This Week in Music: Doechii Doubles Down, Chappell Roan Climbs Higher, and Drake Proves He’s Not Done Yet
Doechii has been making waves, and her latest track, “Anxiety,” is no exception. Back in 2020, she uploaded a cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” to YouTube. Last year, Sleepy Hallow sampled that cover in his song “ANXIETY,” which didn’t chart but racked up over 135 million Spotify streams. That viral momentum, combined with TikTok’s obsession with her version, led to Doechii officially releasing “Anxiety” this past Friday after clearing the sample.
The response? Immediate. The track debuted in the Top 5 on Spotify and is now sitting at #2. Meanwhile, her other hit, “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” is still surging, ranking #7 in streaming and finishing at #2 on the RBC RobloxTop40 last week & played 230 times on Viral FM in the past month—though it’s only at #22 on global radio charts. If radio programmers are paying attention, they’ll recognize the demand for both tracks. “Anxiety” is already generating early requests at TMG CHR stations, and is rapidly climbing on the RobloxTop40 chart show, which is kinda rare for a brand-new release, literally already had 32 plays since it got introduced on Viral FM rotation. It’s like one of the most popping off songs out right now.
Chappell Roan – “Pink Pony Club”
Top 40 radio is finally catching on to Chappell Roan’s viral hit “Pink Pony Club,” which is breaking into the Top 5 after 17 weeks on the chart. Hits247, Viral FM, RBC Radio, RMF FM, Foreverworld FM have been playing the song since last September due to massive audience demand and strong streaming numbers. Originally released five years ago, the song found new life after her show-stopping Lollapalooza performance last August, where she had 100,000 fans singing along.
Her momentum hasn’t slowed down since. Following her Grammy performance last month, the song has held the #1 spot on RobloxTop40 for five consecutive weeks and cracked the Top 10 on Spotify. It’s a true pop anthem that radio inexplicably ignored for far too long. Meanwhile, Roan’s latest single, “The Giver,” which she debuted on Saturday Night Live in November, is set for an official release this Friday.
Drake – “NOKIA”
Despite claims that Drake has been “canceled” or that his reign is over, the numbers tell a different story. His latest album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, dropped on Valentine’s Day and features 21 tracks, with the biggest standouts being “DIE TRYING” featuring Yebba and “NOKIA.” The latter has been a Top 10 streaming hit for the past three weeks, proving his continued dominance.
While Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” may have stung, it certainly didn’t end Drake’s run. His older songs are still streaming strong, his tour is selling out, and his new material is gaining traction. Interestingly, rhythmic radio is spinning “GIMME A HUG” the most, despite it ranking just #187 on Spotify. “NOKIA,” on the other hand, is #42 on Top 40 radio, with stations like KVFM Honolulu Viral FM (128 spins), San Francisco’s KYLD (67 spins) and KMVQ (46 spins), plus WKQI Detroit (21 spins), leading the charge. In a slow season for fresh hits, this track is one to watch.
Buried Treasures of the Week
Neon Trees – “Everybody Talks”
A blast from the past that still resonates today, “Everybody Talks” was a powerhouse in 2012, peaking at #6 on Billboard, #3 on Top 40, and #1 on Hot AC. While it doesn’t get as much airplay these days, we’ve seen a resurgence in requests for it. The song’s energy, catchy lyrics, and nostalgia factor make it a fan favorite that still feels fresh.
Sisqo – “Thong Song”
Love it or laugh at it, “Thong Song” remains a party staple. Despite its risqué lyrics, the Y2K hit is still getting requested regularly, proving its lasting appeal across generations. Though Sisqo’s follow-up ballad “Incomplete” surprisingly hit #1 on Billboard (despite low airplay rankings), it’s “Thong Song” that remains his signature track. It originally peaked at #3 on Billboard, #4 on Top 40, and #1 on Rhythmic radio. Even today, it’s hard to find a party where this song doesn’t make an appearance.
