Two legendary groups are at the top once again
History doesn’t repeat; it rhymes. In some cases, though, it seems to do both. Especially this year, with Billboard releasing its weekly Hot 100 list, which has featured both the Rolling Stones and Beatles in the Top 10 for the first time in almost six decades.
Both bands, driving forces behind the British Invasion, rose to prominence around the same time in the ’60s and would be a means of music-lovers to pick sides. But over half a century has not slowed either the Beatles or the Stones down and both groups have released new music, with the timing aligning just right for both to make up the upper reaches of Billboard‘s Top 10 charts like no time has passed at all.
Both the Rolling Stones and the Beatles have continued advancing their careers, even while putting some meaningful capstones on their discographies. On October 20, the Stones released their latest album, Hackney Diamonds, to generally highly favorable reviews. Earning particular amounts of praise has been “Angry,” a track off their latest LP. The Stones continue to beat their own records with “Angry,” which premiered as their 38th Top 10 track on the Billboard 200.
The Beatles too have been at work with both new and nostalgic content for fans to enjoy. On November 2, they released “Now and Then.” The track has been dubbed “the last Beatles song” and features the voice of the late John Lennon decades after he first wrote it. Lennon sings, “I know it’s true. It’s all because of you. And if I make it through, it’s all because of you.” It is paired with a remix of the band’s first single, 1962’s “Love Me Do,” so the two act as bookends to the group’s music journey.
On the most recent Adult Alternative Airplay chart, dated November 18, 2023, “Angry” by the Rolling Stones debuted at No. 6, while “Now and Then” by the Beatles debuted at No. 9. While these rankings are a testament to the quality of the music both bands still put out, it’s also a remarkable occurrence that’s been a long time in the making.
Jump back in time to the Billboard Hot 100 dated Dec. 12, 1964, and things look very familiar. At that time, The Stones had “Time Is on My Side” once again comfortably seated at No 6. It was at that time that the Beatles saw “I Feel Fine” rocket from No. 22 to No. 5.
Which of these four historic tracks is your favorite?
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