Rock Sweep: January 12, 2013...

Welcome back to part two of today's "chart sweeps" of the latest music to make the weekly tally at Billboard magazine. This time out it's the newest on rock radio....

On the combined Rock Airplay chart, Muse's "Madness" sticks around for a fourth non-consecutive week at #1...

The only new song is from Mumford & Sons, who are still at #2 with "I Will Wait", while the emotional climax of their Babel album, "Lover Of The Light" chimes in at #40. It's by far my favorite song on the CD, and the video featuring Idris Elba from The Wire only enhances the sweeping scope of the track. I would be tickled pink if they performed this one at the Grammys. Grade: A

(Click below to see the rest of the post)


Over on the Modern Rock/Alternative format chart, Muse also remain at the top of the list for a thirteenth week, while the aforementioned "Lover Of The Light" is the top new entry at #34.

Coming in at #35 is British singer Alex Clare, whose "Too Close" topped the chart last year and is still in the top-20.  "Up All Night" was originally the first single from his debut album back in 2010, but didn't go anywhere. It trades in the dubstep-rock backdrop for a more reggae-tinged beat, with Alex's voice sounding a tad less soulful and more like toasting, with a tone that reminds me of Dexter Holland of the Offspring. It's not as immediate as "Too Close", but an adequate sidestep. Grade: C+

Debuting at #38 is alt-pop duo Twenty One Pilots with "Holding On To You", combining white-boy rap with melodic-pop notes in the chorus, with a voice a little reminiscent of if Gilbert O'Sullivan sung 90's rock hits. Interesting, to say the least. Don't get the artsy Juggalos in the background, though. Grade: B-

At the Mainstream Rock format, Soundgarden are at #1 for a fourth week with "Been Away Too Long"....

The big debut this week is by Canadian post-grungers Three Days Grace, who topped this list with "Chalk Outline" last year (and remain at #3 this week). They return with "The High Road", a driving mutli-rhythm rocker with Adam Gontier's voice varying from a fine tenor to a rough growl. Pretty by-the-numbers grunge, but it's their wheelhouse. Grade: B-

Surprisingly Muse's multi-format smash "Madness" finally finds a home on mainstream rock radio, and debuts at #38. What can I say, it's already one of my top-100 songs of last year, and deservedly so,m for their willingness to evolve, even bordering on making a frenetic version of George Michael's "I Want Your Sex" as the result. Grade: A

The final arrival at #40 is by Texan alt-metal outfit Drowning Pool, with their first single from an upcoming set, "Saturday Night". Their last album gave the guys their biggest hit on this chart with "Feel Like I Do" in 2010. This is their first hit with new lead singer Jason Moreno, who brings renewed energy to the band, though this sound like it's tailored more for the strip club than the stereo. Grade: C

Meanwhile, on the Triple-A (adult album alternative, or "Hipster rock") format radio chart, the Lumineers spend a second week on top with "Stubborn Love", and there are no new tracks on the chart.

On the Active Rock format chart, Soundgarden's aforementioned "Been Away Too Long" hangs on for a third week.

The top entry this week at #39 is by Buckcherry, who are due for a new album next month, and the first single from it, "Gluttony", and it's just the track to work out those New Year's resolutions (or not) to. Grade: B-

The other debut is by Christian metal band Thousand Foot Krutch at #40 with "War Of Change". Two years ago the Canadians went to the top-20 here with "Fire It Up", and their older-Linkin Park influence is quite apparent here. Grade: C

Finally, on the Heritage Rock format, Soundgarden are again #1 for a second week, and there are no debuts.


That's a wrap on this installment, I'll return in an hour and a half with the latest on R&B radio. Rock on!