Matchbox 20 has come back to the  format with a brilliant new track. “Our Song” (Atlantic/WEA) reminds us of why we have missed these guys at radio. From the early numbers by our panel this could be a real welcome back hit for them. Nobody is hotter right now than Alabama Shakes. They are taking their single “Hold On” (ATO) out for a spins and so far so very good. You know the world is changing when you see legend John Fogerty teaming up with the Foo Fighter. He has done just that for a spellbinding version of his classic hit “Fortunate Son” (Vanguard). We’ll see how that all plays out in the coming weeks but so far it’s on fire. Train has teamed up with recording artist Ashley Monroe for a brilliant single. “Bruises” (Columbia/Sony) is the one that many of our music and program directors are raving about. Also getting some strong action this week is Michael Buble. His new “It’s A Beautiful Day” (Reprise/WEA) is pulling in some rather impressive numbers that indicate something special is going on here. Demi Lovato is back with a big time radio hit. “Heart Attack” (Hollywood) is her latest and this one is set to become another winner for Demi. Hopefully she will be following in the footsteps of Pink. She has released her best singles for the format ever in “Just Give Me A Reason” (RCA/RLG).

The Plain White T`s are back at AC and many of us are happy to see that. With their lead vocalist getting plenty of attention on the reality series Ready For Love, that is helping with the push for their new “Should Have Gone To Bed” (Hollywood), easily one of their best in quite some time. It’s also great to see Avril Lavigne back on the charts. She’s doing it in style as her new “Here’s To Never Growing Up” (Epic/Sony) takes flight. Before Taylor and Colbie, let us not forget that it was Avril that got a lot of the girl power music started. Watch for some big weeks ahead for this masterpiece. Justin Timberlake is making the most of his new album release. The single “Mirrors” (RCA/RLG), actually his second from the project is really a fine track and it appears that radio really loves it as well. Carrie Underwood is getting plenty of attention at the AC format and why not. Her latest track “See You Again” (Arista Nashville) is the perfect fit for an artist that has now crossed formats. Also taking advantage of format crossing is Rihanna. Her new single “Stay” (DefJam/IDJMG) is the perfect fit for AC radio and many of our music and program directors have been raving about it. If she ever gets her personal life under control she could be around for quite some time. Dido is back at the format and although it’s been awhile many are responding to her return. The track “No Freedom” (RCA/RLG) pretty much finds her right back where she belongs. Matt Backer has had a stellar run with “All That You’ve Wanted” (Right Records). His new single “Let’s Art” is set for release by next week and watch for some big weeks ahead on that gem. It’s also great to have Colbie Caillat around once again. This time out she’s teamed up with another AC favorite in Gavin DeGraw. Together the two are building a musical future with the magical duet entitled “We Both Know” (Republic). Phillip Phillips has another solid winner on his hands. Last year’s American Idol winner keeps winning the hearts and minds of radio listeners with his new and super strong single “Gone, Gone, Gone” (19/Interscope).

Ed Sheeran is also keeping pace with the best of them as his new “Lego House” (Asylum/WB) moves forward. Newcomer Dan Exactly has a hit with “Two Left Feet” (Wiiden Jazz) that is amazing. Bill Songy is killing it out there as his debut single “Those Days Are Gone” (Franzia) moves forward. Marsha Jewell is ever so close to the #1 spot with her stellar “Ragged Angel” (Jewell Lane). I’ll have more for you next time right here friends.