When we talk about topping Billboard charts, names like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, The Beatles and Madonna usually come to mind. Now, relative newcomers Imagine Dragons are breathing some fire into the conversation.
The group's Grammy-winning smash "Radioactive" has broken the record for the longest streak on the Hot 100 chart. Currently in its 77th week on the rankings, the song joins a list of hits that mostly hail from the 2000s. The previous record holder was Jason Mraz, whose 2008 release "I'm Yours" saw a 76-week run on the countdown.
But don't get too comfortable, Imagine Dragons. Both songs are currently threatened by AWOLNATION's "Sail," which is tied with Mraz as the second-longest chart entry. Like "Radioactive," "Sail" is still a Hot 100 fixture. The Imagine Dragons tune currently sits at No. 26, while AWOLNATION rose to No. 40 this week.
The success of "Radioactive" can be largely attributed to its status as a crossover anthem. The song made splashes on the U.S. Adult Contemporary, Pop Songs, Alternative Songs and Rock Songs charts, in addition to the more mainstream Hot 100. It also garnered a boost from the band's buzzy Grammy performance alongside Kendrick Lamar, which sent "Radioactive" soaring up the Digital Songs chart and inspired a "Saturday Night Live" reunion for the disparate musical acts.
Imagine Dragons and AWOLNATION join lengthy chart staples from Adele, LeAnn Rimes and The Lumineers. Here are the top 10 longest-standing Billboard entries:
1. "Radioactive," Imagine Dragons (2013)* -- 77 weeks, peaked at No. 3
2. "Sail," AWOLNATION (2013)* -- 76 weeks, peaked at No. 17
3. "I'm Yours," Jason Mraz (2008) -- 76 weeks, peaked at No. 6
4. "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997) -- 69 weeks, peaked at No. 2
5. "Party Rock Anthem," LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock (2011) -- 68 weeks, peaked at No. 1
6. "Rolling in the Deep," Adele (2011) -- 65 weeks, peaked at No. 1
7. "You Were Meant for Me"/"Foolish Games," Jewel (1997) -- 65 weeks, peaked at No. 2
8. "Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood (2007) -- 64 weeks, peaked at No. 8
9. "Ho Hey," The Lumineers (2012) -- 62 weeks, peaked No. 3
10. "You and Me," Lifehouse (2005) -- 62 weeks, peaked at No. 5
*currently charting
[via Billboard.com]
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