Over the next few weeks, two of alternative radio’s most buzzworthy tracks will attempt to crossover into the Hot Adult Contemporary format.
Up first is Vance Joy’s “Riptide,” which goes for Hot AC adds on August 11. A more established blockbuster at alternative, “Riptide” is currently #2 on Mediabase’s rolling airplay chart for the format.
A proven commodity in several international markets, “Riptide” hit #10 in the UK, #9 in Germany and #6 in Vance Joy’s native Australia.
While it remains to be seen if it can succeed as a mainstream hit in the US, it has thus far demonstrated some promise on the general iTunes sales chart. As of press time, it was #51 among singles from all genres.
Two weeks later, Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” will attempt to make the leap over to the more mainstream Hot AC format.
A popular industry discussion topic due to its lyrical sentiment (and dark video), “Church” has garnered aural comparisons to music from acts like Elton John, James Blake and Imagine Dragons.
The song reached #2 in Hozier’s native Ireland and the top 40 in the Netherlands. It is currently #17 on Mediabase’s US alternative airplay chart and #66 on the iTunes single sales chart.
While it has only thus far been confirmed for a Hot AC impact, “Take Me to Church” is listed as “cool new music” on the pop section of All Access and thus a candidate for an eventual debut on that format as well. “Riptide” is not listed there, but the song could conceivably receive a pop push if it makes waves at Hot AC.