Ask CDS: "How Do Plays Get Calculated?"

So I received some questions about how plays (spins) are calculated on this chart. Because this is a personal chart (based on my thoughts), I do not factor in points earned on any other charts (Billboard, other personal charts, worldwide charts, etc.). I do however submit my weekly data to Top Hits Online which measures the most popular songs worldwide based on nearly 400 charts from around the world (personal charts and country related charts). My data helps create a better representation of worldwide listeners on that chart. On my personal chart, I use a few simple tools to help calculate my favorite songs each week. Songs get played by me get 2 points per play and songs that I hear on the radio receive 1 play. The reason that I give 1 point to a song on radio is because I didn't pick the song but I did choose to listen to it when it came on. Additionally, each song has to played at least half way through (on both formats) to receive play credit. This prevents songs that are played on the radio that I don't like from charting on my top 50. I adopted this rule because I believe that it is logical. For example, this summer I really disliked "Holy Grail" by Jay Z and Justin Timberlake (you can read my rant about this song and others here). I briefly heard a few seconds of the song when scrolling through channels and waiting for a song I disliked more (at the time) to finish on another station. If I counted a play every time I was forced to hear that song, it would likely have been my #1 song, which isn't a good representation of my thoughts and tastes.

Recently, I also started a Twitter based voting system for my followers. Dubbed as "Voter's Choice" I allow only my followers (non follower voting doesn't count) to vote for up to two songs a week to be a candidate for getting more points. At the end of the week, the top 3 most voted songs get 1 point for every vote received. While the top 3 are usually pretty close in votes, I have seen a few rare cases in which one song blows the other two out of the park. In this case, that one song would be identified with a large blue stripe running across it on the chart.

If you have more questions please contact me by commenting below (you may be featured in another "Ask CDS") or asking me questions on Twitter.

Also, if you have a chart that you create, I'd love to see it. Just comment your link below. And if anyone has song suggestions I'd love to hear them.

-CDS

Chart Highlights: Avril Lavigne, Rihanna Lady Gaga Tie Records

After another intense week, "The Monster (feat. Rihanna)" holds at #1 on the tally. With this frame, Rihanna ties Lady Gaga for "Most Weeks At #1 For an Artist (Cumulative)" as each singer has claimed 18 weeks at #1 (Rihanna's reign is spread over 5 songs while Gaga's reign spreads over 3). This single just won the "Best Collaboration" award at the CDS Music Chart Awards, while "Berzerk" scooped "Best Rap Recording".

Lady Gaga holds onto #2 with "Applause". To date the song has spent 20 weeks in the top 5. With this frame, Lady Gaga ties Rihanna for "Most Weeks In the Top 5" (both "Diamonds" and "Where Have You Been"). It is likely that Rihanna will lose the record next week as it is highly unlikely that "Applause" dips more than 3 positions.

OneRepublic bounds 5-3 with "Counting Stars" this week. It benefitted highly from a monstrous amount of plays it received on US radio (which is factored into my chart if I listen to more than half of the song when it is played on a station). I didn't ever skip the song on radio but listened to it less from my playlist which is why it doesn't rank #1. Prior to this jump, the song ranked #5 for 3 straight weeks.

Lady Gaga slides 3-4 "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)". The song (which hit #1 for 6 weeks) is starting to suffer from not having an official video and is dropping faster than "Applause". To date it has spent 10 weeks in the top 5 and records its lowest point scoring week in history. Hopefully an upcoming remix with Christina Aguilera can help the song parallel the success of its predecessor.

Pitbull slides 4-5 with "Timber (feat. Ke$ha)" this week. It remains pretty much even in overall chart points compared to last week, but was pushed down by OneRepublic this week. It has a chance at rebounding if the song continues to rise in overall plays on radio.

Rihanna holds at #6 with her 11th top 10 hit "What Now". It helped Rihanna set the record for "Most Top 10s (Non-Consecutive)" since the chart's 2012 launch. She previously tied Nicki Minaj's 10 top 10 singles when "The Monster" opened in the top 10. Nicki Minaj held the record for 18 months before returning the honor to Rihanna (Rihanna had 4 top 10s within the first month of the chart's inception). Despite this, it is Rihanna's lowest peaking top 10 hit so far.

Avril Lavigne bounds 8-7 with five time runner up song "Rock N Roll". It manages to score 80 spins (+5). The song's overall outcome is looking amazing. To date it has banked over 1000 points and has held very well. It will likely reach 2x platinum (1250+) by the end of its run. To date it has spent 22 straight weeks in the top 10 after a #13 opening, Avril Lavigne ties Rihanna for "Most Weeks in The Top 10". The record is held by "Rock N Roll", "Where Have You Been" and "Diamonds.

Avicii slides 7-8 with "Wake Me Up (feat. Aloe Blacc)". It reached the top 10 in a very long 15 week span. Its most recent position pattern was 13-12-11-10-8-7-6-7. The song (which started off poorly) has built incredibly and moved up over 30 positions since debuting 19 weeks ago.

Katy Perry's "Unconditionally" moves 10-9. It is her 2nd lowest peaking top 10 single so far but could tie or better the rank of "Part of Me" next week (#8).

To round out this week's top 10, Katy Perry scores her 7th consecutive top 10 hit with "Dark Horse (feat. Juicy J)". The song blasts 50-10, the 2nd biggest jump in history. It follows "The One That Got Away" and "Walking On Air" which peaked at #2, "Roar" which peaked at #3, "Wide Awake" which peaked at #5, "Part of Me" which peaked at #8 and most recently "Unconditionally" which has peaked at #9 thus far.

Come back for the chart!

Top 10 Worst Songs of 2013

So I just finished my year end top 100 songs. I decided why not do a Top 10 Worst Songs of 2013. The only rule is that a song can only be in my top 10 worst if it hasn't already made my top 50:

Some honorable mentions that were barred from making the list include:

"Come & Get It" by Selena Gomez

"Gas Pedal (feat. IamSu)" by Sage the Gemini

"When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars

Now let's start off the top 10 worst songs of 2013:

10. "Say Something (feat. Christina Aguilera)" by A Great Big World
While it may be extremely popular in the United States (and in some other countries worldwide), this song is terribly heartbreaking, saddening and inconsiderate. The added vocals from Christina don't help. The song is about leaving a lover in the midst of an accident or moment of need. A true dud.

9. "It's My Party" by Jessie J
After her surprising success with "Wild (feat. Big Sean)", Jessie J proved that she couldn't maintain her successful streak. With cheesy lyrics and distorted vocals, the song truly is a mess. It would rank higher on the list, but fortunately it wasn't able to crack into the mainstream American Top 40 radio.

8. "Best Song Ever" by One Direction
While "One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)" didn't make the list because it wasn't a majorly played song on radio, "Best Song Ever" became a moderate United States radio hit. It annoyed the crap out of me mainly because the song contains crappy lyrics and really isn't the 'best song ever'.

7. "Walks Like Rihanna" by The Wanted
Even worse then fellow boy band One Direction, The Wanted released their worst song to date this year. "Walks Like Rihanna" is simply dumb and it is completely mind boggling that a professional band would ever even consider releasing a song that talks about the way Rihanna walks. A terrible effort that borders the edge of insanity.

6. "The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)" by Ylvis
Likely the most annoying song of the year, it didn't catch onto radio but was a major streaming and download success. It ranks lower on the list because I didn't ever hear the song unless I decided to watch the video on YouTube (for a laugh or two).

5. "Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams)" by Daft Punk
While almost everyone enjoyed what ended up as one of the Summer's biggest hits, I felt that this song was disgusting and completely inappropriate for the average person to hear on the radio. I despised this song for almost all of 2013 but toward the end of the year, several other songs annoyed me even more. Either way, Pharrell Williams had one of the best years of his career and I can't do anything to change that.

4. "Let Her Go" by Passenger
Though this song came out in mid 2012, it didn't explode until 2013. This song sounds like a 6 year old tune that was released as part of a baby lullaby compilation album. It is too slow and sounds very squeaky. He honestly sounds like he is dying while trying to preform this and it really just doesn't work. A terrible song that needs to be 'let go'. Please don't ever release another song Passenger, my ears are bleeding.

3. "Holy Grail (feat. Justin Timberlake)" by Jay Z

"Suit & Tie (feat. Jay Z)" didn't end up reaching my worst of 2013 list (though it ranks #11), but this track did. It is much worse. Filled with auto-tune, screeching noises and woeful lyrics, and Jay Z's typical "uhhhh" after every sentence it is a perfect example of how songs are more popular when the artist is well known. This pile of waste reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 and did really well at radio (of course). Fortunately, the rest of Jay Z's album is better than this song and there is some hope for the rapper to make my top 50 later on. I definitely was disappointed with this effort and was shocked that this song was picked as the album's lead single over other good tracks like "Tom Ford" and "Part II (On the Run)".

2. "Started From the Bottom" by Drake
Drake started off 2013 with "Started From the Bottom" being (in my opinion) the second worst song (so far). At the end of 2013, I am still ranking it #2, but behind a new #1 ("Suit & Tie" as previously noted was originally #1 before slipping off the top 10 when a buttload of terrible songs were released). I felt that this song was actually an embarrassment to the music industry. Thankfully, Drake redeemed himself when he released the #5 peaking "Hold On, We're Going Home".

1. "23 (feat. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J)" by Mike Will Made It
And here we are. The worst song of 2013. Many called it (2013) the year of Miley Cyrus (or the year of twerking but that's about the same). The song is filled with many weird production and composition marks (laughs, auto-tune, distorted vocals, non-ryhming lyrics, etc.). I wasn't expecting much out of this collaboration but honestly this is just some lazy writing and producing.

Leave a comment telling me what your least favorite song was this year! If you disagree leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

Think I forgot something? Let me know below!

CDS Music Top 100 of 2013: #10 - #1

Welcome to the final installment in my CDS Music Top 100 of 2013 rundown. Who will be the Year End #1? Find out right now!

10. "Applause" by Lady Gaga

Peak: 1 (x11)

Weeks On: 19

Points: 939

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 24

Certification: Gold

"Applause" opened with the highest first week spin total in history and became just the 7th song to debut at #1. It has spent an outstanding 19 weeks within the top 5 and has yet to sink below #4. It also led the list for 11 weeks, breaking the record of 8 weeks set by two songs ("Don't You Worry Child" and "We Run the Night"). It has only been certified "Gold" but will likely reach platinum status by the start of 2014.
 

9. "Here's to Never Growing Up" by Avril Lavigne

Peak: 1 (x4)

Weeks On: 29

Points: 976

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 21

Certification: Gold

The first Avril Lavigne song to hit my year end top 100 (of 2 that rank), opened as the 6th #1 debut in history. This historic event happened on the chart dated April 19th, 2013, exactly one year (to the day) that the original chart began. It had a very successful run, but ultimately failed to reach the 1000 point barrier that marks Platinum status. In fact, it is now the closest song to Platinum status that is no longer receiving points (how sad). Oh well.

8. "La La..." by Mia Martina

Peak: 4

Weeks On: 30

Points: 986

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 20

Certification: Gold

All I can say is... Mia Martina slays! It will likely reach platinum status in one more week and has been a surprisingly good holder. Although only reaching #4, "La La..." became the 3rd most successful song of summer 2013 (slaying) and was the "Most Voted Song of the Year" by my followers on Twitter since I started counting extra points for the most voted song of the week. Mia's follow up single, "Danse (feat. Dev)" bounds 15-12 this week (week #3).

7. "Rock N Roll" by Avril Lavigne

Peak: 2 (x5)

Weeks On: 22

Points: 1006

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 18

Certification: Platinum

Likely the greatest non #1 single to ever hit my list. It reached Platinum status in a mere 22 weeks (a record) and has spent the second most amount of weeks in the top 10 so far (still in the top 10; 21 weeks inside the top 10). It even out ranks its predecessor, which hit #1 but fell much faster. Easily one of the catchiest releases of the year and one of the least successful worldwide. Keep watching for more of Avril. She is here to stay.

6. "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson

Peak: 3 (x2)

Weeks On: 35

Points: 1026

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 15

Certification: Platinum

Last Year (2012): 148 (+142)

I started my chart way after Kelly Clarkson had her biggest albums and songs. As a result, most of her songs haven't preformed the best on my list (most notably "Catch My Breath"). She did have one song hit #1 ("What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" or "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"; the name changed multiple times but whatever), and this is her 2nd biggest song to hit my list. Unfortunately it failed to really take off in the United States, but I loved it so much that it hit my Year End Top 10 (her first song to do so).

It had a split chart run. It entered at #29 in the final frame of 2012 (which accounts for the extremely low 2012 rank).

5. "Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Peak: 1 (x4)

Weeks On: 35

Points: 1043

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 14

Certification: Platinum

Last Year (2012): 133 (+128)

Upon entering the list in the final week of 2012, "Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)" peaked fairly low on the Year End List (#133). This independently released track blew up in America (and Worldwide) and made Macklemore a household name in just a few short months. It topped the tally for 4 consecutive weeks and racked over 1000 points this year to rank within the top of the year! Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have one other song in the top 5. Continue reading to find out which track overtook their original classic track.

4. "Red Cup" by Katy Tiz

Peak: 1 (x4)

Weeks On: 33

Points: 1099

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 13

Certification: Platinum

"Red Cup" was easily one of 2013's biggest surprisers. Katy Tiz came under my radar in May 2013 when I heard "Red Cup" for the first time on radio. Long story short, it became my #1 Song of the Summer and reigned as my favorite song for 4 straight weeks. Since, I have even planned out an interview with Katy. It will be released as my Christmas present to you guys! So watch out for it! It's success prompted me to continue to search for new artists across the internet.

3. "Fix You" by Vita Chambers 

Peak: 1 (x4)

Weeks On: 53

Points: 1179

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 6

Certification: 2x Platinum
Last Year (2012): 119 (+116)

I first heard about this track in the final weeks of 2012 from a Spanish music blogger. I gave it a spin and I fell in love. Vita went on to top my list for a full month and managed to tie the longest chart run in my list's history (53 weeks). Vita Chambers also spawned two additional singles ("Masquerade" and "What If?") that also hit the top 100 of the year list.

It ranks as the 6th biggest song of the past two years!

You can read my exclusive interview with Vita under the tab "Interviews + Reviews".

2. "Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Peak: 1 (x3)

Weeks On: 33

Points: 1261

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 7

Certification: 2x Platinum

I heard about this track just about a month before it was serviced to US radio (a re-release) and it charted almost immediately. At the same time, "Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)" was headed up my list and I started to spin this track more and more as it began to appear on U.S. radio. It held at #2 for a brutal 9 weeks (a record) before topping for 3. Despite taking a long run, this song disappeared faster than most #1 songs because it was starting to tire me out (U.S. radio hem hem).

This is a pretty decent outcome for the song, which ranks 7th All Time ahead of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' other charting tracks. As to why it ranks above "Fix You" this year but behind it overall: "Fix You" charted in the last two weeks of 2012 (both of which where in the top 10). Unfortunately, points accumulated in previous years don't count toward this year's list.

1. "Figure 8" by Ellie Goulding

Peak: 1 (x2)

Weeks On: 51 

Points: 1286

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 4

Certification: 2x Platinum

This year was a little bit different than last year. 22 songs hit #1 last year while only 15 songs hit #1 this year. That means more weeks at #1 for less songs. In fact that means an average of over 3 weeks at #1.

That means this year end #1 is kind of a surprise. "Figure 8" opened fairly low on the chart dated 1/3/13 (the first one of the year) and reached the landmark #1 position in its 20th week. This stretch set the record for "Longest Climb to #1" and marked Ellie Goulding's 1st ever #1 single. The song still holds this title. It spent 51 out of 52 weeks on the chart, slipping off the top 50 for just 1 week before re-entering.

Congratulations Ellie on your first #1 and first year end #1!

CDS Music Top 100 of 2013: #20 - #11

Welcome to the 2nd to last installment in the CDS Music Top 100 of 2013 Rundown! Today's post will rundown the songs that ranked between ranks #20 and #11! The next post will contain the top 10 of the year.

In case you don't remember, "Clarity (Feat. Foxes)" by Zedd ranked as #21 with 743 points.

Let's jump right into the top 20!

20 "Masquerade" by Vita Chambers

Peak: 2

Weeks On: 18

Points: 774

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 49

Certification: Gold

It ain't "Applause" but it's damn close. "Masquerade" opened just 1 week after "Applause" and while it didn't reach #1, it ranked as a runner up (#2) and has gone on to spend 18 weeks in the top 20. It became an unexpected success, and is still racking up those points! It was projected to slide off the list after about 800 points but I am now guessing that it will reach over 1000 points by February or March.

19. "Pour It Up" by Rihanna
Peak: 5
Weeks On: 28

Points: 788

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 44

Certification: Gold

It was easily one of the most addictive songs of the year. It just wanted to make you dance and just keep playing it over and over. It became Rihanna's 9th top 5 hit (she has 10 now and a hopeful 11th currently ranking at #6), and stopped at #5. It stopped here because it failed to gain much promotion from Top 40 radio stations. Honestly one of her best and most under-appreciated works.
 

18. "Only Teardrops" by Emmelie De Forest
Peak: 1 (x2)
Weeks On: 24

Points: 789

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 43

Certification: Gold

It hit #1 like previous Eurvision winner did (Loreen's "Euphoria") but overall did really small business in comparison. "Euphoria" lasted 53 weeks on the chart while this year's winner managed only 24. "Euphoria" ranks within the top 10 of the past 2 years while "Only Teardrops" manages to claim #43 of the past two years. Emmelie De Foreset also failed to claim another charting hit while Loreen placed another #1 and 4 more top 20s (6 total including 4 top 10s).
 

17. "Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)" by Rihanna

Peak: 4

Weeks On: 26

Points: 793

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 42

Certification: Gold

This year's highest ranking Rihanna song reached #4 and became the 17th biggest song of the year. While that is still impressive, Rihanna was last year's #1 Artist and had last year's biggest song as well as one other top 10 finisher. "Stay" became a modest performer and spent half of 2013 on the chart. No more, no less. Still, Rihanna shows me she can throw out a song and it will still do well.
 

16. "Sweet Nothing (feat. Florence Welch)" by Calvin Harris

Peak: 1 (x2)

Weeks On: 38

Points: 811

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 16

Certification: Platinum
Last Year (2012): 86 (+70)

Before reaching #1, this song spent a record 8 weeks at #2 stalled behind Swedish House Mafia. Following this 10 week period of  being #1 and #2, it started to rapidly fall down the list. It was initially leading Swedish House Mafia in the race for the Year End #1 position, but started to consistently score less points than Swedish House Mafia. Neither one ended up in the #1 position but both did very well.

15. "Don't You Worry Child (feat. John Martin)"
Peak: 1 (x8) [4 in 2013; 8 total]

Weeks On: 40

Points: 861

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 11

Certification: Platinum
Last Year (2012): 64 (+49)

There really is no way to explain the success of this song. It debuted in November of 2012 at #21 and quickly shot to #3. During the 1st week of December 2012, it shot to #1 and held there for a solid 8 weeks (at the time a record). Due to it being a farewell single, Swedish House Mafia has not charted again, and John Martin got close with "Children of the Sun" (#62; #12 on the bubbling chart).

14. "I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)" by Icona Pop

Peak: 1 (x1)

Weeks On:27

Points: 882

2012-2013/All Time Rank: 32

Certification: Gold

Icona Pop was easily one of this year's biggest breakout groups. I loved this song on first play, but had no I idea that it would reach the #1 position. It finished with a solid total but unfortunately it was cut a little bit short by Avril Lavigne's song "Here's To Never Growing Up". Icona Pop failed to place any other songs on the chart, though several hit the bubbling chart ("All Night", "Girlfriend").

13. "Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. and Pharrell Williams)" by Robin Thicke
Peak: 1 (x2)
Weeks On: 25
Points: 883
2012-2013 Rank/All Time Rank: 31
Certification: Gold

I initially thought that this raunchy, steamy R&B game-changer wasn't for me. I was wrong. It became a major contender for my coveted (just kidding) Year End #1 position when I did my mid-year report. It even ranked as my #2 song of the Summer. Sadly, American radio promoted the shit out of it. I quickly dropped it from my list (it got EXTREMELY annoying). So thanks so much radio. You ruined another good song for me.

12. "Thinking About You (feat. Ayah Marar)" by Calvin Harris
Peak: 1 (x1)
Weeks On: 30
Points: 915
2012-2013 Rank/All Time Rank:29
Certification: Gold

When this song was confirmed as the final single from Calvin Harris' album 18 Months, I gave it a listen. Just a few short days later it was charting on my list. It finally reached the #1 position in early August. It only spent one week at the top, because of "Applause" but still held on to a few records including "Biggest Hump to #1" (an inside joke between Ayah and me). It recently shot back into the upper half of the chart due to it being officially released in the American market. It will likely reach platinum by the end of January 2014 and push itself into the top 20 songs of all time.

An interview with Ayah Marar is still in the works. Stay tuned.

 

11. "Same Love (feat. Mary Lambert)" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Peak: 2 (x3)
Weeks On: 30
Points: 938
2012-2013 Rank/All Time Rank:25
Certification: Gold

One of the most meaningful songs of the year. I really do think this song is powerful and bold. It was a major statement the received lots of acclaim and praise. To me it is a great anthem for everyone and carries a great message. Mary Lambert (virtually unknown before the song was released) delivers a memorable chorus. It would have made this year's Year End Top 10, expect "Applause" bumped 4-2 in the final week of the 2013 year to claim the last top 10 spot, with just a single point separating the two songs.

Come back for the top 10! 

CDS Music Top 100 of 2013: #30-21

Welcome to part 8 in a ten part series that will document my 100 favorite songs of 2013!

As a recap, Rihanna ranked #31 with "Diamonds" in part 7.

Sit back, relax and enjoy!

30. "Crying Out Your Name" by Loreen
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 21
Points: 654
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 67
Certification: Gold

After "Euphoria" and "My Heart Is Refusing Me", Loreen returned to the music scene with her 3rd single. It replicated the success of her previous 2 singles and reached a peak of #3 after a top 10 debut.

29. "Heart Attack" by Demi Lovato
Peak: 7
Weeks On: 25
Points: 663
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 66
Certification: Gold

Demi Lovato returned to the top 10 this year with "Heart Attack". While it didn't become a top 5 hit, it spent a reasonable amount of weeks on the chart and became a noteworthy hit.

28. "I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding)" by Calvin Harris
Peak: 4
Weeks On: 51
Points: 663
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 12
Certification: Platinum
Last Year (2012): 47 (+19)

Spending 51 weeks on the chart, "I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding)" became one of the longest running chart hits in history. Only three other songs reached past 50 weeks on the chart, including yet another Ellie Goulding track. Ellie Goulding has 1 more song that charts higher on this year end list while Calvin Harris has 2.

27. "How to Be A Heartbreaker" by Marina & the Diamonds
Peak: 5
Weeks On: 30
Points: 670
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 27
Certification: Gold
Last Year (2012): 92 (+65)

After reaching #5 with "Primadonna" in 2012, Marina & the Diamonds returned to the #5 position with this song. It spent 30 weeks on the chart (more than "Primadonna") and outranked it in terms of overall points. It also previously set the record for "Longest Climb to the Top 5".

 

26. "Hold On, We're Going Home (feat. Majid Jordan)" by Drake
Peak: 5
Weeks On: 20
Points: 696
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 62
Certification: Gold

"Started From the Bottom" reached #51 (not eligible for points) earlier in 2013. This song was later released as Drake's 2nd single from his 3rd album. The smooth production of the song was praised by critics and the soft vocals were a major improvement over the gruff production I heard on "Started From the Bottom".

25. "I Knew You Were Trouble." by Taylor Swift
Peak: 4
Weeks On: 28
Points: 700
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 46
Certification: Gold
Last Year (2012): 131 (+106)

One of the rarest cases I have had... a Taylor Swift song that charted. All of her other songs preceding this release failed to chart, though two other songs by her charted after this one did ("Red" and "22"). Her latest single "Sweeter Than Fiction" could chart in upcoming weeks.

24. "Fail In Love" by Sharon Doorson
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 21
Points: 702
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 61
Certification: Gold

I discovered Sharon Doorson when I was looking for unreleased Rihanna tracks (I don't know why I was doing it), and came across this track. It was branded as a Rihanna demo but I looked through the comments on YouTube and found out it was actually a Sharon Doorson track. I also discovered another track "La La Love" by Ivi Adamou in a similar way.

23. "Troublemaker (feat. Flo Rida)" by Olly Murs
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 26
Points: 711
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 41
Certification: Gold
Last Year (2012): 122 (+99)
 
Although Flo Rida will likely make my "Worst of 2013" song list, he was actually bearable on this track. The lead single from Olly's 3rd album was pushed in the United States market and it charted on my list as a result. Murs has yet to chart again.

22. "Doin' Dirt" by Maroon 5
Peak: 5
Weeks On: 27
Points: 726
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 28
Certification: Gold
Last Year (2012): 94 (+72)

This is Maroon 5's highest charting track this year. It wasn't released as a single but I felt that it was a standout track that deserved to be given some recognition. It added to Maroon 5's expanding list of top 5's, and became their 3rd most successful single in history.

21. "Clarity (feat. Foxes)" by Zedd
Peak: 2
Weeks On: 25
Points: 743
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 55
Certification: Gold

Yet another bittersweet position. Foxes (who was just honored as the "Best Featured Artist of 2013" at the CDS Music Chart Awards) broke out in the United States following her performance on this track. It also took Zedd into the limelight (after some failed releases) and was easily one of the biggest EDM tracks of the year. It currently ranks in the top 50.

Come back for part 9!

CDS Music Top 100 of 2013: #40-#31

Welcome to part 7 of the CDS Music Chart Top 100 of 2013 rundown. I will be covering positions #40 through #31 in this post. Sit back, relax and enjoy part 7 of the 10 part series!

40. "Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)" by Lana Del Rey
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 22
Points:605
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 82
Certification: Gold

After releasing an array of singles that failed to chart (including the original version of this song), Lana Del Rey re-released this song in a dance form. It impressed and helped Lana break into the mainstream artist group. The song had one of the largest jumps in history (moving 31-3).

39. "Berzerk" by Eminem
Peak: 9
Weeks On: 18
Points:616
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 79
Certification: Gold

Eminem's comeback single took quite a while to reach the top 10 but still managed to become a success on the chart. His follow up single, "The Monster (feat. Rihanna)", outperformed "Berzerk" (reached the #1 position) but ranks at #81 for the year because it has been listed for less weeks.

38. "Stars" by Kat DeLuna
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 19
Points:619
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 78
Certification: Gold

Initially starting above its main competitor ("Red Cup"), "Stars" peaked quickly and spent a mere 19 weeks on the top 50. It is still a breakout success, as Kat DeLuna remained an Un-Charted artist until its release.

37. "Burn" by Ellie Goulding
Peak: 8
Weeks On: 25
Points:621
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 77
Certification: Gold

Following the success of "Figure 8" (higher on the year end list), Ellie Goulding returned with this new single (from a re-release album). It has banked 621 points to date but remains on the chart due to its promotion growing in the US. It is on it's way to a tally over 900 points.

36. "Roar" by Katy Perry
Peak: 3
Weeks On: 20
Points:626
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 75
Certification: Gold

Released just several days before "Applause", "Roar" was able to chart 1 week earlier than it (based on 1 day of spins). Despite this, "Applause" easily outperformed it (Lady Gaga opened at #1 the next week). With a #3 peak, the song became a success and will end with over 700 points.

35. "We Got the Power" by Loreen
Peak: 4
Weeks On: 20
Points:633
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 72
Certification: Gold

Following Loreen's chart topping singles, "We Got the Power" was released to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of Loreen winning the 2012 Eurovision contest. It landed at around the same level as "Crying Out Your Name" (peaked at #3), but didn't reach the level that "Euphoria" did.

34. "Anything Could Happen" by Ellie Goulding
Peak: 11
Weeks On: 29
Points:635
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 64
Certification: Gold
Last Year (2012): 143 (+109)

After "Figure 8" began charting, "Anything Could Happen" re-entered the expanded top 50. It reached a new peak of #11 (significantly higher than its initial peak). It ultimately jumps 109 positions from last year to rank within the top 40 songs of this year.

33. "Daylight" by Maroon 5
Peak: 5
Weeks On: 20
Points:638
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 71
Certification: Gold

"Daylight" extended Maroon 5's list of top 5 hits but spent just 5 months on the chart (a small amount for a top 5 hit). Maroon 5 ranks higher on the 2013 year end list with another one of their top 5 hits.

 

32. "Hold On" by NERVO
Peak: 4
Weeks On: 22
Points:641
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 69
Certification: Gold

This song made me in interested in NERVO. Their singing style captivated me causing this song to rank as high as #4 for a single week. They have yet to release another charting single.

31. "Diamonds (Shahaf Moran Remix)" by Rihanna
Peak: 1 (x7)
Weeks On: 33
Points:650
2012-2013/All Time Rank: 5
Certification: 2x Platinum
Last Year (2012): 24 (-7)

After becoming Rihanna's 4th #1 single in 2012, "Diamonds" spent another 9 weeks in the top 10 in 2013 (for a record setting 22 weeks). It spent 20 weeks on the chart this year (11 outside the top 10) and rode its way to a #5 of All Time finish.

Come back for part 8!