What happened to these songs?

[new_friends_gr]

I just thought of another song that vanished - Michael Buble's "Everything." It was #1 for a few weeks several years ago even. Does any AC station play it anymore?

Just yesterday I heard "Everything" on 105.7 WOOD FM in Grand Rapids (a Clear Channel station). There are basically three AC stations in Grand Rapids:

100.5 WTRV - mainstream AC (in the past year or two it has evolved from soft AC)
105.7 WOOD - a version of AC that's slightly "fresher" than mainstream but not Hot AC
95.7 WLHT - Hot AC

When I describe 105.7 as fresher, I mean that it plays songs like "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga, "Single Ladies" by Beyonce, and "Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna. Those songs really quite rhythmic and fit best on Rhythmic AC or CHR but are still acceptable on regular AC I guess.

So yeah... the "fresher" AC station is the one that played "Everything" by Michael Buble, although it's possible that 100.5 might play it as well.

 

[carolinaradio]

Yes, I believe stations understand the need for more 90s material. Interesting note, there was just a new stucy released concerning A/C and women listeners. It encompassed both Hot and Mainstream A/C listeners. Here are some facts from the music portion of the study:

Listeners who are "Mainstream A/C" listeners rated the following 4 music styles as their favorite:

1. 80s (like Jack & Diane, Summer of 69, and Faithfully)
2. 70s ( like Still The One, Lyin Eyes, and Maggie Mae)
3. A/C-CHR Soft Pop (like I'm Yours, Hey Soul Sister, and Bubbly)
4. Hot A/C Rock (like Use Somebody, What About Now, and Far Away)

Interestingly, a 90s decade set was not part of the research. I'm going to guess because of the lack of positive testing songs from the decade. The Top 4 Hot A/C preferences:

1. A/C-CHR Soft Pop
2. Hot A/C Rock
3. CHR POP (ala You Belong To Me, Telephone by Gaga, and Hot N Cold)
4. 80s

There was a clear break at Age 40 from a preference for the newer artists to the older artists. Over 40, it was about Elton, Billy, Journey, etc

The heaviest users of Mainstream A/C stations were 45-54.

That's the rub----It's tough to survive as a format when advertisers clamor for a younger audience when you heaviest listeners are over 45.

Stations and programmers are trying to pull in younger demos....more 30-39 year olds. If you abandon 70s to do this, you are more apt to upset your really heavy listeners.

Interesting times

By the way, anyone interested in seeing the whole study can do so at www.burnsradio.com. You'll have to create an account to see the data.

Very interesting. I have heard several AC stations that play plenty of new stuff, plenty of 70s and 80s, but only play one 90s an hour or even go and didn't play one. AC's that are conservative with currents and don't play 70s sound terrible. However, that means older demos probably in many cases.

I know that a lot (not all) of 30-something year olds like 70s and 80s music, such as classic rock or the AC type songs (December 1963, Get Down Tonight). I don't know if that is keeping them from listening to AC. Why wouldn't they listen to AC - too sleepy, not enough new music? Heck, a lot of 30 year old women are listening to Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, etc. and may find the new music that AC puts out inadequete. I just don't know if it is possible to attract the 33 year olds and the 48 year olds. I'm in my 20s and don't care to even hear much 90s anymore, but I love the 70s, 80s and music today.

It will be interesting to see how the format can evolve. I'm thinking 90s is the worst era for radio formats. It's hard to find songs from that era that are suitable for airplay in 2010.

 

[Jay F]

Yes, I believe stations understand the need for more 90s material. Interesting note, there was just a new stucy released concerning A/C and women listeners. It encompassed both Hot and Mainstream A/C listeners. Here are some facts from the music portion of the study:

Listeners who are "Mainstream A/C" listeners rated the following 4 music styles as their favorite:

1. 80s (like Jack & Diane, Summer of 69, and Faithfully)
2. 70s ( like Still The One, Lyin Eyes, and Maggie Mae)
3. A/C-CHR Soft Pop (like I'm Yours, Hey Soul Sister, and Bubbly)
4. Hot A/C Rock (like Use Somebody, What About Now, and Far Away)

Interestingly, a 90s decade set was not part of the research. I'm going to guess because of the lack of positive testing songs from the decade. The Top 4 Hot A/C preferences:

1. A/C-CHR Soft Pop
2. Hot A/C Rock
3. CHR POP (ala You Belong To Me, Telephone by Gaga, and Hot N Cold)
4. 80s

There was a clear break at Age 40 from a preference for the newer artists to the older artists. Over 40, it was about Elton, Billy, Journey, etc

The heaviest users of Mainstream A/C stations were 45-54.

That's the rub----It's tough to survive as a format when advertisers clamor for a younger audience when you heaviest listeners are over 45.

Stations and programmers are trying to pull in younger demos....more 30-39 year olds. If you abandon 70s to do this, you are more apt to upset your really heavy listeners.

Interesting times

By the way, anyone interested in seeing the whole study can do so at www.burnsradio.com. You'll have to create an account to see the data.

A popular sales demo is women 25-54. It's safer for ACs to try to dominate the 40-54 core audience (and get a high 25-54 ranking this way) than chase after the younger women. If an AC shifts too young they could blow off their core with no guarantee the younger women will come. Keep in mind that women in their 20s and 30s have several other formats aiming at them including Hot AC and CHR.

One of my favorite ACs is WLYF/Miami. they have an older, softer (but not boring) mix of music than most other ACs play nationally. They have not only been #1 6+ every single PPM month so far...They rank #1 25-54. They have 25-54 numbers that the younger, brighter ACs can only dream of.

 

[carolinaradio]

A popular sales demo is women 25-54. It's safer for ACs to try to dominate the 40-54 core audience (and get a high 25-54 ranking this way) than chase after the younger women. If an AC shifts too young they could blow off their core with no guarantee the younger women will come. Keep in mind that women in their 20s and 30s have several other formats aiming at them including Hot AC and CHR.

One of my favorite ACs is WLYF/Miami. they have an older, softer (but not boring) mix of music than most other ACs play nationally. They have not only been #1 6+ every single PPM month so far...They rank #1 25-54. They have 25-54 numbers that the younger, brighter ACs can only dream of.

I agree, Jay. Plus, the women at the higher end of the demo probably have more disposable income than those at the lower end that are less likely to listen. A lot of 33 year old women are listening to Lady Gaga and Ke$ha on CHRs and/or Hot ACs. The ones that don't likely don't mind or appreciate the large doses of 70s and 80s music that most AC stations provide.

I still say the right formula for a successful and good sounding AC (assuming 12 songs are played hourly) is: 3 70s, 4 80s, 2 90s, 1 current, and 2 00s. If there was extra time, throw in another 00s. That is the best blend at the current moment given the available material from all eras without burning them out. With most AC's...the older the music leans, the better the station does. I am also a fan of 70s/80s "flashback weekends" on AC stations, especially if there isn't a classic hits station in the market - gives a break from the same songs and allows a chance to hear some different ones.

I agree, WLYF is very good. May not work in many other markets, but they have a very good sound. KOST/LA is great too and isn't as aggressive as a lot of AC's, they lean older as well.

 

[vchimpanzee]

Another one that I like that is nowhere to be heard - Annie Lennox's "Walking On Broken Glass" from the early 90s. It seems like it would be a good AC song and I think it did well. I heard that song somewhere recently for the first time in ages.

The first time I ever heard this song was when a small station where I live was supposed to switch to ABC Stardust from a talk simulcast where the two co-owned stations were both on AM and covered pretty much the same area. Instead it turned out to be Jones soft AC. When I asked what happened I was told Stardust was on a nearby station with a directional antenna and despite the man's protests about that directional signal not reaching the area, they wouldn't let him use the format because he was too close to that other station. The man didn't like AM Only, saying it wasn't a good product.

So he chose AC, even though the area had plenty of those stations. The song itself is good except for the lyrics, so I wonder why I had never heard it.

A few years later Music of Your Life was a success and he switched to that. As much as I enjoyed it there were very few commercials and when the man did an oldies show, it was a success. The station has been oldies ever since.

 

[vchimpanzee]

I agree that some of those are good songs, but a lot of them have not aged well and probably do not test well. I still hear "You'll Be In My Heart" and "Save The Best For Last" quite regularly.

Dial Global standards plays them both (unfortunately). "Save the Best for Last" I don't mind as much now as I once did. The problem I have with the song is the instrumentals. Her voice, of course, is great.

I just have a problem with Phil Collins in general, but I get sick of those Disney songs. I haven't actually heard it lately but yes.com listed that or another Phil Collins song one time. I was looking for another song and can't understand why the song my station actually played at that time wasn't listed.

 

[Prais]

Chimp said, "I have a a problem with Phil Collins in general."

Funny, he always speaks highly of you!

 

[carolinaradio]

2 more:

Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone

 

[new_friends_gr]

I thought of a couple more. These ones are both from the fall of '98 but I still think are good enough to be played back in regular rotation on AC stations.

-"Thank U" by Alanis Morrisette
-"When You Believe" by Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston

Do they sound dated? Sure. But sometimes that's a good thing to contrast it with all the other AC staple songs we get sick of hearing. Would they test well? Who knows. Maybe they haven't aged as well as, say, "What's Love Got To Do With It?" by Tina Turner. But it would be cool if stations at least tried these types of songs out a bit more often.

 

[Seltzer]

A popular sales demo is women 25-54. It's safer for ACs to try to dominate the 40-54 core audience (and get a high 25-54 ranking this way) than chase after the younger women. If an AC shifts too young they could blow off their core with no guarantee the younger women will come. Keep in mind that women in their 20s and 30s have several other formats aiming at them including Hot AC and CHR.

One of my favorite ACs is WLYF/Miami. they have an older, softer (but not boring) mix of music than most other ACs play nationally. They have not only been #1 6+ every single PPM month so far...They rank #1 25-54. They have 25-54 numbers that the younger, brighter ACs can only dream of.

I agree, Jay. Plus, the women at the higher end of the demo probably have more disposable income than those at the lower end that are less likely to listen. A lot of 33 year old women are listening to Lady Gaga and Ke$ha on CHRs and/or Hot ACs. The ones that don't likely don't mind or appreciate the large doses of 70s and 80s music that most AC stations provide.

I still say the right formula for a successful and good sounding AC (assuming 12 songs are played hourly) is: 3 70s, 4 80s, 2 90s, 1 current, and 2 00s. If there was extra time, throw in another 00s. That is the best blend at the current moment given the available material from all eras without burning them out. With most AC's...the older the music leans, the better the station does. I am also a fan of 70s/80s "flashback weekends" on AC stations, especially if there isn't a classic hits station in the market - gives a break from the same songs and allows a chance to hear some different ones.

I agree, WLYF is very good. May not work in many other markets, but they have a very good sound. KOST/LA is great too and isn't as aggressive as a lot of AC's, they lean older as well.

I've listened to WLYF on line and agree; exactly the right music mix for that market. I also like your era breakdown for songs in the AC format.

 

[carolinaradio]

I heard "Without You" and "One Sweet Day" by Mariah today, on AC - I generally like her, but wow...they sounded dated. I can see why you don't hear those anymore.

WASH/Washington is another good AC station. Seems like a majority of the good ones are Clear Channel, save for a few like WBEB, WLYF, etc. Musically, I think they do the format best.

 

[carolinaradio]

Rob Thomas's "Her Diamonds"
Matt Nathanson's "Come On Get Higher"
- hits for AC last year at this time. Now they get very little airplay compared to other songs that have made it that high on the chart ("Pocketful of Sunshine", "Who Knew", "Black Horse & The Cherry Tree", "This Love", etc). Interesting. Same for Taylor Swift's "Love Story" and "Teardrops on My Guitar", especially the latter. Throw The Fray's "You Found Me" in as well.

Would not surprise me if these songs largely disappear from AC in the next year. They weren't really that great anyway. Not everything that makes the top 5 becomes a staple I guess. Can anyone else think of any top 10 songs from the mid 2000s-on that had their time, but seem to be fading away like many of the songs mentioned here?

 

[carolinaradio]

Hate to keep re-posting, but I thought of several more:

Nick Lachey - What's Left Of Me (2006, #3 AC)
Five For Fighting - The Riddle (2007, #4 AC)
Faith Hill/Tim McGraw - Like We Never Loved At All (2006, #9 AC)

I really liked "The Riddle", but it has absolutely vanished. I thought it was the best Five For Fighting song. The Faith/Tim one didn't go that high but I really liked it. I have no idea where the Nick Lachey one went, but I haven't heard it in a year probably.

 

[vchimpanzee]

I haven't heard this one lately. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" is doing a bunch of songs I've never heard of by artists I never heard of, but I sure have heard many of the songs.

The title was a compound word where the first word was "love". The lyrics include "Love me, love me, say you love me." Sung by cutesy-sounding girls.

 

[RDO]

I haven't heard this one lately. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" is doing a bunch of songs I've never heard of by artists I never heard of, but I sure have heard many of the songs.

The title was a compound word where the first word was "love". The lyrics include "Love me, love me, say you love me." Sung by cutesy-sounding girls.

Is that Lovefool by The Cardigans?

 

[vchimpanzee]

I haven't heard this one lately. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" is doing a bunch of songs I've never heard of by artists I never heard of, but I sure have heard many of the songs.

The title was a compound word where the first word was "love". The lyrics include "Love me, love me, say you love me." Sung by cutesy-sounding girls.

Is that Lovefool by The Cardigans?

That's it.

 

[carolinaradio]

Does anyone want to take a gander as to why AC won't play these (MOST AC's):

Annie Lennox- Walking On Broken Glass
Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days
Level 42 - Something About You
Howard Jones - Everlasting Love / No One Is To Blame
Laura Branigan - Gloria (I might have heard this a little bit)

All seem absolutely PERFECT for AC and were decent hits. Seems like those would fit perfectly with what most ACs play.

 

[satech]

Does anyone want to take a gander as to why AC won't play these (MOST AC's):

Annie Lennox- Walking On Broken Glass
Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days
Level 42 - Something About You
Howard Jones - Everlasting Love / No One Is To Blame
Laura Branigan - Gloria (I might have heard this a little bit)

All seem absolutely PERFECT for AC and were decent hits. Seems like those would fit perfectly with what most ACs play.

NJ's "The Breeze" (107.1 WWZY/99.7 WBHX) plays all of those, but they are really more of a Classic Hits/AC hybrid, even though Arbitron lists them as just "AC".

In particular, though, I almost never hear that Annie Lennox song anymore. A lot of '90s music has been forgotten and is stuck in the gap between '80s nostalgia and 2000s recurrents.

 

[carolinaradio]

I'll have to check that station out, as I like stations that are classic hits/AC hybrids or very gold leaning AC's.

The ONLY way I thought of that Annie Lennox song was hearing it in the grocery store. It never ceases to amaze me how 90s songs such as that are forgotten but ones like TLC's "Waterfalls" get played along side the other 30-40 "safe" songs from the era.
I recently heard an AC station go over an hour and not play a 90s song, but plenty of 80s, 00s, and 70s.

 

[atlantaboy]

Matt Nathanson's "Come On Get Higher"

Our AC actually plays that a lot - I really think that track's going to stay on the format for years, just cause it's such a big Hot AC recurrent, and even a recurrent on adult-leaning CHRs