Sabrina is 3/3! “Taste” climbs to Number 1

Over “Die with a Smile” its dead body – Sabrina Carpenter climbs to Number 1 with the delightfully tongue-and-cheek “Taste”. It marks her third consecutive chart-topper this year, following the summer breakout “Espresso” and the synth-infused “Please, Please, Please”. After years of being underrated as a viable pop act, Sabrina Carpenter delivers us one of the most memorable pop eras in a long time. Her Short ‘N Sweet era has even been described as a modern Teenage Dream. “Taste” addresses complex relationship issues, possibly referring to the love triangle rumours with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. “Taste” has a killer hook, and an even more killer music video, starring Scream queen Jenna Ortega as a possible Cabello stand-in, and heavily draws inspiration from cult classics such as Death Becomes Her. 2024 is now undeniably the year of Sabrina Carpenter, and who knows how many more hits Short ‘N Sweet will spawn. Sabrina successfully dethrones “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which spent two weeks leading the list.

Addison Rae applies for main pop girl status with “Diet Pepsi”, which reaches new career high at #10 this week. It becomes the TikTok star-turned-pop singer her first ever Top 10-hit on my chart. In 2021, debuted with “Obsessed” which was critically panned and forced Rae to go back to the drawing board. Since then, the TikTokker has studied the greats and carved a niche (gay) fanbase for herself with her mixtape AR. She also scored a surprise hit as a feature on the remixed version of Charli XCX’s, “Von Dutch” who has acted like a mentor of some sorts for Rae. That influence is best heard on Rae’s “Diet Pepsi” whilst also oozing Lana Del Rey-esque lyrics. Addison Rae now joins a small group of social media-stars who successfully transitioned into main pop music, such as Troye Sivan, Conan Gray, the Dutch YouTuber Famke Louise and Shawn Mendes.

In the past five years, Dutch DJ formation Kris Kross Amsterdam have become one of the biggest hit makers of the country. Between 2018 and 2023, they scored multiple Dutch Top 10-hits on this chart, including three Number 1s. They usually follow a recognizable formula: remix an old classic from the 90s or 00s, translate it into Dutch, and collaborate with big Dutch pop stars. This time, they debut with “Vleugels” at #17, their first original mix in a long time. They are, however, again supported by some of the biggest Dutch stars right now. Firstly, Antoon joins Kris Kross again following their Number 1-collab “Vluchtstrook” in 2021. Although his own releases have underperformed recently, he did solely produce some big hits for other artists, such as Roxy Dekker’s “Satisfyer”. Secondly, Zoë Tauran also returns for a second collaboration with Kris Kross following their Top 10-hit “Adrenaline”.

This week, Maan released her third studio album Eclips – a literal darker version of her own name. It starkly contrasts the artist’s earlier material, which were more upbeat pop, in stead opting for a mature and electronic sound. The project also addresses her struggles with tabloids and fame. The third single “Vermomd Entrée” soars up to #20, shaping up to become the first proper hit off the album. Lead song “Paranoia” did debut at #7, but fell off within three weeks. To celebrate the new album, I have decided to rank Maan her biggest songs to date. In first place, to little surprise, is “Stiekem” with Goldband. It ranks as the best-scoring Dutch song of all time and the only Dutch song ever to reach diamond status. In second place, ranks her Brandy & Monica-inspired “Hij Is Van Mij” against Tabitha. In third place, ranks her collaboration “Blijven Slapen” with Snelle. Her biggest solo song is “Zo Kan Het Dus Ook”, fifth overall. For a full overview of Maan her biggest hits, see the list below this chart.

Further down, Camila Cabello debuts with “Godspeed” at #23, the final song off her fourth solo album C, XOXO. The album presented a new direction for the “Havana”-singer, with critics linking her to Charli XCX. It failed to spawn any significant hit single; its most successful single being “He Knows”. Central Cee is up for his seventh Top 40-entry at #33 with “Moi”. It is an UK-garage-inspired banger, supported by RAYE on vocals– who recently scored three consecutive gold-certified hits. Fred Again.. rounds out the entries at #39 with “Just Stand There”, taken from his latest project Ten Days. It earns the London-based DJ his eighth Top 40-hit to date. Irish singer-songwriter SOAK joins him on vocals; his first ever chart entry.

Newly certified

“Hot To Go!” – Chappel Roan GOLD

“Gaan We Weg?” – Roxy Dekker & Ronnie Flex PLATINUM

Biggest Maan songs of all time

1. “Stiekem” with Goldband

2. “Hij Is Van Mij” with Kris Kross Amsterdam, Tabitha & Bizzey

3. “Blijven Slapen” with Snelle

4. “Blijf Bij Mij” with Ronnie Flex

5. “Zo Kan Het Dus Ook”

6. “Naar de Maan” with De Jeugd

7. “Ze Huilt Maar Ze Lacht”

8. “Jij Bent de Liefde”

9. “Als Ik Je Weer Zie” with Acda en De Munnik & Typhoon

10. “Lief Zoals Je Bent”