Flying under the radar does not preclude something from flying in an upward direction.
But by adhering to that upward flight pattern, Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t” is quickly thrusting itself onto the radar and into the conversation.
Buzzworthy over its lyrics but not necessarily over its commercial performance, “Don’t” has quietly been surging on the Mediabase airplay and iTunes sales charts. As of press time, it was up to #14 at Hot AC radio, #16 at pop radio (and enjoying accelerated spin gains) and as high as #12 on the iTunes all-genre chart.
Collectively, the strong radio and sales interest is helping to send “Don’t” up the all-encompassing Billboard Hot 100. After jumping into the Top 30 last week, the song blasts into the #25 position on this week’s chart.
“Don’t” is the follow-up to Sheeran’s “Sing,” which peaked at #13 on the Hot 100. The singer-songwriter previously charted with “The a Team” (#16) and “Lego House” (#42).
— While Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t” climbs into the Top 25, another track familiar to pop radio listeners slips out. Katy Perry’s “This is How We Do,” that song, drops three places to #27 on this week’s Hot 100.