Country music superstar Morgan Wallen continues his reign atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, with his hit single “Don’t We” securing its second consecutive week at the No. 1 position. This remarkable achievement marks Wallen’s 12th multiweek No. 1 on the influential chart, solidifying his status as one of contemporary country music’s most dominant forces. The song garnered an impressive 33.6 million audience impressions between July 24 and July 30, a figure that remained largely consistent from the previous week, according to data provided by Luminate.
Beyond the continued success of “Don’t We,” Wallen has etched his name further into the annals of Billboard chart history. With the Aug. 8-dated chart reflecting his latest triumphs, Wallen has become the first artist to occupy the top two positions on the Country Airplay chart for multiple weeks across two distinct chart runs. This unprecedented accomplishment underscores Wallen’s consistent ability to capture the attention and airwaves of country music listeners.
His collaboration with Ella Langley, “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” maintains its peak position at No. 2 on the same chart, drawing 32.5 million impressions, an increase of 3% from the prior week. This dual dominance signifies Wallen’s sixth week simultaneously holding both the top two spots on the Country Airplay chart. His first instance of this feat occurred in July 2024, where his Post Malone collaboration “I Had Some Help” and his ERNEST-assisted track “Cowgirls” held the top two positions for four consecutive weeks.
A Look at Chart History: Wallen Joins Elite Company
The ability to hold the top two positions on the Country Airplay chart simultaneously is a rare feat, with only a select few artists achieving it. Prior to Wallen’s recent successes, Luke Bryan accomplished this for two consecutive weeks in 2014 with “Play It Again” and “This Is How We Roll” (featuring Florida Georgia Line). Luke Combs also managed this distinction, though spaced out over a longer period. Combs held the top two spots for one week in September 2023 with “Love You Anyway” and “Fast Car,” and again for a single frame in May of this year with “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” and “Days Like These.” Wallen’s ability to achieve this twice and hold it for extended periods highlights a remarkable period of commercial and critical success.
New Single Debuts Strong: "Been by Now" Enters the Top 15
Adding to his impressive chart performance, Wallen’s latest single, “Been by Now,” has made a significant debut on the Country Airplay chart, entering at No. 13. This marks Wallen’s highest-charting debut on the Country Airplay list, matching the initial performance of his earlier hit, “Love Somebody,” which debuted in November 2024 before ascending to the No. 1 spot 14 weeks later. The new single garnered 14.7 million in audience impressions in its opening week.
The debut of “Been by Now” at No. 13 places it among a very select group of songs in the 36-year history of the Country Airplay chart to debut at such a high position. The chart’s history shows only seven songs have entered at No. 13 or higher. The sole song to debut at No. 1 is Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” in 2007. Taylor Swift’s "I Knew It, I Knew You" is the only other song to debut in the top 10, entering at No. 8 in June and currently charting at No. 9 with 20.3 million impressions (up 3%). The strong debut of "Been by Now" suggests considerable anticipation and immediate listener engagement for Wallen’s new material.
Context and Background: The Billboard Country Airplay Chart
The Billboard Country Airplay chart is a pivotal metric in the country music industry, tracking radio airplay across a panel of approximately 150 U.S. country radio stations. Its methodology is based on audience impressions, which are calculated by Luminate using Nielsen BDS-based radio data. A higher audience impression count signifies that a song is being played on more stations or is being played more frequently on those stations, reaching a larger listening audience. For an artist like Morgan Wallen, consistent performance on this chart is indicative of widespread radio support and strong listener demand, translating into significant commercial success.
Wallen’s Trajectory: A Phenomenal Rise
Morgan Wallen’s career has been marked by a meteoric rise in popularity and chart dominance. Since his debut, he has consistently delivered hit singles and albums, resonating with a broad audience. His ability to craft songs that blend traditional country themes with modern production and pop sensibilities has been a key factor in his widespread appeal. The continued success of "Don’t We" and the strong debut of "Been by Now" are further testaments to his ability to connect with listeners and maintain a relevant presence in the competitive music landscape.
His previous chart-topping successes include numerous singles and albums that have defined recent country music trends. The 2021 release of his album Dangerous: The Double Album spent a record-breaking 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has remained a consistent presence on album charts, showcasing his album-driven success as well. This consistent performance across singles and albums reinforces his status as a powerhouse artist.
Broader Implications: The State of Country Music
Morgan Wallen’s dominance on the Country Airplay chart also offers a lens through which to view the current landscape of country music. His success, particularly his ability to blend genres and appeal to a wide demographic, reflects a broader trend within the genre towards more inclusive sounds and themes. The fact that collaborations with artists from different genres, such as Post Malone, have also achieved significant success, points to a genre that is continually evolving and expanding its reach.
Furthermore, Wallen’s consistent chart performance underscores the importance of radio airplay in the country music ecosystem. While streaming and digital sales play a significant role, radio remains a crucial platform for song discovery and sustained popularity. The data from Luminate, which forms the basis of the Country Airplay chart, highlights the intricate relationship between radio programmers, artists, and their listening audiences.
Looking Ahead: Continued Success and Future Releases
With the Aug. 8-dated charts set to update on Billboard.com on August 4th, the ongoing performance of Wallen’s singles will be closely watched. The strong debut of "Been by Now" suggests that this track has the potential to climb the charts and become another significant hit in Wallen’s discography. His consistent ability to deliver chart-topping material and his innovative approach to music have positioned him as a leading figure in country music, with fans eagerly anticipating his next moves. The longevity of his chart presence indicates a sustained engagement from his fanbase and a continued appeal to country radio programmers.
The performance of "Been by Now" will also be analyzed in the context of its potential to become a future No. 1 hit. Given its strong debut and the artist’s proven track record, it is a strong contender for further chart ascension. The release of new music from established artists like Wallen often generates significant buzz and can impact the performance of other songs on the charts, demonstrating the ripple effect of major artist releases. The continued exploration of his musical style and lyrical themes will likely keep him at the forefront of country music for the foreseeable future.
The current chart run of "Don’t We" and the debut of "Been by Now" are not just individual achievements but indicators of a broader trend in country music, where artists are pushing boundaries and achieving unprecedented levels of success. Morgan Wallen’s story is one of sustained artistry, strategic release of music, and an undeniable connection with a vast and loyal audience. His latest chart accomplishments are a clear signal that his influence on the genre is far from waning.