Songs That Surged to No. 1: Multiple Unbroken Stints
Songs reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 is a significant achievement, but some tracks have made a particularly lasting impact. This article explores several songs that spent non-consecutive weeks at the top, showcasing the enduring power and impact of their music.
Introduction to Non-Consecutive Weeks at No. 1
The Billboard Hot 100 chart, a weekly list of the most popular tracks in the U.S., has seen numerous hit songs attain the coveted number one spot. However, the feat of spending non-consecutive weeks at the top is a rare and impressive accomplishment. This phenomenon highlights the continued relevance and fan base these songs maintain over time.
Iconic Examples of Non-Consecutive Weeks at No. 1
“The Macarena Bayside Boys Remix” - Los Del Río
“The Macarena Bayside Boys Remix,” a track originally released by Los Del Río in 1994, gained renewed popularity with a remix featuring the Bayside Boys. The song spent a total of 14 weeks at the number one spot in 1996, with non-consecutive weeks punctuating its top position. This span of popularity was a testament to the track's enduring appeal, making it one of the most memorable non-consecutive number one hits on the Hot 100.
“I’ll Be Missing You” - Puff Daddy featuring Faith Evans and 112
Another remarkable example is “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112. The song achieved an impressive 11 weeks at the top in 1997, broken up into non-consecutive periods. This track showcased the power of collaboration and tribute songs, maintaining a top position even as other tracks shifted its place on the chart.
“We Belong Together” - Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” spent 14 weeks at the number one spot in 2005, with some weeks falling into non-consecutive periods. This remarkable run at the top was a representation of the lasting appeal of a classic hit, making it a standout among other hits of the time. Carey’s song not only resonated but also re-established its dominance on the chart over multiple long periods.
“Shape of You” - Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's “Shape of You” had a substantial stay at the top for 12 weeks in 2017, with some weeks being non-consecutive. This track was a global sensation, capturing the attention of listeners and reaching the pinnacle of the charts several times in distinct intervals. Sheeran's song exemplifies the kind of single that continues to resonate with audiences over an extended period, making a lasting impact on the chart.
“Old Town Road” - Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at the number one spot in 2019, including some non-consecutive runs. This song broke barriers and became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a large and diverse audience. The track demonstrated the power of viral marketing and modern genre-blending to achieve and maintain chart dominance.
“Butter” - BTS
BTS’s “Butter” had a brief run at the top, achieving several weeks at number one in 2021 with a mix of consecutive and non-consecutive weeks. The song’s success was a testament to the global popularity of the K-pop group, showcasing how their music can surge to the top of the charts and maintain listenership across different time periods.
“Blinding Lights” - The Weeknd
Another artist who has made significant chart inroads is The Weeknd, with his song “Blinding Lights,” which spent a remarkable 90 weeks on the chart, including 11 non-consecutive weeks at the top. This track not only maintained its position for an extended period but also came back multiple times, making it one of the most enduring hits of the last decade.
Additional Examples and Insights
Le Freak by Chic (1978-1979)
In 1978 and 1979, Chic’s “Le Freak” hit the top of the charts on three separate occasions, totaling 6 weeks at number one. This example illustrates the longevity of certain disco tracks, which continue to captivate audiences many years after their initial release.
“Down Under,” by Men at Work, stayed at the top for three consecutive weeks in January 1983. The song then returned to the top in February, spending a total of 4 weeks at number one. This demonstrates how chart positions can be affected by seasonal trends and unexpected comeback appeals.
Boyz II Men (1994)
Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” was initially a 2-week hit in December 1994, followed by additional 4 weeks in its return. The song “Mood” by 24kGoldn featuring Iann Dior hit number one on four separate occasions in 2020–2021, showcasing the versatility and resilience of chart-topping singles.
Ace Base’s “The Sign” (1994)
In 1994, Ace Base’s “The Sign” had an initial run of 4 weeks at number one in March, followed by “Bump N Grind” by for 4 weeks. “The Sign” then reclaimed the top spot in May, amounting to a total of 6 weeks at number one. This example highlights the chart dynamics and the competitive nature of musical hits.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of spending non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart is a rare and impressive feat. These songs continue to resonate with audiences, maintaining their relevance over extended periods of time. Whether through enduring classics or contemporary hits, the enduring appeal of these tracks underscores the power of music to cross generations and maintain a chart presence long after their initial release.