Britney Spears has teamed up with Tinashe for what appears to be a real solid winner.  “Slumber Party” (RCA/RLG) is the jam that many of our programmers are falling all over. I’m also happy to report that the multi-talented Zara Larsson is back at the format with yet another gem. “Ain’t My Fault” (Epic) is the one that is well worth you spending some time on. Also getting much love at Top40 is my new favorite vocal group Fifth Harmony. Their latest and greatest in “That’s My Girl” (Syco Music/Epic) has to be one of their best singles yet. The vocals are out of this world and with our old pal Simon Cowell at the helm there are some even bigger things ahead for this super talented group of ladies.

Newcomer James Arthur is getting some serious love and action for his new offering. “Say You Won’t Let Go” (Columbia) is finding its way on a number of our radio stations playlists and I’m not really surprised. If you are not up on this artist as of yet you most certainly need to be. Atlantic has been staying on the latest from Fitz And The Tantrums so they must think they have something here. “Hand Clap” (Atlantic) has been at the Hot AC format for month’s now and it’s finally making its way to Top40. It appears that the power brokers at the label have finally decided to make a move on this talented band.

John Mayer is back and that could be a good thing. “Love On The Weekend” (Columbia) gets him back in the game so we’ll have to see how this all pans out for him in the weeks to come. The pairing of the Weekend with Daft Punk appears to be a regular thing. The team now takes the single “I Feel It Coming” (XO/Universal Republic) out for a spin so they must believe that they have a new formula that is working.

Hailee Steinfeld & Grey along with super producer and mixer Zedd are pulling out all the stops. “Starving” (Republic/Universal) is the masterpiece that appears to be making magic all over radio. The other super mixer/producer Calvin Harris is finding more love at the format.  “My Way” (Columbia) is the gem that many of our music and program directors are raving about and that should tell you something. Ariana Grande has teamed up with Nicki Mimaj for a solid winner. “Side By Side” (Republic) is the track that finds these two making beautiful music together.

Lukas Graham is back at the Top40 with yet another gem. “You’re Not There” (WB/WEA) is the one that is getting a big thumbs up from radio programmers. Another pairing that is breaking so big that we can barely keep up is the Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane monster hit. “Black Beatles” (Eardrumma/Interscope) is the jam that everybody is raving about and for good reason. This has #1 written all over it my friends. Adele is back at the format with another smash hit. “Water Under The Bridge” (XL Recordings/Columbia) is her latest and greatest and can she do anything wrong? I guess not.

Renee Zawawi has a good thing going and make no mistake about it. Her new single “Mom” (PSP) the follow-up to her smash hit single “Happy Hour” is now moving fast and furious up our Top40 charts. She is most certainly an artist to consider for our up and coming New Music Weekly Awards. Another artist that needs to be on that list is Chuck Murphy. He has had a banner 2016 and his new single  “Peace Be With You” (One West Music) is an even greater reason to throw your support his way for the NMA Awards.

Jimmy White is also an artist that needs to be considered for this year’s New Music Awards. His latest in “Miserable Man”(828) is nothing short of brilliant as most of the songs he writes and produces. John Ratliff and his band Receptacle are also deserving of your attention. “Oh My” is the gem from them that has garnered some real solid and impressive numbers.  This is our final column for 2016 and what a year this has been at Top40. Please take a real good look at all of the artists and songs on our charts and keep them in mind for the up and coming New Music Weekly Awards. We will be talking to many of you at radio to get your feedback   Happy holidays to you and we’ll be back at it very early in 2017 when we will continue our on-going New Music Revolution.