U2 has once again asserted their dominance on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart with their latest single, “Atomic City.” This week, the tune climbs from No. 3, where it ranked last period, to the No. 1 spot, bringing the band back to the throne and giving them a very important champion.
“Atomic City” now stands as U2’s fourteenth chart-topping hit on Billboard’s ranking of the tracks that reach the largest audience at radio stations in the U.S. that focus on a format called adult alternative—basically, alternative rock aimed at a more “adult,” or older, audience.
With another leader to their credit, U2 breaks out of a tie with Coldplay for the most No. 1 hits in the history of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, according to Billboard. The British band is steady with their 13 wins, while Jack Johnson comes in third with 11.
“Atomic City” marks U2’s first No. 1 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart in more than five years. The last time the legendary rockers ruled over the radio list was back in 2017, when their single “You’re the Best Thing About Me” claimed the No. 1 spot.
The journey to this bit of the chart’s record books started for U2 back in 1997 when they secured the No. 1 spot on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart for the first time with “Staring at the Sun.” Now, over two decades later, it’s clear that their fan base is still big enough to see their newest releases rise on competitive radio charts.
“Atomic City” is, thus far, a one-off single released by U2. The band strategically dropped the track to promote their Las Vegas residency at the newly-opened Sphere, a series of shows that have garnered significant attention and launched the venue. The band recently extended their run of performances in Sin City, as the venture was met with critical and commercial approval.
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