In celebrating its 55th anniversary this month (August 4th) Bill Werde‘s ‘Billboard Hot 100‘ have released a tally naming their ‘Biggest Hits of All Time‘, ranking each and every cut released between 1958 and now using its performance on competitive chart.
Counting down from #100, the list you’ll see below takes several chart rules changes into account, and sees each song earn its place with the context surrounding it in place…ie, streaming data counting towards week by week sales on the chart.
In adding to this, songs that spent the most weeks at #1 on the list and afforded the greatest value, which – in some cases- may see their rankings surprise you.
Want to see who came where?
We’ll meet you below!
100. “You Make Me Wanna…” – Usher Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1997)
99. “We Are Young” – fun. feat. Janelle Monae Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (2012)
98. “Best of My Love” – Emotions Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1977)
97. “One More Night” – Maroon 5 Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (2012)
96. “Another Day in Paradise” – Phil Collins Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1989)
95. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” – B.J. Thomas Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1970)
94. “I’ll Be Missing You” – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans feat. 112 Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks (1997)
93. “Hurts So Good” – John Cougar Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1982)
92. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” – Roberta Flack Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1973)
91. “Are You Lonesome To-Night?” – Elvis Presley Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1960)
90. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” – Foreigner Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1981)
89. “Family Affair” Mary J. Blige Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (2001)
88. “I Swear” – All-4-One Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks (1994)
87. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1990)
86. “All Night Long (All Night)” – Lionel Richie Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1983)
85. “My Sharona” – The Knack Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1979)
84. “Say You, Say Me” – Lionel Richie Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1985)
83. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1976)
82. “You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1973)
81. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1983)
80. “Abracadabra” – The Steve Miller Band Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for two weeks (1982)
79. “Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio feat. L.V. Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1995)
78. “Hot Stuff” – Donna Summer Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1979)
77. “You’re Still the One” – Shania Twain Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1998)
76. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1968)
75. “Dilemma” – Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (2002)
74. “Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (2010)
73. “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1969)
72. “Upside Down” – Diana Ross Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1980)
71. “That’s What Friends Are For” – Dionne and Friends Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1986)
70. “Rush Rush” – Paula Abdul Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1991)
69. “Ebony and Ivory” – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1982)
68. “Moves Like Jagger” – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (2011)
67. “Whoomp! (There It Is)” – Tag Team Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1993)
66. “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” – the 5th Dimension Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1969)
65. “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1982)
64. “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” – Stevie B Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1990)
63. “The Boy Is Mine” – Brandy & Monica Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 13 weeks (1998)
62. “(Just Like) Starting Over” – John Lennon Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1980)
61. “Centerfold” – J. Geils Band Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1982)
60. “The Sign” – Ace of Base Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1994)
59. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (2007)
58. “Gold Digger” – Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (2005)
57. “I’m a Believer” – The Monkees Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1966)
56. “Tik Tok” – Ke$ha Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (2010)
55. “Lady” – Kenny Rogers Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1980)
54. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1978)
53. “Let Me Love You” – Mario Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (2005)
52. “Call Me” – Blondie Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1980)
51. “Boom Boom Pow” – The Black Eyed Peas Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks (2009)
50. “End of the Road” – Boyz II Men Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 13 weeks (1992)
49. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (1992)
48. “No One” – Alicia Keys Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (2007)
47. “Candle in the Wind 1997 / Something About the Way You Look Tonight” – Elton John Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (1997)
46. “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (2012)
45. “Shadow Dancing” – Andy Gibb Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1978)
44. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1964)
43. “It’s All in the Game” – Tommy Edwards Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1958)
42. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” – Dawn feat. Tony Orlando Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1973)
41. “How You Remind Me” – Nickelback Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (2001)
40. “Say, Say, Say” – Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1983)
39 “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1980)
38. “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for eight weeks (1978)
37. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for two weeks (1973)
36. “Silly Love Songs” – Wings Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1976)
35. “Truly, Madly, Deeply” – Savage Garden Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for two weeks (1998)
34. “One Sweet Day” – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 16 weeks (1995)
33. “The Battle of New Orleans” – Johnny Horton Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1959)
32. “Tossin’ and Turnin’” – Bobby Lewis Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1961)
31. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (2011)
30. “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” – Irene Cara Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1983)
29. “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye feat. Kimbra Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for eight weeks (2012)
28. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for eight weeks (1983)
27. “Too Close” – Next Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for five weeks (1998)
26. “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” – Andy Gibb Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for four weeks (1977)
25. “Low” – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (2008)
24. “We Found Love” – Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (2011)
23. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1982)
22. “How Deep Is Your Love” – Bee Gees Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1977)
21. “Le Freak” – Chic Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (1978)
20. “The Theme from ‘A Summer Place’” – Percy Faith Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (1960)
19. “I’ll Make Love to You” – Boyz II Men Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (1994)
18. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” – Bryan Adams Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for seven weeks (1991)
17. “You Were Meant for Me / Foolish Games” – Jewel Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 / No. 7 (1997)
16. “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for eight weeks (1976)
15. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (1981)
14. “Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (1981)
13. “Yeah!” – Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks (2004)
12. “Un-Break My Heart” – Toni Braxton Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 11 weeks (1996)
11. “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (2005)
10. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (1968)
9. “You Light Up My Life” – Debby Boone Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (1977)
8. “Physical” – Olivia Newton-John Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 10 weeks (1981)
7. “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” – Los Del Rio Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (1996)
6. “I Gotta Feeling” – The Black Eyed Peas Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 14 weeks (2009)
5. “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for six weeks (2011)
4. “How Do I Live” – LeAnn Rimes Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1997)
3. “Mack the Knife” – Bobby Darin Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for nine weeks (1959)
2. “Smooth” – Santana feat. Rob Thomas Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for 12 weeks (1999)
1. “The Twist” – Chubby Checker Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 for three weeks (1960, 1962)
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You could have post the other list instead but since Madonna is #2 only behind The Beatles….
f*** you and that w**** Hagdonna.
I love you too.
S******, just except that Madonna is not that successful when it comes to singles. She my have number 1 hits but they dont stick around that long. Most of the time she is only number 1 for like 1-2 weeks and then her songs just fall off the charts. Madonna really has not has staying power with successful number 1 singles since the 1980s/early early 90s… Madonna has like 37 top 10 singles most of them nobody cares to knows. Most of her top 10 singles are stupid & forgettable. She just promotes like no other. But really lots of Madonna songs dont have staying power like ONE SWEET DAY, Baby Boy or other songs that have dominated the charts @ number 1 for over 10 weeks.
Madonna has like 37 top 10 singles most of them nobody cares to knows. Most of her top 10 singles are stupid & forgettable.
Don’t tempt me Stephy, there are artists who #1 songs are forgotten while still been on top, Don’t Forget About Us’ comes to mind.
Madonna is not that successful when it comes to singles.
She is the best selling single artist of all times only behind The Beatles and Elvis, Michael Jackson is #4, how long a song stay #1 doesn’t mean nothing.
She just promotes like no other
Madonna barely promotes her singles.
They didn’t last long on Charts because she didn’t use payola or because she didn’t discount them for $0.49 or less. Britney Spears – the same story. Their singles reached #1s thanks to strong physical sales. They’ve never had huge radio support like Mariah – and that’s her power for #1s (and there’s nothing bad about it). WBT was blocked by Pon De Replay on Digital Chart but it was #1 on Hot 100 thanks to Radio Airplay. For example, Hung Up spent 16 weeks at #1 on French Digital Chart. Chart position is not the most important thing, sales + impact are. And Frozen was #2 on Hot 100 but it is million times more memorable than Touch My Body (which was terrible and I wonder how it managed to reach #1). Madonna songs are far from forgettable *some are, but the same goes for Mariah*. And none of Mariah songs had power to top charts in 41 countries worldwide.
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Mariah is Winning!
Mariah Carey & The Beatles DOMINATES THE CHARTS
Wow! I am shocked by no Janet or Madonna. Yet Ke$ha among other fly by nights! #interesting
This list is not too relevant even if they went by the numbers. Many of these songs didn´t made a real impact. The best list is the one with the Billboard hot 100 biggest artists: the top 10 in that list is only legends!!!
Got it.I will check that list in a few just to see some sanity. LOL
All-Time top artists on The Billboard Hot !00
The Beatles
Madonna
Elton John
Elvis Presley
Stevie Wonder
Mariah Carey
Janet Jackson
Michael Jackson
Whitney Houston
The Rolling Stones
the top 10 from the list that really counts… thanks john
The Beatles, Stevie Wonder & Mariah Carey & Elton John are the best since they not only sing but produce & write all of thier songs
@tits mcgee
You´re welcome! That top 10 is unbelievable. I wish it could be like that forever. But at the rate they are changing rules and supporting crap…. sad.
whomever made the list deserves it for the work they have done for decades. they are all greats….
no PRINCE gurlllllllll
Lol! Don’t worry Prince is in the top 20 coming in at #16. #purplereign
I love that Mimi is a repeat guest on this list!
Why isn’t Beyoncés “Irreplaceable” on this list?
It was no.1 for 10 WEEKS and was the best selling song in
the USA of 2007? . It became her second single to achieve 200 million audience impressions in 2006. She is the second singer to achieve this feat in the US, the first being Mariah Carey in 2005?
There are some missing songs in the list but is okay to make happy some kids.
Because compared to others who live on the list her 10 week stint isnt that huge tbh !
yeah but lets not pretend thats her only hit
Bills bills Bills No.1 (1 week)
Bootylicious No.1 (2 weeks
Say my Name No.1 (3 weeks)
Single ladies No.1 (4 weeks)
Check on it No.1 (5 weeks)
Crazy in love No.1 (8 weeks)
Baby Boy No.1 (9 weeks)
Irreplaceable No.1 (10 weeks)
Independent women No.1 (11 weeks)
I know! I know that the new streaming rules affect placement, but there is more to this… i mean the order of the songs don’t even reflect, how long the were #1. This list is just strange.
Sometimes Charts don’t reflect the success of the song.
I really don’t give a f*** about singles, Beyonce sold 30.5 million+ solo and group albums, and that’s what matters to me.
You don’t need to add the group sales to her discography, that’s why is called SOLO ARTIST, 30 million with 4 albums is more than okay.
Thats cute, Mariah sold more than that with one album, music box is 32 mil +
@White:
In mariah’s days there was no internet or illegal downloads or any of that BS as it is now in 2013, Time differences needs to be taken into account when you compare sales from decades ago to sales now.
beyonce sales are good.
^but wait………. why aren’t they taken into account when we talk about R&B artists vs pop artists ?
I dont agree with some of the names on the list like lmfao and kesha
Mariah is clearly a monster when it comes to hits, she has 18 #1s and she has spent more weeks at #1 than ANY artist EVER 79 weeks!
Im glad my girl LeAnn has the no.1 song by a female, get it LeAnn!!
I like a Few of the Songs I LOVE TONI BRAXTON!! Unbreak My Heart is still my jam in 2013!!
Congrats to Kelly Rowland and Nelly
Oh that’s cute 😀
We found love in a hoooopeless plaaaace
KELLY ROWLAND NAME IS ON HERE……WHERE THE HELL IS YOUR FAVES???? BOW DOWN B******…. ALL HELL TO QUEEN KELLY, it’s not always about album sales, longevity!!!!!!!!
Yaaaas go head Queen Rih… Congratulations mama so proud of you xoxo
Party rock anthem tho? Ugh
DEATH my 5 yo cousin LOVES that
hmmmmmm….Congrats to all
How Kelly Rowland make the list and not beyonce that’s the REAL KIIII!
That’s why I said Hmmmmmm……
Hey doll baby hope all is well
Yea thats kinda weird….. But hey boo everything is good on my end, Hope all is well with you hun.
this list is a f****** mess.. why are ppl like chubby checker on there for 3 weeks but Ciara not on there for “Goodies” (six weeks)
Sam why y’all delete John comment….We make your blog by coming here everyday. Never bit the hand that’s feeds you.
He deleted it cos yall were obvs being stupid. How can a b**** copy a news story from BILLBOARD.
Kiiii they deleted it?! Well i can’t blame them because John was being an idiot. Jacking from Billboard?
I don’t get it. John dragged them for copying from BB? I don’t believe that. This is BB’s exclusive and TGJ sourced them so why would he say that?
For the 3 of you wondering: NO, I was not talking about Billboard.
Thank U! lol yes they deleted it again. They can´t stop copying that other blog.
Irreplaceable” entered various charts worldwide, and became the most successful single released from B’Day. The single debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on November 4, 2006 at number eighty-seven.[52] It climbed the charts rapidly because of its radio airplay, and it was Greatest Airplay Gainer certification for six consecutive weeks in early December 2006.[53][54] Three weeks after the release of “Irreplaceable”, B’Day re-entered the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart.[2] The single reached number one on December 16, becoming Knowles’ fourth number one single as a solo artist,[55] and her second in 2006, following “Check on It” (2005). The single spent ten consecutive weeks at number one[
Where is Beyonce? LOOOOOOOL.
Rihanna Rihanna Rihanna Rihanna !!!! *Shouts*
I wanna take you Away, let’s Escape into the music.
Proud of My Girl, And this is just The beginning for my 25 YO fav. 😀
Sorry if your Fav didn’t make it.
*gets back to playing Rihanna’s Music*
You sound so arrogant sometimes, i thought you hate it, don’t forget that Rihanna didn’t make the cut in lots of music related lists, low the volume is too high my little friend.
I’m Not arrogant, I’m just calming Down the depressed Souls who didn’t find their favs in there and throwing a Fit obviously.
happy that kelly rowland made it to the list
If this doesn’t force Beyonce to wake up and smell the coffee i don’t know what will.
Are you serious??? Beyonce’s not a singles artist…so she really doesn’t need to. But even if that was the case, how can she? What more can she do? Irreplaceable was #1 for 10 WEEKS and its not even on the list. Yet and still, they have songs on there that didn’t even last 4. That’s complete b*******. So don’t even start.
so you pretty much saying these artst are singles artist lmao ..the excuses, mariah carey sold over 250-300 million records ..go sit you bitter ass down
Girls, the new tea on the streets is that Kanye has been f****** a European fashion designer, whose a man.
Old news honey, they f***** in Madonna’s apartment.
OMG, WHAT?! S****** better spill.
that designer/lover is why Kanye is always in france. Tisci even alluded to the relationship on twitter not to long ago.
Riccardo is a very close friend of Madonna, Kanye was crazy about him and Madonna planned the meeting since she has worked with kanye in the past…….
I want to know what S****** Blonde thinks of this.
Shady rumors are currently swirling on the web that Kanye West is in a “secret” gay relationship with popular fashion designer, Riccardo Tisci. Although pregnant Kim Kardashian doesn’t seem too concerned with the “ridiculous” cheating talk, Tisci did recently admit to having an “amazing” sexual experience with a well-known mystery man who “speaks, thinks, walks, and dresses” well. Some fans probably don’t think that describes Yeezy, but for several other readers, that’s most likely the first image that comes to mind… So what’s the deal? Is West ‘abandoning” the baby bump-flaunting Kim K and little KimYe to pursue a gay relationship with Tisci in Paris?
I say, if they want to f***…….
If you girls don’t start talking….
b**** u late & thats not tea, thats Riccardo , ciaras best friend
But if bey was the focus in this chart it would have been relevant right………? Just deal and move on….always trying to determine whats relevant and whats not like you some guru!
NO, its not relevant because they only have SOME artists who have less accomplishments than others. It makes no sense to put someone up there for 3 week #1 when ppl have 10 weeks at #1 and arent featured.. GET IT ?
Rihannnnnaaaaaaaaa
YAS
where is Irreflopable??
Lmao @ Kelly making it but no beyonce and her cheap hits
Lol
Ummmm don’t make me put my BeYAWNce stan cap on. “Irreplaceable” was a motherfucking huge song. This list is a mess.
Mariah Carey I Love You Boo…. The Beatles are the greatest artists of all time. They still be outselling everybody 40+ years after their breakup BEATLEMANIA
Some of those songs get a side eye. Many are there due to chart policies and trends at the time. For instance, “The Twist” shouldn’t be there because it has two combined chart runs which was allowed at the time, but barred later basically having two complete chart runs.
“I Gotta Feeling,” “Party Rock Anthem,” etc, benefited from massive weeks at #1 because of the digital boom, etc.
“The Macarena,” profited from several versions of the song being available and combined as one version
“Candle in the Wind” was basically a charity single for Princess Diana and had to business being on the chart.
“Foolish Games/You Were Meant For Me” was literally 2 different songs due to it being a double A-side and both songs were pushed to radio in sequence.
Again, Billboard likes to act like it is the leveling ground for songs when it is the worst offender. Almost every song has to be looked at individually. FEW songs can stand on their own without qualifiers “Unbreak My Heart,” “We Belong Together,” etc were HUGE songs with no gimmicks. Billboard is really annoying when it does this s***. You can’t compare a song from the 50’s to a song in 2010 gurlmotherfuckingbye.
Yes, Mariah always winning like the true queen she is.
Hot 100: Most No. 1s By Artist
The all-time list of the artists with the most Hot 100 No. 1 hits.
The Beatles
20
Mariah Carey
18
Michael Jackson
13
Madonna
12
Rihanna
12
The Supremes
12
Whitney Houston
11
Janet Jackson
10
Stevie Wonder
10
Bee Gees
9
Elton John
9
Paul McCartney
9
Usher
9
Most Top 10 Hits By Artist
The artists with the most top 10 hits on the Hot 100.
Madonna
38
The Beatles
34
Michael Jackson
28
Stevie Wonder
28
Mariah Carey
27
Janet Jackson
27
Elton John
27
Elvis Presley
25
Rihanna
24
Whitney Houston
23
The Rolling Stones
23
Hot 100: Most Weeks at No. 1 By Title
Songs that reigned the longest.
Weeks
Title
Artist
Year
16
One Sweet Day
Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
1995
14
I Gotta Feeling
The Black Eyed Peas
2009
14
We Belong Together
Mariah Carey
2005
14
Candle In The Wind 1997 / Something About The Way You Look Tonight
Elton John
1997
14
Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)
Los Del Rio
1996
14
I’ll Make Love To You
Boyz II Men
1994
14
I Will Always Love You
Whitney Houston
1992
13
The Boy Is Mine
Brandy & Monica
1998
13
End Of The Road
Boyz II Men
1992
12
Boom Boom Pow
The Black Eyed Peas
2009
12
Yeah!
Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris
2004
12
Lose Yourself
Eminem
2002
12
Smooth
Santana feat. Rob Thomas
1999
Most Weeks at No. 1 By Artist
A ranking of the artists who have spent the most weeks at the Hot 100’s pole position.
Mariah Carey
79
The Beatles
59
Boyz II Men
50
Rihanna
47
Usher
47
Michael Jackson
37
Beyonce
36
Elton John
34
Janet Jackson
33
Madonna
32
Wait a minute Beyonce has spent 36 weeks at number one with just FIVE number one songs? That is quite remarkable, even I have to agree.
Only in America. The shear obsession with comparing music is just astounding. Charts are commerce NOT music. I do not care how many people buy your song, I want to know who is buying your album. Chart are not an indicator of the quality of music (they rarely are). Look at all the Grammy Awards for Album of the year (another comparison of art), most of those albums were not successful commercially.
It is only spectacularly stupid person who say that Rihanna is a better musician than Sade because she has more number one songs in America than Sade does.
This is not a bad list, but for those of us old enough to remember when most of these songs were out, you know the list is slightly off. But remember that Soundscan changed everything, and then the internet and later streaming changed everything again. The rules changed hugely over the years, so trying to rank all of these songs was trying at best.
I think we also have to consider that the point-spread was probably extremely narrow for most of the songs on list.
All of these songs were smash hits, but if you think back to when these songs were out, you get a feel for which songs were truly more impactful. I remember when Physical and You Light Up My Life were popular, and trust me, they belong in the top 10 with The Twist and Hey Jude (both before my time). But any list which places Party Rock Anthem in the top 10 of all time and End of the Road and I Will Always Love You out in the hinterlands is out of whack.
Its not JUST about how long a song was number one. Yes Irreplaceable was #1 for 10 weeks, but lets remember that it TUMBLED down the charts as SOON as she stopped promoting it. The week after the promo train stopped for irreplaceable it tumbled out the top ten two weeks later and was out of the top 100 a month later. Party Rock Anthem was in the top ten for THIRTY WEEKS. It smashed from here to Mongolia. EVERYONE knows that song. No one checking for Irreplaceable like that. Same with We Found Love. We Found Love was a worldwide anthem that went #1 in 30 different countries. Only America used Single Ladies. Single Ladies only when number one in America and Brazil I think. And on top of that the radio airplay wasn’t that impressive and the sales aren’t groundbreaking neither. It was just a “popular” number one by BEYONCE. If any other artist sang it, it would’ve flopped because its not a particular memorable or iconic song. But Beyonce’s video is the only iconic element of the single.