Beyonce is back at Top40 and in a very big way. Her new single “Drunk In Love” (Columbia/Sony) taken from her #1 new album is just what the doctor ordered. Also making the best of things at the format is One Direction. I hate to admit it but I just can’t seem to get “Story Of My Life” (Columbia/Sony) out of my head &many of our programmers feel the very same way about this infections tune. Shakira has teamed up with another powerhouse in Rihanna for a magical event. “Can’t Remember To Forget You” (Sony Music Latin) is taking the radio world over and in a good way. Watch for this gem to hit the very top of the charts and in record time. The pairing of Pitbull and Kesha has produced #1 magic. “Timber” (Mr 305/Polo Grounds/RCA) is fast becoming a pop anthem and it’s easy to see how that’s happening – it’s a solid single at that. Aloe Blacc is making the most of his recent fame. So much so that he’s taking “The Man” (Interscope) out for a spin at radio to amazing results. This guy is the “real deal” and make no mistake about the fact that a new star is born. Pharrell might be taking some major flack for that silly hat that he wore at this year’s Grammy Awards but that’s not stopping his new “Happy” (Universal/UMG) single from exploding all over pop radio. The fact that it’s also featured in a hit film also adds to the stock. Eminem has teamed up with Rihanna for a major hit record. “The Monster” (Aftermath/Interscope) is yet another gem featuring lady luck and with Eminem leading the charge this one is pure magic. I also really love the new Jason Derulo and 2 Chainz single. Entitled “Talk Dirty” (Beluga Heights/WB) this cut is getting some major traction and it so deserves it. Chris Brown is back and that might be a good thing. The wild and crazy Chris keeps running into trouble but he’s having no trouble in getting spins for his new “Loyal” (RCA/RLG) single. Also picking up action is our good pal and former NMW cover-girl Miley Cyrus. She’s back with another gem in “Adore You” (RCA/RLG) that seems to fast becoming a real favorite among our music and program directors. The fabulous Neon Trees are back at radio with a new gem of their own. “Sleeping With A Friend” (Mercury) is their latest and it’s so great to have this talented band back where they belong. The American Authors continue to rock the Top40 format with their powerful anthem in “Best Day Of My Life” (Island). Lorde really cleaned up at this year’s Grammy Awards and she’s doing it again at radio with her latest single “Team” (Lava/Republic) that is another infectious offering. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis didn’t do too bad at this year’s Grammy’s either. They have recently teamed up with Schoolboy Q for another winner to be found in “White Walls” (WB/WEA). For an outfit that started on an independent record label, these guys have set the bar for how to do it on your own. As you know by now this is our NMA Nomination issue. We wish to congratulate all of our nominees and wish them the very best. Some of the independent artists made the list including Allen D. His new single “You & The Night & The Music” (New Terra) has been on fire over the past few weeks and for good reason. Marsha Jewell also hit our nomination list a number of times just as her new single “Butterfly” (Jewell Lane) takes flight. You can help all of these artists take a nomination and turn it into a win by your votes on our web-sight. If you have any questions, especially during this year’s CRS, just look me up and you might just find me over at the Bride Bar. We’ll have more for you on the greatest Top40 hits in the world right here for our next issue.