RAYE takes home the first Number 1 of 2023

After facing off against festive holiday classics and the ever dominant “Stiekem” by Maan & Goldband, independent artist Raye finally rises to the top position on my personal chart with “Escapism”, earning the British talent her first Number 1. The singer-songwriter has not had the most easy-going pop career. She had scored big with the collaborations “You Don’t Know Me” with Jax Jones and “Bed” with Joel Corry, but never quite found her footing in the UK pop scene, despite penning some absolute classics for other artists. In 2021, Raye infamously parted ways with Polydor Records, who had been withholding her debut album for several years. All those struggles are now finally paying off, as “Escapism” becomes her first Number 1-hit to date. Raye is supported by 070 Shake, an American rapper who specializes in ambient art R&B. Together, Raye & 070 Shake dethrone “Stiekem” by Maan & Goldband, which spent eight consecutive weeks at Number 1 and became one of the fastest-scoring singles of all time.

One of last year’s most-successful Dutch artists is singer-songwriter Flemming. He made his chart debut in 2021 with “Amsterdam”, which became a surprise streaming success. He continued his streak of hits throughout 2022 with “Zij Wil Mij”, “Automatisch” and “Terug Bij Af” featuring Ronnie Flex. At the last moment, Flemming released a ballad, “Paracetamollen”, to further promote his eponymous debut album and to thank the fans, which reaches a new peak at #10 on my personal list this week. The single marks Flemming his first Top 10-hit on my chart since his breakout “Amsterdam” two years ago. It is supported by increasing streaming figures and playlisting. It is also on track to become another national hit for the young talent, promising Flemming another successful year on the Dutch official charts.

As often happens when an artist reaches Number 1, one of their previous previously underrated singles (re-)enters the list with newfound support. This also happens to Raye, whose “The Thrill is Gone” enters the list at #21 this week. The song was originally released in October 2022 alongside her current Number 1-song “Escapism”. The upbeat anthem is taken from Raye her upcoming debut album My 21^st Century Blues, which is easily one of my most anticipated releases of 2023. Overall, “The Thrill is Gone” marks Raye her eleventh Top 40-entry and one of her biggest opening weeks to date.

Further down, Dutch pop players Trobi, Ronnie Flex & Bilal Wahib meet on “Love Song”, which debuts at #25 this week. “Doja”-rapper Central Cee continues his streak of viral hits with “Let Go”, which lands at #31, supported by playlisting. Metro Boomin’ makes his first ever chart appearance with “Creeping”, which features chart mainstays The Weeknd & 21 Savage. Metro Boomin’, however, is a behind-the-scenes mastermind, producing and writing some of R&B’s biggest hits in the last few years. British pop favourite George Ezra sneaks in at #38 with “Dance All Over Me”, while Belgian’s most popular singer Metejoor rounds out the Top 40 with his third Top 40-hit “Wat Wil Je Van Mij” featuring newcomer Hannah Mae.

Newly certified songs

“Escapism” – Raye & 070 Shake GOLD

“Nooit Meer Spijt” – S10 & Froukje GOLD