shaboozey’s newest single, “Good News,” which enters the Hot 100 at an impressive No. 71. This achievement follows an exciting evening at the CMA Awards where Shaboozey not only performed but also received multiple nominations. However, the night was marred by several jokes made on stage that some felt were disrespectful, utilizing his name in a manner that sparked controversy. Despite these challenges, Shaboozey’s momentum appears unshaken, as his fans rally around him and celebrate his accomplishments.
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Shaboozey’s new hit will find success on its own merit. Will it be able to sustain the same level of popularity as “A Bar Song,” and could this latest track lead to a historic 20th week at No. 1? The anticipation surrounding both tracks reflects the broader trends in the music industry, where artists are continually challenged to maintain their relevance and connection with audiences. As Shaboozey navigates this landscape, fans remain eager to see how his career unfolds.
1. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” has tied the record for 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. On a scale from 1 to 10, how significant do you believe this achievement is in the context of chart and popular music history?
Kyle Denis: I’d rate it a 10. This achievement stands out as one of the most impressive milestones in Billboard chart history. It’s not just a personal victory for Shaboozey but a monumental moment for music as a whole, especially since he accomplished this as a new artist without any high-profile collaborations. While it may feel somewhat understated given that 2019 was just five years ago, it’s still remarkable that two of the longest-running Hot 100 No. 1 songs are hip-hop-infused country songs by Black artists, highlighting a significant cultural shift in the industry.
Jason Lipshutz: A solid 10. I previously expressed skepticism about whether “A Bar Song” could reach 19 weeks, as this duration is historically significant, with only one other song achieving such a feat in the expansive history of the Hot 100. Now that it has reached this milestone, “A Bar Song” deserves to be celebrated alongside “Old Town Road” as part of a new generation of chart-topping hits that will be remembered for years to come. Shaboozey should relish this moment, as should everyone who follows pop music trends.
Melinda Newman: I would rate it a 9. Shaboozey had already released two albums prior to the one featuring “A Bar Song,” along with several singles that did not chart. Now, he is on the verge of becoming a household name, having set the record for the most weeks at No. 1 for a non-collaborative song in the 66-year history of the Hot 100. From this point forward, every artist will likely strive to match or surpass his record.
Jessica Nicholson: I’d give it a 7. Similar to “Old Town Road,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” has been an omnipresent hit this year, with both tracks led by Black artists who skillfully blend elements of country, pop, and rap. This fusion has resonated with a wide audience, demonstrating that this combination of genres is a powerful and winning formula for success.
Andrew Unterberger: I’d rate it a 9. While it may not feel as groundbreaking as when “Old Town Road” set the record just five years ago, the music landscape has evolved, and the Hot 100 has shown a trend toward longer-running No. 1 songs. Nonetheless, a 19-week reign at No. 1 is still an extraordinary achievement, and “A Bar Song” was one of the most intriguing singles of the year, even before it began this impressive chart journey.
2. If someone unfamiliar with pop or country music asks you about the popularity of “A Bar Song,” how would you succinctly explain its success?
Kyle Denis: The sounds and aesthetics of country and western music have been pivotal in shaping pop culture this year, and “A Bar Song” perfectly encapsulates that energy with an incredibly catchy and relatable bar anthem.
Jason Lipshutz: “It’s an anthemic, unforgettable sing-along that gained historic traction by appealing to a diverse array of fans — including country, pop, and hip-hop enthusiasts, as well as fans of J-Kwon’s iconic 2004 track ‘Tipsy’ — while resonating across every consumption platform, from top 40 radio to TikTok.” That’s quite a mouthful, but it sums up its broad appeal.
Melinda Newman: While the song ostensibly revolves around drinking away one’s troubles, its infectious catchiness compels listeners to tap their feet and sing along, regardless of whether they find themselves in a bar or have any personal connection to Jack Daniel’s.
Jessica Nicholson: This track captures the spirit of a weekend barroom celebration, interwoven with lyrics that reflect a laidback attitude and workweek escape, creating a relatable anthem for many listeners.
Andrew Unterberger: Whether you identify as a pop, rock, country, or hip-hop fan — or, ideally, all four — everyone appreciates a good barroom sing-along that brings people together.
3. Shaboozey’s new single “Good News” also makes its debut on the Hot 100 this week. While we won’t speculate on whether it will reach the same unprecedented heights as its predecessor, how likely is it to prevent Shaboozey from being labeled a one-hit wonder?
Kyle Denis: It’s still too soon to tell. Judging Shaboozey’s new single based on its initial performance feels premature, especially since it has to compete with the overwhelming popularity of “A Bar Song.” “Good News” leans more towards traditional country sounds compared to the upbeat hip-hop elements of “Tipsy,” which might restrict its crossover potential. However, the fact that “Good News” debuted on the Hot 100 is already an encouraging sign. Even if this particular song doesn’t become a second hit, there’s a strong chance Shaboozey will have more successful tracks in the future.
Jason Lipshutz: I enjoy “Good News” — it’s essentially a somber counterpart to “A Bar Song,” featuring Shaboozey’s impressive vocal performance and intricate violin elements throughout the production. However, I’m uncertain if it can achieve even a fraction of the success of its predecessor. “Good News” enters a competitive market, with other long-standing hits, a new Kendrick Lamar album, and the impending influx of holiday music. While I doubt it will maintain traction into January, I believe Shaboozey will have another opportunity to follow up “A Bar Song” and dispel any one-hit wonder concerns.
Melinda Newman: The bright side is that Shaboozey has already established a distinctive voice with “A Bar Song.” I recognized “Good News” immediately upon hearing it, without needing confirmation. However, escaping the one-hit wonder label will require more than one successful single and a few years of consistent output. Regardless, “A Bar Song” will remain his signature track, much like how Garth Brooks is fondly remembered for “Friends in Low Places.”
Jessica Nicholson: Given its strong debut in the top 20 of the Hot Country Songs chart, “Good News” seems poised to eliminate any potential “one-hit wonder” stigma. Much like “A Bar Song,” it features a sing-along chorus and acoustic guitar rhythms, providing a sense of familiarity for fans of his previous work.
Andrew Unterberger: With its captivating chorus and acoustic guitar melody — along with a hint of Zach Bryan’s style in the verses — it appears that “Good News” could garner a substantial fanbase through streaming and radio play. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its performance, I believe it has a solid chance of success.
4. Despite Shaboozey’s triumphant moment, he has also faced scrutiny following the CMA Awards, where he left empty-handed and became the subject of various on-stage jokes. Do you think this controversy diminishes his achievement, or will it fade into a minor detail amidst his historic success?
Kyle Denis: This will likely become a minor detail that reflects poorly on the CMAs rather than on Shaboozey himself. It’s crucial to recognize that this moment could highlight broader themes in country music, including its evolving nature beyond traditional boundaries. Shaboozey’s contribution with one of the two biggest songs in Billboard history underscores that he deserves respect, regardless of the reaction from the industry’s major awards show. Moving forward, he might focus on cultivating his own path within the expansive world of country music.
Jason Lipshutz: While the situation was undoubtedly strange and likely left a bad taste for Shaboozey, I would wager that other artists present would prefer to have a 19-week No. 1 hit rather than a trophy. With the potential for a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and “A Bar Song” being a favorite for Song of the Year, there’s a chance for redemption in the future. Even if he faces a setback at the Grammys, it won’t diminish the significance of his current achievements.
Melinda Newman: It’s undoubtedly a minor detail in the grand scheme of things. Shaboozey has handled the situation with grace on social media, and the fact remains that 80% of nominees leave empty-handed, so there’s no shame in his experience. His strong performance of “Highway/A Bar Song” will likely have a greater impact on sales and streaming than the outcomes of the awards.
Jessica Nicholson: In the short term, the CMA incident might slightly overshadow his achievements due to the various milestones he has accomplished this year, including his feature on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, a standout performance at CMA Fest, his cover on Billboard, sold-out shows, and Grammy nominations. However, in the long run, his historic chart performance with “A Bar Song” and his undeniable talent will likely lead to further success and may render this incident a mere footnote.
Andrew Unterberger: This moment will certainly be part of his narrative, but it pales in comparison to having one of the two longest-running No. 1 hits in Hot 100 history. One can only hope that the industry recognizes Shaboozey’s contributions and treats him with the respect he deserves at future award shows.
5. With the impending Christmas rush and the release of a new Kendrick Lamar album, do you think “A Bar Song” will achieve a record-breaking 20th week at No. 1?
Kyle Denis: It’s a possibility! Kendrick may take the top spot for a week or two before the holiday songs start dominating the charts. If I were on Team Boozey, I’d strategize for January, perhaps considering a remix — maybe reaching out to J-Kwon or teasing potential collaborations with Beyoncé during their NFL performances — to capitalize on the fading holiday tunes before Kendrick’s big Grammy and Super Bowl boosts in February.
Jason Lipshutz: After expressing disbelief at previous milestones, I am now fully on board. I believe “A Bar Song” will reach 20 weeks, no matter how it unfolds! I’m ready to celebrate with some whiskey and dance at the party downtown near 5th street.
Melinda Newman: Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Although “A Bar Song” is experiencing increased sales, its streaming numbers are declining, making it unlikely to withstand the onslaught from Kendrick Lamar’s new album, particularly with holiday songs re-emerging on the charts. Nonetheless, this achievement remains remarkable and should be celebrated.
Jessica Nicholson: Despite “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” enjoying a stellar run, the anticipated surge of holiday hits and the excitement surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s new album may likely overshadow it on the Hot 100.
Andrew Unterberger: I don’t foresee it happening in 2024. However, January is typically a quieter month, so I believe it might manage to secure at least one more week at the top during that time.
