Chris Stapleton Is #1 Country Artist in All of 2016 According to Billboard’s Compiled Metrics
Chris Stapleton was the #1 artist in all of country according to Billboard’s end of year charts that take into consideration a wide range of industry metrics. Though 2016 still has a few weeks left in it, the music calendar for charts ends in December. When you add up a country artists’ chart performance on the Hot Country Songs Chart (includes airplay, sales, and streaming data), the Top Country Albums Chart, as well as Boxscore touring revenue, Social 50 chart activity, and ringtone sales, Chris Stapleton decidedly comes out on top.
Though Stapleton may fall short of the touring numbers of names like Luke Bryan, or may not have the airplay of Florida Georgia Line, the incredible performance of his debut album Traveller has put him in unprecedented territory, while still putting up a decent showing in touring and track sales too. The numbers give more credence to Stapleton’s continued dominance at country music’s major award shows. Stapleton won Male Vocalist of the Year at the CMA’s for a second consecutive year in 2016.
The rest of the Top 50 artists in country is made up of the usual suspects, including Blake Shelton at #2, Florida Georgia Line at #3, Thomas Rhett at #4, and Carrie Underwood rounding out the Top 5 with some female representation. Other interesting names in the Top 50 Artist of 2016 include William Michael Morgan at #40, and Sturgill Simpson making his way into the Top 50 at #46.
Another interesting surprise from the year-end charts is who dominated Country Airplay in 2016. Though the numbers can seem skewed with all the #1’s doled out to mainstream stars who get pushed to the top through a very well-ordered singles system, it was actually Jon Pardi’s “Head Over Boots” that spent enough time on the charts, as well as spending a week at #1 to make it the most-played track of 2016, giving even more hope for country music that actually sounds country gaining traction on country radio. William Michael Morgan also had a good showing at #20 with “I Met A Girl.”
Of course Florida Georgia Line dominated the Hot Country Songs chart for the year, both as the top artist and with the top song in “H.O.L.Y.,” but the end of year lists once again show promise that things are changing for the better in country, and when more traditional-leaning artists are given an opportunity, they tend to succeed.
December 9, 2016 @ 10:37 am
Just like he invited Justin Timberlake to perform with him on television for an awards show, Chris Stapleton should invite Strugill Simpson. I’d make more sense. Would make country great again.
December 10, 2016 @ 12:06 pm
That’s a hell of a concept you got there. Instead of Saving Country Music, it could be “Make Country Music Great Again!” I’m gonna print up some trucker hats…
December 9, 2016 @ 10:50 am
“I Met a Girl” written by….
December 9, 2016 @ 10:58 am
Trevor Rosen.
December 9, 2016 @ 11:01 am
by Trevor Rosen aaaaaaaaand…. aaaaaaand.
SAY IT!!! SAY THE AWFUL WORDS!
December 9, 2016 @ 11:11 am
Shane McAnally?
🙂
December 9, 2016 @ 11:17 am
you coy bastard 🙂
December 9, 2016 @ 11:07 am
Mehh Travis Tritt done it better.
December 9, 2016 @ 11:50 am
Not really. He’s got nothing as compelling as “Fire Away” Nothing to be ashamed of because not many do. It’s an incredible song.
December 9, 2016 @ 12:16 pm
Its a good tune but tritt had many compelling songs back in the day but its ok most folks are looking for the next artist rolling guess I’m an ol relic.
December 9, 2016 @ 2:25 pm
Done what better? Why are we comparing Travis Tritt to Chris Stapleton all of a sudden? Waylon did it better than Travis Tritt. Does that mean Tritt’s garbage? Always unfair to judge artists longitudinally like that.
December 9, 2016 @ 6:49 pm
Is Tritt getting a retroactive upgrade for speaking up and putting out a live album?
December 9, 2016 @ 11:27 pm
I think Tritt’s legacy continues to brighten with all the Class of ’89 guys as modern country continues to confound traditional country fans. Time is the hardest, and most honest critic of music, and I think it continues to shine favorably on people like Tritt. But unlkie Garth, who seems to have played himself out with new albums, Tritt has really ingratiated himself to folks anew through his acoustic shows and record. I think it’s proven he’s much more than that “Here’s a Quarter” guy with a mullett.
December 10, 2016 @ 2:27 pm
The sales for Garth’s new album are pretty amazing. I know there are label and other issues with his whole operation now but still for someone capable of selling that many tickets to be able to only sell 19,000 albums in week one is pretty stunning.
I guess he is now in the McCartney/Madonna/ Rolling Stones category where people only care about the hits and don’t give a flip about any new music.
Wonder what he as someone that has been obsessed with his stats thinks about this in an honest moment.
December 10, 2016 @ 3:12 pm
I have not heard the new Garth Brooks CD because I have been unable to obtain a copy. Even though I get auto-shipped any and every godawful record in country music, Garth’s new one has not been included. I reached out to Garth’s peeps about a review copy ahead of the release, and there was no response. Last time I was in a local record store, they weren’t carry it, though that in itself wasn’t a huge surprise because they may not carry it anyway. When I went to a big box, they had the new box set and Christmas record, and I found a spot where I thought the new album might be, but it wasn’t there. They may have just been out, I don’t know. I could have ordered one on Amazon a while ago, but I did not think I would have an issue getting it. My guess is others are probably having the same issue. Maybe Garth would prefer folks buy it as part of the Target box set as opposed to individually, I don’t know. Being your own record label may not be as easy as Garth thought. I’m not hearing ANYONE talk about the new record, except in a negative context. There’s more chatter about the box set and Christmas record. It’s not anywhere on the end of year lists. His concert strategy has been historic, but on the recorded side, he’s falling flat on his face.
December 10, 2016 @ 3:34 pm
On the albums chart he actually has three entries (currently at 2,3,4). The Christmas album with Trisha is #2 the new album is #4 and at #3 is a combo pack of the two together. In many ways it’s typical Garth in that now the headlines are he has three of the top four country albums but in reality it’s all hocus pocus similar to his numerous repackaged ‘box sets’ and the like which I think have been exclusives at about a half dozen retailers over the years.
I can’t decide if he is incompetent or a genius. Maybe both. On the concert side very few have ever been smarter but he is totally clueless in most other ways.
December 10, 2016 @ 3:40 pm
To clarify I mean clueless in understanding how to get his music to his fans or just the general public. Not having 25 year old songs available on YouTube is just ridiculous. Can get not giving away new material but the difficulty in listening to ‘Much Too Young’ or ‘Unanswered Prayers’ quickly is so out of step with the modern world as to be laughable.
December 15, 2016 @ 9:22 pm
Does Tritt really have that generic “guy with one song everybody knows him for” stigma about him with a lot of country music fans? I know that he was perhaps the least successful of the famous Class of ’89 group, but wasn’t he kind of a big deal at one point? Or did his ego and Waylon’s (odd in my mind) endorsements just write some revisionist history?
As for Garth, like always I was wondering why you hadn’t gotten to his newest album. Sure, you can’t listen to everything, but he’s the Big Deal, so I assumed it wouldn’t slip through the cracks. I do think he’s having trouble adjusting to the new music business, as you say, but part of that is due just as much to his ego as it is his ignorance of how the modern industry works (if not just the industry in general, as during his heyday he always had the Capitol label to handle the generic business side of his album releases). I think that Garth is partly out-of-touch — though the streaming/digital distribution deal with Amazon shows that he’s learning — and partly just arrogant. I think that he thinks he’s some sort of exception to the modern industry standard just because he’s the number one selling solo artist of all-time according to companies like Nielson that weren’t around when Elvis was alive, not to mention because he’s somehow sold and resold the same damn albums and the same damn songs to consumers for his whole career. Just like with GhostTunes, he thinks that anything he does will be some sort of runaway success. While I’ll always have my copies of his original albums to listen to, I completely agree with Scotty J that it’s ridiculous to not be able to find old music on modern platforms. The man’s so in love with his stats that he just can’t seem to bear the idea that views on a public platform won’t continue to boost his profile.
Which brings us to the Ultimate Collection box set. I very much think that he wants people to obtain Gunslinger via that avenue, and it seems clear to me from the overall approach that this is the case: the new album with two exclusive bonus tracks and nine discs worth of his catalogue, including tracks from Man Against Machine and the Blame It All On My Roots Walmart box set. After all, Brooks can claim that his new album sold in excess of 100,000 copies in its first week due to it shipping with the box for a “stupid” (to quote “g”) low price, while the standard version flounders at the few places that decided to stock it. I’ll give him this: he knows how to create demand for his product, which is all the more impressive given the fact that he’s once AGAIN repackaging most of this stuff. Whoever it was at Capitol that let his masters slip through the cracks is probably working at a gas station right now.
You might as well pick up the box, all things considered. I did, and while I feel like an absolute moron for doing it — I was plain embarrassed to even look directly at the kiosk in the store, much less pick one up and walk out with it — it’s still a good value. Plus, even if it wasn’t really that big a story to begin with, I think we’d all like to hear your opinion of the “Friends in Low Places” 25th anniversary re-recording. I know that you tend to ignore deluxe editions and bonus tracks when reviewing albums, it might make for a decent anecdote. I suppose we can thank Garth’s myopic distribution plan for not allowing the new cut to see much light of day away from the people who purchased the actual box (no streaming, etc.). Hell, as far as I can tell, most people don’t even know it exists, so perhaps it’s irrelevant, but I WILL say that it’s the most country song that Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and (with some token exceptions) Keith Urban have ever been a part of. In fact, the actual musical arrangement is SO close to the original, it made me wonder at times if the original track had just been lifted, padded out and newly vocalized.
Anyway, cool to see Chris having such a record year. THIS is the kind of success and mission statement I can wholeheartedly get behind to save country music.
December 9, 2016 @ 11:48 am
For some perspective on the most recent Country Album chart ‘Traveller’ drops to #6 and that is the first week the album has been outside the top 5 since he rose to the top following the 2015 CMA Awards.
What an amazingly strong and consistent seller that album has been.
December 9, 2016 @ 11:59 am
I guess we’ll have to see where he goes next. It is a good album. Still find it kinda weird it was that successful, but better him than some of those other clowns.
December 9, 2016 @ 12:14 pm
Sometimes these things defy explanation. For example why was the ‘O Brother’ soundtrack so ridiculously successful (it spent a similar amount of time in the top ten as ‘Traveller’ in a more competitive era).
December 11, 2016 @ 6:29 pm
Agree and I have put a lot of random thought to the this compared to say Sturgill’s Meta or Jason Isbell who has been trending around 150,000 copies on Southeastern and SMTF. You would think there would be more middle grounds between those guys.
I’ve concluded in my mind is the album got way way out beyond traditional country and even though its country I think the sound taps contemporary listeners and found a place on a lot of ‘Sunday morning’ playlist. It’s a beautiful album that people just like to chill out to. Traveler is not my thing as much but my hats off to Chris for pulling it off.
December 9, 2016 @ 12:31 pm
Songs , genres , and arrangements aside there are few popular vocalists today , relatively speaking , whose voices alone are just naturally riveting . Whether it be their innate ability to convey angst with a phrase , their gift of a completely irresistible vibrato in perfect pitch , an uncanny, almost supernatural range or perhaps all of the above ….je ne sais quoi, it is an organic magic that cannot be defined , determined or for the most-part even cultivated by that artist . You have it or you don’t. And if you do and can learn how to harness it for greatest effect it puts you in a very small but elite group of artists . I would put Adele in that camp, along with a Mavis Staples , certainly Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt , and without question Chris Stapleton . On the page , a lyric to an Adele song , for instance , does little to stir or touch the emotions . It is often overly-trite ,perhaps even cryptic, often cliche and mostly uncrafted .And none of that matters in the least when the woman wraps her pipes around it .The same could be said about many of Chis Stapleton’s lyrics .They would not be considered fresh , groundbreaking ( Your Man ..? ) or ‘ timely ‘ . But they are the RIGHT lyrics for the talent employing them because the voice is doing the heavy lifting . But being blessed with that voice and knowing what its pure organic characteristics are capable of affecting means the ingredients of a cereal box will touch a listener when a CS is singing them .
As music lovers first , genres play a back seat when these rarest of artists and rarest of gifts conspire to move us . THAT is a pure musical magic . Most contemporary vocalists take their mannerisms , “style” , technique ,etc, from someone else whose achieved some measure of success with that toolbox….an approach that is tried and true but inauthentic . Chris Stapleton has been able to weave that magic across genres with simple songs and an incomparably authentic gift .
December 10, 2016 @ 7:01 am
Albert, I respect your opinion highly. Yes Stapleton can make any song sound great with the power of his voice. Now, I want you to go buy or download the first 2 Steeldrivers albums. ( chris’s former bluegrass band that launched his career.) Listen carefully good sir. Check out a song called Can you run about a runaway slave in the civil war, also Sticks that Made Thunder , another Civil war song. Also, listen to Heaven sent, Angel of the night, Peacemaker and If it hadn’t been for love. These songs have lyrical weight and depth that would make any songwriter envious. Trust me on this one sir. You will appreciate Stapleton in a whole new light.
December 10, 2016 @ 9:36 am
Point taken Kevin . I should have clarified , in speaking about CS’ lyrics , that I was referring to what he has become known for commercially .( ‘…….’MANY of Chris Stapleton’s lyrics ….” ). I don’t particularly think that Traveller is CS at his best lyrically . BUT I do think it contains some of his best vocal performances .Like many of us , my introduction to CS was the Steeldrivers records which, as you so rightly point out , have some terrific writing . In terms of his vocal talents , I was trying to illustrate that with such unique gifts , CS could even sing ” You Are My Sunshine ” , which he has in fact , and we’d be moved . I appreciate your comments not only as a reminder to ME of his writing talents but in hopes that some other folks may check out the Steeldrivers’ records if they haven’t already .
December 10, 2016 @ 10:03 am
Good. Glad you know about the Steeldrivers. And yes, Traveller is great but not as epic as Steeldrivers work. Still surprises me how many folks I talk to profess their Stapleton Fan-hood but go huh?…when I mention Steeldrivers. Funny, it just happened last night at one of my favorite hometown pubs. We were watching a local bluegrass band and one of my good buddies told me he was big into Stapleton right now, but of course he hadn’t heard Chris had a bluegrass band ever. So I enlightend him…he’s so gonna thank me. BTW: the new lead singer for the band , Gary Nichols sings just like Chris!
December 10, 2016 @ 11:08 am
We caught the Steeldrivers with their incredible ” new ” vocalist /guitarist Gary Nichols here in Vancouver last year at a relatively intimate venue ( CBC studios…about 125 people ) so the sound was as good as acoustic music gets live . Every bit the show I’d expected from this group ….musically superb , personally warm and entertaining… and those songs ..man those songs . No disrespect to CS but I didn’t miss him with Gary Nichols in his spot .
December 12, 2016 @ 6:27 am
I heard You Are My Sunshine for the first time last week…I was blown away. Hard to believe such a simple song can be so powerful
December 9, 2016 @ 2:05 pm
All well and good, but Pardi and something-something Morgan still suck. A lot. Like, they’re really just giant pieces of shit, but not quite in the same way as the rest of music row. They’re just not good.
December 9, 2016 @ 2:27 pm
If you don’t like Something Something Morgan’s current radio single “Missing,” then I don’t know what to say.
December 9, 2016 @ 3:14 pm
Have honestly not heard that one yet, I’ll give it a shot. Last I tried was “vinyl” and that left my “girl”ed out.
December 9, 2016 @ 3:24 pm
Alright, I tried “missing” and it was ok. Hands down, the best song of his I’ve heard yet, but still forgettable as all hell. Was a low bar, but still. I really did wanna like him and Pardi, for the sake of country music, but I just can’t.
George Strait knockoffs who rhyme “girl” with “girl” just don’t do it for me…but I still root for their continued success because a step in the right direction’s a step in the right direction…
December 10, 2016 @ 1:48 am
I have to agree, Jim Bob. Pardi especially is overrated. Imagine how much more critical these people would be of “Dirt on my boots” if a well-known bro artist cut that song. These very people touting Pardi as the next great thing for saving country music would pick it apart. Yet, somehow it gets a pass because it’s Pardi. In my opinion, none of his songs have much depth to them.
December 9, 2016 @ 2:36 pm
Honestly, congrats to everyone on these lists. I like some of the music better than others, but every entry on the list represents a lot of hard work by a lot of people. And so congrats to all of them: the names, and the people behind the names.
December 9, 2016 @ 4:07 pm
Carrie Underwood’s performance on the year-end country charts of 2016 is really impressive as well. I looked at the Hot Country Songs Artists, Top Country Albums Artists, and Top Country Artists year-end charts and she is the only woman in the Top 10, let alone the Top 5, of all three charts. She worked really hard this year, so I can’t say I’m surprised.
December 9, 2016 @ 10:49 pm
Wow, Thomas Rhett is among the top five in nearly every category. He must really suck.
December 10, 2016 @ 7:35 am
How come Aaron Lewis never gets a mention? I don’t get that.
December 10, 2016 @ 8:28 am
Because he’s a carpetbagger and it remains to be seen how long his country phase will last.
December 10, 2016 @ 10:43 am
I think you are wrong. Even if that were correct, does that exclude the good country he is putting out? My opinion is that he is helping bring back traditional country and that’s a good thing. Sorry you don’t see it that way.
December 10, 2016 @ 10:11 am
I reviewed his last two records and reviewed his last single. The reason he wasn’t mentioned here is because he didn’t register on the end-of-year Billboard charts, unless he’s buried on the bottom of one and I missed it. Take it up with Billboard.