Australia’s End Of Year Charts: Taylor Swift and Benson Boone Shine
Taylor Swift has once again proven her dominance in the music industry, achieving an impressive feat for the fourth consecutive year as she reigns over Australia’s year-end charts, as reported by ARIA. This remarkable achievement highlights her enduring popularity and influence in the music scene, further solidifying her status as a leading pop icon in the United States and beyond.
Swift has successfully climbed to the pinnacle of the ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart for 2024, driven by the phenomenal success of her eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, released in April. The album’s triumph can be attributed to numerous factors, notably her record-setting seven local performances as part of the highly acclaimed Eras Tour. With such a significant presence in the year-end charts, she claims an astonishing 40% of the top ten spots, showcasing her remarkable ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
Currently, The Tortured Poets Department holds the prestigious No. 1 position, while her earlier work 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is impressively placed at No. 5. Additionally, Lover and Midnights have secured spots at No. 7 and No. 10, respectively. In total, Taylor Swift comprises an astounding 11% of the entire Top 100 chart, with various versions of her extensive discography, including both original and re-recorded albums, occupying the top 68 positions. Notably, her iconic 2014 album 1989 not only earns a spot in the top ranks but also features its original version at No. 68, further showcasing her remarkable impact on the music landscape.
The trends observed this year echo the outcomes of the previous year, where 1989 (Taylor’s Version) took the top spot, accompanied by notable artists such as The Weeknd, Morgan Wallen, SZA, and Harry Styles. For 2024, the top ten is rounded out by talented artists including Billie Eilish with her album Hit Me Hard And Soft, Sabrina Carpenter with Short n’ Sweet, The Weeknd’s The Highlights, SZA’s SOS, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time, and Olivia Rodrigo with her latest release, Guts. This diverse lineup showcases the evolving music scene and the sustained popularity of these artists.
Contrasting sharply with the albums chart, the singles chart sees U.S. singer-songwriter Benson Boone reigning supreme with his hit “Beautiful Things,” which remarkably spent six consecutive weeks at No. 1. Since its debut, the track has consistently remained a fixture within the top ten, illustrating its widespread appeal. Boone’s success transcends borders, as the single has not only topped various global charts but also achieved a remarkable peak at No. 2 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100, further establishing him as a formidable presence in the music industry.
Following Boone in the singles chart is Shaboozey with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in the silver medal position, alongside Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” securing a place in the top three. The year-end singles chart top five is completed by Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” with Billie Eilish’s “Birds Of A Feather” closely trailing behind. Notably, Irish musician Hozier’s “Too Sweet” breaks the trend of American dominance, achieving a commendable No. 8 position, showcasing the global appeal of various artists across different genres.
Taylor Swift’s influence is also evident in the Singles Chart, where her 2019 hit “Cruel Summer” has made an impressive return, landing at No. 9, largely due to its resurgence and viral success in 2023. Furthermore, Miley Cyrus’ chart-topping single “Flowers,” which dominated the charts last year, has made a notable reappearance at a respectable No. 39, exemplifying the enduring popularity of these tracks and their ability to resonate with audiences over time.
However, it is important to note the underrepresentation of Australian artists in both the Albums and Singles Charts. In the singles category, only a mere 5% are home-grown talents, with Vance Joy’s classic “Riptide” leading the local charge at No. 24. Cyril’s reimagining of Suzi Quatro’s “Stumblin’ In” is positioned at No. 29, while DJ and producer Dom Dolla’s “Saving Up” occupies No. 50. The Kid LAROI contributes to the local representation with “Nights Like This” appearing at No. 84, and his collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Stay” can be found at No. 96, highlighting the challenges faced by local artists in a competitive industry.
Despite the dominance of international acts, the ARIA year-end albums chart features only three Australian artists, with just one being a studio release. The iconic South Australian band Cold Chisel appears at No. 44 with their compilation album 50 Years – The Best Of, while INXS’ diamond-certified album The Very Best can be found at No. 81. The Kid LAROI again stands out as he makes his mark with his debut studio album, The First Time, reaching No. 67, showcasing the potential of emerging local talents in the music scene.
For more insights and detailed information, check out ARIA’s comprehensive year-end singles and albums charts.