COMMENTARY
2003 started with a vanilla top 100 record. The Dixie Chicks become the first country artist to ever reach the top of the list. After 15 weeks of climbing all over the chart, the Dixie Chicks' "Landslide" finally reaches #1, bumping off Christina Aguilera's 2-week #1 streak of "Beautiful." The rest of the top five include Nivea, the Strokes, and Puddle of Mudd, respectively. There are no top ten entrees this week. The rest of the top ten includes Aaliyah, No Doubt, The Donnas, Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow, and the Distillers. Avril Lavigne almost makes it, at #11 with "Im With You."
The Greatest Gainer this week comes courtesy of Sum 41. The song "Still Waiting" took a 24 spot leap from #42 to #18. Another big increase comes from Missy Elliott, who's single "Gossip Folks," takes a 26 spot leap to #41. Jennifer Lopez's "All I Have" reaches its new peak at #15. Rising 9 spots is Ja Rule & Ashanti's "Mesmerize" which finds itself at #17 this week.
This weeks highest debut comes from t.A.T.u. who have been a heatseeker for many weeks. But, it finally pays off, as they have the highest debut at #42 with "All the Things She Said." Other notable debuts include the Dixie Chicks' "Travelin Soldier," Angie Martinez & Kelis' "Take You Home," heatseeker Amanda Perez's "Angel", Common & Mary J. Blige's "Come Close to Me," And Lisa Loeb's "Underdog," barely making the chart.
The first Veteran Award entry of the year comes from Vanessa Carlton. Even though "A Thousand Miles" only peaked at #20, the song stayed on the top 100 for a whopping 45 weeks. Carlton, and all veteran award entrees will receive honorary banners, as shown below. To see all the veteran award banners, click here.
2003 started with the Dixie Chicks at #1, but will they be #1 next week? Most likely, yes, unless Aguilera's "Beautiful" can rebound back to #1. Avril Lavigne will most likely enter the top ten, but Musiq, John Mayer, Jennifer Lopez, and Ja Rule may have to wait a couple weeks. Next week, the Vanilla Grammy Award winners will be announced. Make sure to check that out. In the meantime, enjoy the new look for 2003 for the Vanilla Top 100.