by Daniel D’Addario
“I Gotta Feeling,” from the Black Eyed Peas' album The E.N.D.,
just tied Mariah Carey’s record for the longest-running No. 1 hit
of the decade, with 14 weeks on top. The ubiquitous, annoyingly
optimistic track has week after week beat back potential chart-toppers
by the likes of Katy Perry (“Waking Up in Vegas”) and Shakira (“She
Wolf”). In fact, it’s been 26 weeks since the Black Eyed Peas first
took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts with their onomatopoeic
“Boom Boom Pow.” Who will bump them off? Here’s a look at some of the
current singles gaining momentum and a chance of disturbing the Peas.
“Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus. Laugh all you want, but the kid-friendly, Fergie-fronted Black Eyed Peas’ ascendancy shows that the biggest songs nowadays are tween-friendly fare, like this new single from the girl behind Hannah Montana. Of course, it’s grown-up Miley—a narrative about fitting into a new town through the shared experience of listening to Britney Spears—which makes it an even better sell.
“Paparazzi,” Lady Gaga. Ever since her mock suicide to this song at the Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga has seen big chart gains. And no wonder: “Paparazzi” is actually the best of her four singles this year, with a stunning video and lyrics comparing love to fame that serve as a statement of purpose for her entire career.
“Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. This ode to New York has the advantage of freshness—it’s been out only three weeks. Beyond that, it’s nothing too special, but Jay-Z’s bajillionth return from retirement and the VMA performance crashed by teen rapper Lil Mama have sparked some interest.
“I Want to Know What Love Is,” Mariah Carey. While the first single from her new album, “Obsessed,” has so far bounced along the lower reaches of the top 10, Mimi has another trick up her sleeve—a cover of the 1984 Foreigner ballad. Mariah's love songs usually do well on the Billboard charts (remember “We Belong Together”?), but she hasn’t been so lucky lately.
“Meet Me Halfway,” The Black Eyed Peas. The group just released their third single off The E.N.D., and it’s already jumped 28 spots in two weeks. Maybe, despite Miley and the rest, they’ll just be No. 1 forever.
